Throughout the history of rock, some have believed the music’s true purpose is to annoy parents. Acts like Ozzy Osbourne, Marilyn Manson, and Insane Clown Posse have based whole careers on this premise.

Now, a new band comes roaring out of the Midwest screaming this philosophy. Slipknot hopes to not only annoy parents, but scare them away from the house altogether.

Slipknot is a nine-piece band from Des Moines, Iowa. The members dress uniformly in jumpsuits. Each wears a homemade rubber mask. The masks are supposed to be windows to each member’s own dark soul.

The band members’ names are also not revealed. They are simply numbered 0-8. This way, they say, the focus is put on the music instead of individual personalities.

When they play though, one cannot help but notice the music. It is loud, fast, dark, and did I mention loud? The combination of the band’s music and unique look has helped them obtain a rabid cult following.

Their debut album, “Slipknot,” has sold over two million copies to date without the benefit of radio or television exposure. Constant touring and word-of-mouth has spread this band’s music to new fans across the country.

Their second album, “Iowa,” is actually darker than their first effort. Every track is a wall of noise. The band employs three percussionists, who create a heavy backdrop for its distorted guitars.

Slipknot’s drummer is reported to have run five miles a day to get in shape for this album’s recording sessions. The workouts paid off. The drumming is incredibly fast and furious.

In addition to the huge backbeat, the album features lots of backwards vocals. This is the same effect used in “The Exorcist” to create the illusion of talking in tongues. It also never fails to create a creepy atmosphere.

The first single, “Left Behind,” is a rare track in the Slipknot catalog. It actually features singing, as opposed to incoherent screaming. While it probably will not be the next pop smash, it is as close as Slipknot gets to being catchy and hummable.

Slipknot’s “Iowa” is not an album for everyone. It is definitely not an album for children. While profanity does not dominate the lyrics, the dirty words are often the only understandable ones.

However, if you want to scare away trick-or-treaters this Halloween or maybe lift a car with your bare hands, “Iowa” is definitely a good musical destination.