This is a real step up from their self-titled. Better vocals, riffs and drums go crazy. I think slipknot were just really trying harder to stand out and improve on their sound; the second half can drag but overall this is a consistent Nu Metal album that can stand on its own.
There was a lot of potential for this to be amazing, unfortunately Slipknot decided to make some of their songs sound more edgy or dark which just sounds generic in hindsight.