Overview
"Vermilion" is the second single released from the album Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses) by American metal band Slipknot. Recorded during sessions that involved producer Rick Rubin alongside the band, it was issued as a promoted single and later appeared in two distinct official versions. The release was supported through the band's and label's promotional channels and appears in official discographies and single listings linked to the single.
Background and recording
The song was developed during a period when the band explored broader sonic palettes beyond their earlier dense aggression. Recording emphasized dynamic range and layered arrangements: a full-band, heavier take contrasts with a quieter, more intimate reinterpretation. Production choices foregrounded vocal melody and atmosphere in places while retaining the band's characteristic intensity elsewhere.
Musical characteristics and lyrics
Musically, "Vermilion" juxtaposes restrained, tense passages with cathartic, heavier sections. Guitars, percussion and vocal timbre are used to build a sense of mounting urgency. Lyrically, the song addresses obsession, isolation and the psychological toll of fixation, using imagery that can be read literally or metaphorically. The vocal delivery moves between melodic lines and more urgent emotional expression, enhancing the track's dramatic arc.
Versions, videos and visual themes
The track exists in at least two official forms: an intense, full-band arrangement and a quieter counterpart commonly referred to as "Vermilion Pt. 2." Each version received distinct promotional treatment, including separate music videos. The paired videos take divergent visual approaches—one aligning with the song's unsettling, chaotic aspects and the other presenting a more personal, subdued perspective—together reinforcing themes of alienation and compulsion. Promotional material and video releases are documented through the band's channels and label listings noted by the label.
Reception, live performance and legacy
Critics and fans have highlighted "Vermilion" for its emotional scope and for demonstrating the band's willingness to explore melody and atmosphere alongside heavy dynamics. The two-part presentation broadened the song's reach and has made both versions frequent subjects in retrospective coverage of the band's mid-2000s work. In concert the song is often adapted to fit set dynamics, with performances sometimes blending elements of both released versions to suit venue and audience.
Further information
- Official single and album listings can be found through the release entry for the single and the album page for Vol. 3.
- Band resources and archival material are available via the group's official presence listed here and through associated label pages noted by the label.