It's hard to process, but we're honing in on the fifth anniversary of Slipknot bassist Paul Gray's death. Gray passed away from a drug overdose on May 24, 2010, and in remembrance of the bassist, Slipknot vocalist Corey Taylor penned a heartfelt tribute to his late friend in the latest issue of Kerrang! Magazine.

Gray's death added extra sadness to a hellish month, as Ronnie James Dio lost his battle with cancer only a week before. Just one month prior, Type O Negative frontman Peter Steele also passed away. We were robbed of a trio of heavy metal talents, and deservedly so, all three musicians have been celebrated for the past five years.

As for Paul Gray's memory, it's been kept alive by Slipknot with great ferocity. An excerpt of Corey Taylor's Kerrang! piece (as posted by Blabbermouth), can be read below:

There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about him. When I'm on the road, the live shows bring back our times together. When I'm home, this house and the pictures in it remind me of good times and bad. When I'm listening to music, I think about the two of us, cranking new and old tunes in his car or mine, rocking out like little kids and giggling because the stuff is so awesome.

I think that's the overall memory I cherish the most about him: his energy and his excitement. Even if you weren't 'feeling' something musically or anything else to do with the band, he was the world's best cheerleader. After one conversation with him, you'd be so ready to play or tour or record or whatever that you'd be jumping out of your skin. Whenever I'm feeling jaded, I remember that. I remember this gift that he and I and the rest of Slipknot were able to build together.

I had the privilege of making music with Paul Gray for 13 years. I learned so much from that man that I still use his ideology and methods to this day. I got to travel the world with him. I got to see things not a lot of others would ever hope to in their lifetimes. He and I built a career out of passion, music, anger and art. We may have had our ups and downs, but he loved every minute of it. I know I did.

For Corey Taylor's full piece, pick up the latest issue of Kerrang! Slipknot are currently playing a select number of U.S. outings before heading to Europe for festival season. After a month of rest, Slipknot will hit the road once again for a monster North American tour with Lamb of God, Bullet for My Valentine and Motionless in White.

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