Before I Forget (Single)

Lore & Background

Within the lore of the Slipknot universe, this track represents a moment of fractured clarity amidst the descent into madness. The song captures the internal struggle of the masked entities as they attempt to hold onto their humanity before it is completely consumed by the collective rage of the group. It is often interpreted by fans as a desperate plea for remembrance in a world designed to forget, where the masks serve not just as protection, but as a barrier against the erasure of self.

In Their Own Story

The air inside the warehouse is thick with dust and the metallic tang of old blood. Corey stands center stage, his mask gleaming under a single spotlight that cuts through the gloom. The rhythm section begins to thrum, a heartbeat accelerating into a frenzy. As the guitars scream, Shawn's percussion erupts like a storm, drowning out the distant whispers of doubt. For a brief moment, before the chaos fully takes hold, there is a melody—a ghostly reminder of who they were before the numbers took over. But then the roar returns, and the memory fades into the noise.

Reader's Guide

"Before I Forget" was released as the third single from *Iowa*, following "Duality" and "People=Shit." The track features a distinctive structure that alternates between heavy, chugging verses and an anthemic, soaring chorus. Production duties were handled by Ross Robinson, who helped shape the album's raw and visceral sound.

The song achieved significant commercial success, entering charts in multiple countries including the US Mainstream Rock chart. Its critical reception highlighted its unique blend of aggression and melody, often cited as one of the band's most accessible yet heavy compositions.

The accompanying music video, directed by Mark Pellington, features surreal imagery with the band performing in a desolate, industrial setting. The visuals emphasize the group's chaotic energy and the stark contrast between their masked personas and the human emotion underlying the performance.

Did You Know?

• The song was written collaboratively by Corey Taylor, Shawn Crahan, and Jim Root during the intense *Iowa* recording sessions.
• It is one of the few Slipknot songs to feature a clean vocal melody in the chorus that stands out against the heavy instrumentation.
• The track helped solidify the band's reputation for complex drumming patterns, driven significantly by Joey Jordison and Shawn Crahan.