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"In 2003, to help them expand beyond the hatred, disgust, and total metal overload they had captured with producer Ross Robinson over their first two albums, Slipknot recruited studio guru Rick Rubin, who had previously worked with everyone from Slayer to Johnny Cash. The result, the following year's Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses), is undeniably vicious and creepy, but also features enough mid-paced hooks and vocal harmonies to bring the band closer to the mainstream. It's still far from conventional or comfortable, however: Even unrepentantly radio-friendly numbers like 'Vermilion Pt. 2' and 'Duality' are filled with experimental touches and undeniable darkness." - Revolver Magazine Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses) is the third studio album by American heavy metal band Slipknot. The album was released on May 25, 2004, by Roadrunner Records. It is the band's only album produced by Rick Rubin. Following the band's tour to promote its second album in 2002, speculation regarding the future began. Some band members had already been involved in side projects including Murderdolls, To My Surprise, and the reformation of Stone Sour. In 2003, Slipknot moved into The Mansion to work on the album. Initially, the band was unproductive; lead vocalist Corey Taylor was drinking heavily. Nevertheless, they wrote more than enough material for a new album—the band's first to incorporate more traditional, melodic song structures, guitar solos and acoustic guitars. "The first album was a lot of fun. The second album felt like we were saying, 'F**k you, we're dying here.' And then the third record was the healing process." - Shawn Crahan (Slipknot)