When watching Slipknot , you expect the show to be an intense and physically draining performance. But few realize how it can take a toll on a band. Only seven shows into the band's largest scale tour yet, The Subliminal Verses Tour, the band looked and sounded like the walking wounded.

Lead singer Corey Taylor sounded like he was either getting, or just getting over, a bad cold as the singer gutted out a strong 100-minute performance to a crowd of about 6,500 people. Secondary drummer Paul Fehn limped out on crutches after a spill in Cleveland the night before; and the other secondary drummer, Shawn "Clown" Crahan, was not even there, due to a family emergency. Don’t worry folks, "Clown" was still there; his mask was planted on a pole where his drum kit usually resides.

Even with no-shows and problems with the band's health, Slipknot still showed why they have one of the most intense shows in all of music. The band came out first with the opener from their Vol. 3 album, "The Blister Exists," and quickly rushed into "(SIC)," giving the fans in the pit something to mosh to. Taylor's voice sounded hoarse, but he let the crowd know right away that being "under the weather" wasn’t going to stop him. The band unleashed furious riffs through standouts such as "Left Behind" and "Spit It Out," which had everyone in the crowd bouncing, pushing, and shoving around, even in the seats.

It was obvious the band was hurting throughout the show, with many quick breaks, perhaps to catch their breath. It was impressive to watch an obviously flu stricken Taylor tough it out through the set, and still keep much of his trademark screams and gutturals in tact. But, by the time the set closer "Surfacing" hit, the crowd knew the band probably couldn’t handle much more. The band gave it all they had, and delivered as usual.

After being my most talked about band at OzzFest, show openers Lamb of God proved that they are the next Slayer; and everyone, that's a good thing. The band's 45-minute set kept most of the material to their current Ashes Of The Wake album. The arena's mosh pits were in full swing by the time LOG opened with "Laid To Rest" and during the anti-war anthem "Now You've Got Something to Die For," the band had the crowd's attention and had several pits going; unusual for an opening band.

Shadows Fall also provided a decent 35-minute set that showcased songs from their War Within album. This reviewer thinks more people were impressed with lead singer Brian Fair's dreadlocks, which reached his knees, as he proceeded to swing them around during nearly every song.

The bands on the tour seemed to have a good camaraderie between them, with Lamb of God and Shadows Fall showing up during the other's sets. It provided a good atmosphere and showed that the bands probably had respect for one another. But good thing neither of those bands went out during Slipknot, they could have received a broken body part… or really bad cold.

Art can be reached at arthatesyou@detroitbuzz.com.