Slipknot has released the third advanced track from their highly anticipated new album, .5: The Gray Chapter. The track is called “Custer” and whereas the first two tracks sounded like a cross between the band’s second album Iowa and their third Volume 3: The Subliminal Verses, this new track harkens back to the raw brutality of their self-titled debut.

Listen to “Custer” here below.

The band promised fans a return to form after many were disillusioned by the pop-metal meanderings of 2008’s All Hope Is Gone. The death of bassist Paul Gray in 2010 and dismissal of drummer Joey Jordison late last year (both major songwriting contributors) left many wondering if Slipknot could make good on this promise. Based on what we’ve heard so far, it seems the concerns were unfounded as the new material is noticeably heavier than anything on the previous record.

.5: The Gray Chapter will be available worldwide on October 21st via Roadrunner Records. Also, check back for my full coverage of Knotfest, which takes place October 24-26 in San Bernadino, CA.