Slipknot

Slipknot, American heavy metal band known for its aggressive, dark music, marked by angry, incendiary lyrics, and its high-energy live performances, with band members wearing haunting masks and jumpsuits. Slipknot gained popularity in 2001, following the release of its second album, Iowa, which peaked at number three on the Billboard 200 chart.

Formation and Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat

Slipknot came together in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1995, formed by percussionist Shawn Crahan, drummer Joey Jordison, and bassist Paul Gray. The group recorded and self-released its first album, Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat, in 1996; in addition to Crahan, Jordison, and Gray, the album featured Andy Colsefni on vocals and Josh Brainard and Donnie Steele on guitars. Recording was difficult, however, as tensions between the band and the album’s producer, Sean McMahon, were high. McMahon was a devout Christian and struggled with the band’s behavior in the studio, where between recording sessions the band members would sometimes watch videos of people killing one another. McMahon perceived Slipknot as satanic, which led to his having numerous mental breakdowns. Steele left the band, owing to religious conflict.

While working on the album, guitarist Mick Thomson and keyboardist Craig Jones were recruited to join the band. During a practice session Crahan put on a clown mask and refused to take it off. In response, Colsefni wrapped his head in electrical tape. Liking the unique aesthetic that the mask and tape imparted, Jordison suggested that all members wear masks. The band developed a devoted following in Des Moines because of its onstage antics. However, the members’ behavior resulted in their being banned from some venues, leading Crahan to buy a bar so that they would have somewhere to play. In 1997 Slipknot invited Corey Taylor to join as a co-vocalist, to Colsefni’s surprise; the latter quit the band after being relegated to backup vocals and percussion.

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Mainstream success

Slipknot’s live performances caught the attention of producer Ross Robinson, who had had success with similar bands Korn and Limp Bizkit. Robinson first signed the band to his own label before facilitating a seven-album deal with Roadrunner Records. Slipknot began recording its self-titled album in September 1998, under Robinson’s guidance as producer. About this time, turntablist Sid Wilson and percussionist Chris Fehn joined the band and are featured on the album. In the middle of the album’s recording, Brainard quit; he was replaced by guitarist Jim Root, who had played lead guitar for the rock band Stone Sour.

Slipknot was released in June 1999 and was a critical success; the track “Wait and Bleed” was nominated for a Grammy Award for best metal performance. The album was a commercial success as well, selling more than two million copies and achieving double platinum status. The band next released Iowa (2001). Recording of the album was tumultuous. The band had abided by a strict policy of no hard drugs. However, following the success of Slipknot and a grueling tour, band members had forgone sobriety. Robinson recalled an inability to maintain control over the group during the recording sessions.

Nonetheless, Iowa met with immediate success upon its release, debuting at number one on the U.K. charts and being certified platinum within two months in the United States. The band was slated to go on tour, though the September 11 attacks forced its delay. MTV also canceled planned promotion of the album, feeling that heavy metal was potentially inappropriate for the post-9/11 political climate.

Iowa is ranked 50th in Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 100 greatest metal albums of all time. Two songs from the album, “Left Behind” and “My Plague,” were nominated for a Grammy for best metal performance, in 2002 and 2003, respectively.

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At the end of the Iowa World Tour, Slipknot went on hiatus because of internal conflicts. During this time Taylor and Root re-formed Stone Sour, and other members focused on their own solo projects. In 2003 the band regrouped to record its next album, Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses). Famed producer Rick Rubin was brought on to oversee the making of the album. The band aimed for a more experimental sound, featuring tracks incorporating acoustic guitar in a lead role—a first for the band. Recording initially was unproductive, with Taylor’s struggle with alcohol being a major obstacle and the band questioning Rubin’s contributions, owing to his regular absences from the studio.

Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses) was released in May 2004. The band’s new direction alienated some fans, but critics recognized the album’s experimentation as bold and ambitious. One of the album’s songs, “Before I Forget,” won the 2006 Grammy for best metal performance. Slipknot’s next album, All Hope Is Gone, was released in 2008. Reviews ranged from positive to mixed. The single “Psychosocial” was nominated for a Grammy for best metal performance.

Hiatus and later years

Following All Hope Is Gone, the band took another hiatus. In 2010 Gray died of an accidental overdose involving fentanyl and morphine. Slipknot reunited in 2011 for the Memorial World Tour in honor of Gray. The band recruited former member Donnie Steele to perform in place of Gray.

Slipknot released its next album, .5: The Gray Chapter, in October 2014. Prior to recording, Jordison left the band; at the time he claimed that his departure was not voluntary, but rather that he had been “blindsided” by the band’s decision to fire him (in 2016 he disclosed that he was affected by a neurological disorder known as transverse myelitis, which affected his ability to perform). Jay Weinberg was brought in to replace Jordison on drums. .5: The Gray Chapter was well received by critics and was nominated for a Grammy for best rock album.

We Are Not Your Kind was released in 2019. The album was met with immediate praise, with the music magazines NME, Consequence of Sound (now Consequence), and Kerrang! concluding that the album was considered among the band’s best. Prior to its release, Chris Fehn was dismissed from the band after he filed a lawsuit alleging that he had not been properly compensated for his contributions to the band’s touring and recording efforts.

In 2021 Jordison died; the cause of death was not made public. Slipknot’s next album, The End, So Far, was released in 2022 and was dedicated to Jordison.