Slipknot

Biography

Slipknot is an American heavy metal band formed in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1995. The band was founded by percussionist Shawn "Clown" Crahan, vocalist Anders Colsefni, and bassist Paul Gray. After several lineup changes in its early years, the band settled on a nine-member lineup that remained consistent for more than a decade: Crahan, Gray, Joey Jordison, Craig Jones, Mick Thomson, Corey Taylor, Sid Wilson, Chris Fehn, and Jim Root. Slipknot is known for its attention-grabbing image, aggressive musical style, and energetic, chaotic live shows.

Formation and Early Years (1995–1998)

In the years before Slipknot, the Des Moines heavy metal scene was a melting pot of shifting band memberships. In September 1995, the band The Pale Ones was formed by Crahan, Gray, and Colsefni. Much of the band's early development happened during late-night planning sessions at a Sinclair gas station where drummer Joey Jordison worked. The band's name was changed to Slipknot, inspired by a song they had written. The idea for the members to wear masks stemmed from Crahan wearing a clown mask to rehearsals. This led to the adoption of their signature masked and jumpsuit-clad image. After self-financing their 1996 demo album, "Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat.," the band sought more melodic vocals and recruited Corey Taylor from fellow Des Moines band Stone Sour. This led to Colsefni's departure. By 1998, after a few more member changes, the lineup solidified with nine members, and they signed a seven-album deal with Roadrunner Records.

Debut Album and Rise to Fame (1999–2000)

Slipknot released their self-titled debut album on June 29, 1999, produced by Ross Robinson. The album was a commercial success, becoming the fastest-selling metal debut in SoundScan history at the time and was certified double platinum in the United States. The album's sound is considered nu-metal with influences from death metal, thrash metal, and industrial music. The lead singles "Wait and Bleed" and "Spit It Out" gained significant airplay. The band's popularity grew substantially after a spot on the 1999 Ozzfest tour.

"Iowa" and Mainstream Success (2001–2003)

The band's second album, "Iowa," was released on August 28, 2001. Titled after their home state, the album was a major success, debuting in the top ten of nine countries and peaking at number three on the Billboard 200. Considered the band's heaviest and darkest work, "Iowa" features a more technical and brutal sound. The recording process was a dark and tumultuous period for the band, with internal conflicts and personal struggles fueling the album's aggressive tone. The album spawned the Grammy-nominated singles "Left Behind" and "My Plague". Following the intense touring for "Iowa," the band went on a brief hiatus, with members focusing on side projects.

"Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses)" and Evolution of Sound (2004–2007)

Slipknot returned in 2004 with their third album, "Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses)," released on May 25 and produced by Rick Rubin. The album marked a significant evolution in their sound, incorporating more melodic song structures, guitar solos, and even acoustic instruments. It peaked at number two on the Billboard album charts and produced successful singles like "Duality," "Vermilion," and "Before I Forget," the latter of which earned the band a Grammy Award. The album's creation was initially hindered by internal issues, but the band managed to come together to produce what many critics called a triumph. The tour for this album included their first live album, "9.0: Live".

"All Hope Is Gone" and the Death of Paul Gray (2008–2010)

The band's fourth album, "All Hope Is Gone," was released in 2008 and became their first to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The album continued to blend their aggressive style with more experimental elements. Following another extensive touring cycle, the band went on hiatus. Tragically, on May 24, 2010, founding bassist Paul Gray died of an accidental overdose. His death had a profound impact on the band, leaving their future uncertain.

".5: The Gray Chapter" and Subsequent Albums (2014–Present)

After a long hiatus following Gray's death, Slipknot released their fifth studio album, ".5: The Gray Chapter," in 2014. The album served as a tribute to their fallen bandmate. It was followed by "We Are Not Your Kind" in 2019, which became their third consecutive album to debut at number one on the Billboard 200. Their most recent studio album, "The End, So Far," was released in 2022. The band has continued to tour and record, with several lineup changes in recent years, including the departures of Chris Fehn, Craig Jones, and Jay Weinberg, and the addition of Michael Pfaff and Eloy Casagrande.

Musical Style and Themes

Slipknot's music is a blend of various metal subgenres, including nu metal, alternative metal, and groove metal. They are known for their aggressive, layered sound which incorporates heavy guitar riffs, complex drumming from three percussionists, turntables, and samples. Lyrically, their songs often explore dark and intense themes of anger, inner turmoil, despair, and societal critique.

Masks and Imagery

A central part of Slipknot's identity is their use of masks and numbered jumpsuits. Each member has a unique mask that has evolved with each album cycle, reflecting the band's progression and the themes of the current era. The masks were initially conceived to maintain anonymity and put the focus on the music, as well as to be an intimidating and creative physical representation of their art.