Vermilion (song) explained

"Vermilion" is a song by American heavy metal band Slipknot. It was released as the second single from their third album, . When the band plays the song live, they switch from their ordinary masks to "death masks"; each an actual cast of each member's face. However, during the All Hope Is Gone tour, only Craig and Paul wore their death masks for the song.

"Vermilion" features on the soundtrack for the 2004 film, and plays during the end credits.^[5]

"Vermilion Pt. 2" is a continuation of the first part.

"Vermilion Pt. 2"

"Vermilion Pt. 2" is the continuation of the story in Part 1. It features two acoustic guitars, a cello, a piano and Corey Taylor's baritone-styled vocals. The melody and the overriding theme run through both versions, making them integral to each other. It features on the Slipknot DVD, ^[6] and was performed by Taylor and Jim Root on radio station KISS-FM.^{[7] [8]} The cover for "Pt. 2" consists of the "Vermilion" single cover, with a red and yellow tint, as opposed to the pink and gray tint of Pt. 1. A remix – "Vermilion Pt. 2 (Bloodstone mix)" – appears on the Underworld: Evolution soundtrack and the special edition of All Hope Is Gone.

"The differences (between the two tracks) are subtle — 'Vermilion Pt. 1' is about the enrapturing, the buildup, the anticipation and the neurosis," says Taylor.^[9] "'Part 2' is the aftermath, the pieces that have to be picked up later, and maybe the guilt of having lived through it".^[9]

Music videos

Both songs have music videos. "Pt. 1" was directed by Tony Petrossian and percussionist Shawn Crahan and "Pt. 2" was directed by Marc Klasfeld.^[10] Both videos were shot in Los Angeles in late August 2004.^[10] The actress is Janna Bossier.^[11] There is speculation over whether or not she was directly related to the band.

"Pt. 1" shows a girl living a tortured life in a crowded city. She walks in contortions and twists as people walk by in a blur, not noticing her pain. The only time she gets noticed is when she wears a Maggot Mask (specially designed for fans of the band) that makes the members of the band appear and dance with the girl. The first time she puts on the mask, the members appear in front of her and put on a white mask that enables their true faces to be seen for a couple of seconds. Then the band dance with her. A caterpillar is seen growing in the video; at the end scene it turns into a butterfly. The video ends with the girl screaming and tearing her hair out in misery.

"Pt. 2" shows the same girl; this time in a field peacefully sleeping. The wind begins to lift her and sway her back and forth. Eventually, the viewer realizes the girl is dead; however, she appears more peaceful than in the first video.

As of November 2024, the music videos for "Vermillion (Pt. 1)" and "Vermillion (Pt. 2)" have over 56 million and 84 million views on YouTube respectively.^{[12] [13]}

The music video is available on the CD single, and the DVD , released in 2006.

Track listing

EU/JP CD single

• includes music video "Vermilion"

EU cardboard sleeve CD single / 7" vinyl

EU 2nd CD single

US Euro Radio Edit Promo CD

NE Promo CD

US Full-Length Single Mix Promo CD

US Promo CD

Vermilion Pt. 2 Promo CD

Charts

Chart (2004)	Peak position
Germany (Official German Charts)[14]	74
Scotland (OCC)[15]	33
UK Singles (OCC)[16]	31
UK Rock & Metal (OCC)[17]	2
US Alternative Airplay (Billboard)[18]	17
US Mainstream Rock (Billboard)[19]	14

Release history

Region	Date	Label	Format	Catalog
Worldwide release	October 5, 2004	Roadrunner	CD single	RR 2907-3
				RR 3977-0
	June 4, 2005			RR 2906-3
				RR 3977-3

Notes and References

1. Web site: July 15, 2008. Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses) (EXPLICIT) (CD). Tower Records. https://web.archive.org/web/20090204162231/http://www.tower.com/vol-3-slipknot-cd/wapi/106630447. February 4, 2009. dead.
2. Web site: Slipknot – Vermilion P1 (v1). BeastSaber. December 13, 2019. April 29, 2021.
3. Web site: Slipknot - Vermilion. Discogs.
4. Web site: COREY TAYLOR HEARTS RICK RUBIN - MetalSucks. November 28, 2011.
5. Web site: Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004) - Soundtracks. IMDb. June 30, 2022.
6. Web site: SLIPKNOT: 'Voliminal: Inside The Nine' DVD To Arrive In December. September 27, 2006 . BlabberMouth.
7. Web site: thepiratebay.gl. thepiratebay.gl.
8. Web site: Bebo All-In-One Streaming. Bebo.
9. Web site: www.slipknot-metal.com . Slipknot Song Meanings . Slipknot-metal.com . February 25, 2011.
10. News: Report: Slipknot To Launch Two-Pronged Radio Campaign . . September 15, 2004 . March 19, 2008 . https://web.archive.org/web/20081211103738/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=26900 . December 11, 2008 . dead .
11. Web site: Janna Bossier - Other works . . March 19, 2008.
12. Web site: Slipknot - Vermilion [OFFICIAL VIDEO] [HD]]. YouTube. Slipknot. October 27, 2009. March 18, 2023.
13. Web site: Slipknot - Vermilion Pt. 2 [OFFICIAL VIDEO] [HD]]. YouTube. Slipknot. October 27, 2009. March 18, 2023.
14. Web site: Slipknot - Vermillion [Single]]. Official German Charts. 25 October 2004. 1 September 2021.
15. Web site: Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100. Official Charts Company. October 24, 2004. September 1, 2021.
16. Web site: Official Singles Chart Top 100. Official Charts Company. October 24, 2004. April 29, 2021.
17. Web site: Official Rock & Metal Singles Chart Top 40. . October 24, 2004. April 29, 2021.
18. Slipknot Chart History. Billboard. 1 September 2021.
19. Slipknot Chart History. Billboard. 1 September 2021.