In a moment that will surely go down in metal history, Slipknot finally performed “Gematria (The Killing Name)” live for the first time since its release on their 2008 album “All Hope Is Gone.” The performance, which took place during their recent tour stop, fulfilled a long-standing wish from the band’s dedicated fanbase and created an instant landmark moment in Slipknot’s storied career.

A 15-Year Wait Comes to an End

For nearly fifteen years, “Gematria” has remained one of Slipknot’s most technically complex and lyrically intense tracks that had mysteriously never made it to a live setlist. Opening with its iconic machine-gun guitar riff and explosive drum patterns, the song has long been considered one of the heaviest offerings from the “All Hope Is Gone” era.

When the opening notes rang out through the venue, the reaction was immediate. Fans who recognized the intro erupted in disbelief and excitement, with many capturing the historic moment on their phones while simultaneously trying to maintain their position in what quickly became one of the most frenzied mosh pits of the night.

Why Now?

Speculation has swirled for years about why the band never performed the track live. Some fans theorized the song’s technical complexity made it difficult to recreate in a live setting, while others believed it might have been related to the troubled recording sessions of the “All Hope Is Gone” album, during which the band experienced significant internal conflicts.

When asked about the decision to finally perform the track, frontman Corey Taylor simply stated, “It was time. The fans have been asking for this one for too long, and we felt we owed it to them and to ourselves to finally bring it to life.”

A Perfect Technical Execution

Despite its intricate structure and challenging time signatures, the band’s performance was nothing short of masterful. Guitarists Jim Root and Mick Thomson delivered the track’s relentless riffs with surgical precision, while drummer Jay Weinberg navigated the composition’s complex rhythmic landscape flawlessly.

Taylor’s vocal performance was particularly noteworthy, capturing both the raw aggression and nuanced delivery the studio version demands. The frontman prowled the stage with intensity that matched the song’s political fury and existential themes.

Fan Reaction

Social media exploded within minutes of the performance, with the hashtag #GematriaLive trending across platforms as fans shared videos and expressed their disbelief.

“I never thought I’d live to see this day,” wrote one longtime fan on Twitter. “This is like witnessing a metal unicorn.”

Another fan commented: “The energy in that room when everyone realized what they were playing… I’ve been to hundreds of shows and never felt anything like it.”

What This Means for Slipknot’s Legacy

The decision to finally perform “Gematria” may signal a new willingness from the band to revisit and reinterpret their catalog. For a group that has continually evolved throughout their career, embracing this technical behemoth from their past demonstrates both confidence in their current lineup and respect for their musical journey.

It also raises questions about what other deep cuts might finally see the light of day. Fans are already speculating about other rarely-performed tracks that could make appearances in future setlists.

The Impact of ‘Gematria’ in 2025

What makes this moment particularly poignant is how the song’s themes of political disillusionment, media manipulation, and societal collapse remain as relevant today as they were when written. Lines like “America is a killing name” and “What if God doesn’t care?” continue to resonate in today’s polarized climate.

The live debut of “Gematria” isn’t just a gift to longtime fans—it’s a powerful reminder of Slipknot’s unwavering commitment to addressing social issues through their uncompromising brand of heavy music.

As the final notes rang out and the crowd’s roar reached deafening levels, one thing became clear: sometimes the most anticipated moments are worth every second of the wait.

For the maggots who witnessed history being made, this performance will forever stand as proof that with Slipknot, all hope is definitely not gone.