My Plague (Slipknot song)

Background and release

Written and recorded during the sessions for Iowa (2001), the song reflects the darker, heavier tone that defined much of the album. The single release followed the album's critical and commercial attention and was promoted to radio and music television, sometimes in edited or remixed forms suitable for broader distribution.

Composition and versions

Musically, "My Plague" features low, chugging guitar riffs, aggressive drumming, and alternating shouted and melodic vocal parts. The arrangement emphasizes tension and release, with verses that ride a rhythmic intensity and choruses that accentuate the song's memorable hooks. A remixed edit of the track — frequently identified in contemporary sources as a "New Abuse Mix" — was produced for radio play and appeared on certain soundtrack compilations and single releases.

The band has performed the song live on a number of tours, where it is often presented with high energy and a focus on rhythmic impact. Its raw sound and visceral lyrics have made it a recognizable entry in Slipknot's early catalog.

Reception and legacy

While not the band's highest-charting single, "My Plague" contributed to the profile of Iowa as an uncompromising record and helped cement Slipknot's reputation for aggressive, cathartic metal. The song is frequently cited by fans and critics as representative of the band's heavier aesthetic during their formative years.

• Album: Iowa (2001)
• Single release date: July 8, 2002
• Notable version: remixed edit used for radio and some soundtrack releases