Slipknot

Slipknot Logo.

Slipknot is an American alternative metal band formed in 1995 in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. Its current members are Corey Taylor, Craig Jones, Jim Root, Mick Thomson, Shawn Crahan and Sid Wilson. Slipknot is known for the characteristic masks of each of its members, which change as they have released more discography.

Its members use two types of guitar (lead and rhythm), a bass guitar, two custom percussion instruments, a drum set, and electronic instruments such as samplers or mixers. The band's sound has been described as "a threshing machine devouring a military drum set.", while the lyrics in general have an aggressive tone. The band's influences include, among other genres, death metal, thrash metal and heavy metal, although they are usually included regularly. within alternative metal and nu metal. They were also included in the movement known as the new wave of American heavy metal.

Slipknot's beginnings go back to 1992. The band underwent many line-up changes before the release of their first demo Mate.Feed.Kill.Repeat in 1996, in which vocalist It was Anders Colsefini. In 1999 the band released their successful self-titled debut with Corey Taylor as the new vocalist. Since then, they have released 7 studio albums: Slipknot (1999), Iowa (2001), Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses (2004), All Hope Is Gone (2008), which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, .5: The Gray Chapter (2014) being the band's second album to debut at number one on the Billboard 200, selling 132,000 copies in its first week, We Are Not Your Kind (2019), and The End, So Far (2022), this being the last album with Roadrunner Records. The band has released five DVDs, including Disasterpieces, which have sold 3 million copies in the United States. Slipknot have sold more than 30 million albums worldwide.

History

Early years (1992-1998)

It all begins in the year 1992, when percussionist Shawn Crahan, vocalist Anders Colsefni, bassist Paul Gray and guitarists Donnie Steele and Quan "Meld" Nong—all from the city of Des Moines, Iowa—came together to embark on their first musical adventures.

In September 1995, the band The Pale Ones was formed, with Crahan on drums, Colsefni on vocals, Gray on bass and Steele on guitar. Joey Jordison joined the band shortly after, taking over as drums. As a result, Crahan moved on to percussion. Continuing the band's development according to the original concept, guitarist Josh "Gnar" Brainard, and Colsefni became the second percussionist although he kept the position of vocalist.

The group performed their first concert under the name Meld on December 4, 1995 at a club called Crowbar in Des Moines. Shortly thereafter, Jordison proposed substituting They named the band Slipknot, which came from the title of a song he had composed for the upcoming demo titled Mate.Feed.Kill.Repeat. They began experimenting with their image using grotesque makeup, and eventually masks. Up to this point they had stayed away from the stage as they wanted to wait until their style was fully developed.

With a large amount of material ready and their concept fully defined, the band began recording at a local studio called SR Audio, with producer Sean McMahon. In February 1996, Steele quit. Slipknot due to his Christian beliefs, despite the fact that the other members wanted him to stay. Craig Jones arrived as a replacement, during the mixing stage of this new project. On April 4, Slipknot performed their first live concert, which it took place at a Des Moines club called Safari, where they performed most of their early songs. Their second Safari gig was with Stone Sour. The band members realized they needed a new Instead, they began to use samplers on their recordings, although they could not reproduce those sounds live. Thus, Jones became the final man in charge of the samplers, with Mick Thomson taking over as guitarist. Once this problem was solved, the The band released their first demo, titled Mate.Feed.Kill.Repeat, on October 31, 1996 (coinciding with Halloween).

In addition to working as a producer on this tape, McMahon began distributing it to local record companies, which resulted in increased popularity on surrounding radio stations and a spot at Dotfest. Slipknot returned to enter the studio to record new material, which called for more melodic vocals. As a result, vocalist Corey Taylor, then from the Des Moines band Stone Sour, was hired, and Colsefini took over percussion and choral work. While experimenting with their new vocalist, the band continued to perform at the Safari club. During one of these concerts, Colsefini surprised fans and his fellow Slipknot members by announcing his departure, his place being taken by Greg & # 34; Cuddles & # 34; Welts, who would later be kicked out for his lazy attitude.Thus, Chris Fehn became the new percussionist.Towards the end of 1997, each of the members was identified with a number and they began to wear costumes in their performances.

In early 1998 they released another demo (including the famous song "Spit It Out"), which was sent to many record labels. Thanks to the group's growing popularity on the Internet and the help of their manager John Sophia, interest in Slipknot grew among the record companies, and eventually producer Ross Robinson agreed to record with them. DJ Sid Wilson was also hired, and he showed a strong interest in the band. After Robinson's arrival they began to offers from various record companies. On July 8, 1998, the band signed a contract with Roadrunner Records.

Slipknot and the rise to fame (1998-2001)

At the end of 1998, the nine members of Slipknot returned to recording new material in the studio. Later, in early 1999, Brainard decided to leave the band due to personal problems. He was replaced by James Root, who completed the current line-up. Recording for their album finished earlier that year. The group participated in the Ozzfest Festival, which took place in March, attracting a large number of new fans. On June 29, 1999, their self-titled album, Slipknot. About the release, Rick Anderson of Allmusic said:

"Do you think Limp Bizkit is tough? They're like The Osmonds. Slipknot is something else."

Slipknot created new versions of their old songs, such as "(sic)" or "Slipknot", increasing their speed and changing their intensity, an initiative that was well older. That same year, Slipknot recorded their first home video, titled Welcome To Our Neighborhood (released on DVD in 2003). In early 2000, the album Slipknot was certified platinum, the first Roadrunner album to be certified platinum. In July 2001, "Q" named it one of the "50 Heaviest Albums of All Time".

Iowa and other side projects (2001-2003)

Slipknot had a huge following and the expectations for their next album were high. The band entered the recording studios again, in early 2001. Iowa is Slipknot's second album on Roadrunner Records, released on August 28, 2001.

Most of the reviews were favorable. Jason Arnopp from Kerrang! he said of the album: "A wonderful work made out of hate". David Fricke of Rolling Stone defined it as: "The first great album of the nu metal era". Jason Birchmeier of Allmusic stated: "It really is everything you could ask for in a Slipknot album". It was also a commercial success, reaching number 3 on the Billboard album charts and number 1 on the UK album charts.

In the middle of 2001, the band is included again in Ozzfest. In the same year, the band creates a tour called The Pledge Of Allegiance Tour and they decide to go all over the US for almost a month and a half with System Of A Down, Rammstein, Mudvayne, American Head Charge and No One. Already in 2002, the band made a cameo in the movie Rollerball, where they appear giving a concert. In the same year, after Having performed at the Reading and Leeds Festivals in England, the BBC praised the band and the show they created. In the same year, the band released their second DVD, titled Disasterpieces. "My Plague", which was the official song of the first film of the Resident Evil saga, made Slipknot known to more people, since this film was a great success and It was seen by millions of people around the world.

During 2002, parallel projects appeared on the part of the band, which endangered the stability of Slipknot. Corey Taylor and James Root rescued their former band, Stone Sour, with the release of their self-titled album Stone Sour. Drummer Joey Jordison created the project Murderdolls. Slipknot planned to start work on their third album at the end of 2002, but the band was having problems. During this time, rumors arose about the separation of the band and the possibility of recording a third album. In mid-2003, Shawn Crahan presented his project personal, called To My Surprise, in which he worked together with producer Rick Rubin.

Renaissance and hiatus: Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses), 9.0 Live and other projects (2003-2007)

Performance in November 2005.

In late 2003 the band began writing and recording with their new producer Rick Rubin, who had previously worked with Johnny Cash, System of a Down, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Cult and Slayer. The band released the third album Vol 3: The Subliminal Verses on May 24, 2004. It reached number 2 on the Billboard 200 and garnered good reviews. Johnny Loftus of Allmusic, said about it: "A satisfying, most careful work (by the band) to date" and Robert Cherry of Rolling Stone stated: "They experimented with even more new extremes, and in Slipknot, they are incorporated as traditional structures". In 2004, the band participates in Ozzfest for the third time, and makes their first performance at the Download Festival. At the festival, Jordison replaced Metallica's Lars Ulrich on drums, who was rushed to hospital. During 2005 they performed without Crahan, who was accompanying his wife during an illness.

On November 1, 2005, they released their first live album 9.0 Live, which reached number 17 on the Billboard 200. It included recordings made in Phoenix, Las Vegas, Osaka, Singapore and Tokyo. In 2006, the band won their first and only Grammy, for "Best Metal Performance" with "Before I Forget". At the end of that year, Slipknot released their third DVD, titled Voliminal: Inside the Nine.

Several members of the band collaborated on the CD "Roadrunner United: The All-Star Sessions" which was released in October 2005. For this work, Jordison took on the role of "crew captain". Root, Taylor and Gray also assisted on the album. During 2006, Corey Taylor and James Root, returned to Stone Sour again, to release their album Come What (ever) May. Joey Jordison played on some such as Ministry (2006) and Korn (2007). He also produced the album Fire Up the Blades by the band 3 Inches of Blood, which was released in early 2007. During 2007, Shawn Crahan showcased his new personal project, called Dirty Little Rabbits. Corey Taylor said in an interview for VH1 that they would be taking a break. until 2008, to resume his personal projects.

All Hope Is Gone (2008-2009)

Slipknot released their fourth studio album, titled All Hope Is Gone, on August 20, 2008. It is the first Slipknot album to reach number 1 on the Billboard 200. The album sold 825,000 copies in the United States and was awarded the gold disc, the single Dead Memories and reached number 1 on the 100 Mainstream Rock Tracks . Preparation for the album began in October 2007, although recording was postponed until February 2008. For this album, the band members made it known that it would be the heaviest album of their career to date, expanding on the riffs of thrash metal, introduced on Vol. 3. However, they also wanted it to be their most experimental album and included more guitars and melodic vocals, as well as adding hi-hats and cymbals to the percussions. It was the band's first work with Dave Fortman as producer. With the release of the new album, the band adopted new masks and uniforms, which were in keeping with the style of the album. Slipknot headlined the first Mayhem Festival, which took place in July and August 2008. The band she was booked to play the Reading and Leeds Festivals in August 2008, but was forced to cancel her performance due to Sid Wilson breaking his ankle.

Slipknot at the Mayhem Festival 2008.

Slipknot toured Australia, Japan, Europe and the UK in the last months of 2008, with bands Machine Head and Children of Bodom as opening acts. They were also forced to cancel their concert in Israel, due to two of the members had family problems.

At Download Festival 2009, held June 12-14 at Donington Park in Leicestershire, England, Slipknot performed on the main stage on Saturday. They finished the All Hope Is Gone World Tour, which lasted for a year, passing through a large number of countries. Once the tour was over, they announced the dates of subsequent concerts at CEZ Arena in Ostrava (Czech Republic), Rockwave Festival (Athens, Greece), Eurockeennes Festival (Belfort, France), among other places.

Paul Gray's hiatus and death (2009-2013)

In August 2009, Slipknot won two Kerrang! Awards, Best Live Band and Best International Band.^{[citation needed]} It was confirmed by Corey that the band will he would take another short break after the All Hope Is Gone World Tour, so that he could return to recording with Stone Sour and also to work on his solo album. On September 17, Clown revealed that he was writing a book titled The Apocalyptic Nightmare Journey, where he recounts his relationship with the band, although there is no official release date. He has also exhibited in his own art gallery, where his paintings and photographs are for sale.

Slipknot have confirmed a performance at the first annual Trinity of Terrors celebration, taking place at the Palms Resort Casino on October 31 (coinciding with Halloween).

On May 24, 2010, bassist Paul Gray was found dead of an accidental morphine overdose at around 10:50 AM. m. in a hotel room in Des Moines, in the state of Iowa, United States.

During an interview prior to the band's debut at Sonisphere in the Netherlands, percussionist Chris Fehn stated that the group was making a new album to be released in 2010. The band also confirmed a new 10th anniversary edition. from their self-titled debut album, which would include all the tracks from the original version, as well as various demos, remixes and the song Purity. It was also announced that a new DVD would be released, titled Of the (Sic): Your Nightmares, Our Dreams, containing material from 1999-2000.

In an interview with Joey Jordison at the Revolver Gods Awards, he confirmed that a new Slipknot album would be coming out in 2012, as he had said in other interviews. In addition, Jordison added that while another Slipknot album would be coming out, there would be no replacement. as a bassist, since he stated that: "Everyone in the band plays the bass". On the other hand, Corey Taylor had a different opinion than Joey Jordison about the future of the band, stating in an interview by radio that "doesn't make sense to continue Slipknot without Paul" and that the future of the band was still undecided.

Slipknot at the Metaltown Festival, 2009

Slipknot announced that they would publish a new DVD called (sic)nesses, which would be released on September 22, 2010.

Through a statement sent by the group's drummer, Joey Jordison, it was learned that the musicians were working on new songs, which would be part of a new production that would begin recording in 2011. He added that «we are already moving. It's a very emotional process, of course, but we know it's going to be a great album because we're all so invested in it." Concerned about names to replace Gray, the group thought about using a bassist in the studio and playing behind the scenes in live performances. The entry of ex-Megadeth James LoMenzo became optional, and later, on March 10, 2011, the return of Donnie Steele as the new bassist to replace the late Paul Gray was published on the band's official website. In 2011, the band started to hold concerts again. In 2012 they released their first greatest hits album, called Antennas to Hell, including their live songs.

Jordison Departure y.5: The Gray Chapter (2014-2018)

In 2013, Joey Jordison was kicked out of Slipknot due to a condition called transverse myelitis (or so we're told), which affected his legs and made it difficult for him to play. He announced it in June 2016. Through his social media, in January 2014, Jordison clarified: "I'd like to kick off the New Year by addressing the recent rumors and speculation about my departure from Slipknot. I want to make it very clear that I have not left Slipknot. This band has been my life for the last 18 years, and I would never give it up, or my fans. This news has surprised and confused me as much as all of you. Although there is much I would like to say, I must remain silent at this time. I'd like to thank you all for your unwavering love and support, and wish you all a very happy and healthy New Year'.

In August 2014 they finally announced the release of their new material, .5: The Gray Chapter, which includes fourteen new songs and two bonus tracks, as well as being a clear tribute to the late bassist Paul Gray. For the production and launch of this new album, the band adds two new members, drummer Jay Weinberg and bassist Alessandro Venturella, replacing Joey and Gray, respectively. .5: The Gray Chapter was released on October 21, 2014.^{[citation needed]}

In June 2017 they released a documentary called Slipknot: Day of the Worm, where they gave a summary of their tour, for the first time in Mexico, with the KnotFest.

Fehn's departure, We Are Not Your Kind (2018-2020)

On October 31, 2018, coinciding with Halloween, they released a preview of what would be their next album, which was planned, according to Corey Taylor, for 2019. The new single was titled "All Out Life".

In March 2019, Chris Fehn sued Slipknot for irregularities in his payment. On March 18, 2019, Slipknot announced, through a statement on their website, that Chris Fehn had been fired from the band.

On May 16, 2019, they released their new single, "Unsainted", from the album We Are Not Your Kind, along with their new masks and a new member named Michael Pfaff. (although he has been dubbed "Tortilla Man" by fans). Some sites, such as Loudwire, have reported that some fans linked his identity to Michael Pfaff, a former member of Crahan's side project, Dirty Little Rabbits. Almost two years later, in March 2022, the band officially confirmed Pfaff.

Slipknot announced the release of an experimental album titled Look Outside Your Window during the We Are Not Your Kind touring cycle. The album, recorded during the 2008 All Hope Is Gone sessions, was expected to have 11 tracks, and Taylor claimed the record has a "Radiohead vibe".

Death of Jordison and The End, So Far (2021-present)

On May 19, 2021, Shawn Crahan revealed that the band had currently been making 'God's music'. In an article published by Loudwire on June 9, 2021, Shawn Crahan revealed that "hopefully" a new Slipknot album would be released in 2021. He also added that the band would be parting ways with Roadrunner Records following the album's release.

On July 26, 2021, the band's former drummer, Joey Jordison, died in his sleep at the age of 46.

In November 2021, the band began displaying new material on a new domain thechapeltownrag.com. Several snippets of a song were shown on the website, leading to speculation of a new single that the band would confirm. later on November 4, with the single titled "The Chapeltown Rag" scheduled for release the following day in conjunction with its live debut at the Knotfest Roadshow. in Los Angeles, California on November 5, 2021. In December 2021, Taylor revealed that the band planned to mix their seventh studio album in January and hoped to release it in April 2022. He also stated that he preferred the material on his upcoming album. seventh studio album by We Are Not Your Kind.

On July 19, 2022, the band announced their seventh album, titled The End, So Far, along with the album's second single, "The Dying Song (Time to Sing)&#3. 4;. The album was released on September 30, 2022. It contains 12 songs, and is notable for being very experimental.

Style and influences

Slipknot's biggest influences were Mike Patton and his 3 bands Faith No More, Fantomas and Mr Bungle. Another major influence both musically and on their image has been the band Kiss. Records that greatly influenced them were Korn's self-titled and Limp Bizkit's Three Dollar Bill, Y'all$.

Other influences mentioned include Jimi Hendrix, Rush, The Who, Queen, AC/DC, Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Metal Church, Flotsam & Jetsam, Judas Priest, Guns N' Roses, Nirvana, Pantera, Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, Exodus, Overkill, Testament, Slayer, Sepultura, Cannibal Corpse, Korn, Obituary, Morbid Angel, Deicide, Carcass, Malevolent Creation, Gorefest, Mayhem, Emperor, Dimmu Borgir, Neurosis, Acid Bath, The Melvins, Alice In Chains, Nine Inch Nails, White Zombie, Misfits, Black Flag, Dead Kennedys, Fishbone, N.W.A, RUN-DMC and Beastie Boys.

The band's style has been classified as nu metal, rap metal, alternative metal, and groove metal with elements of thrash and death metal.

Slipknot uses two types of guitars (lead and rhythm), a bass guitar, two percussionists, plus drums and samplers and turntables. The band's sound has been described as "a threshing machine devouring a group of military drums".

In their early work, the voices vary a lot, from occasional rapping to guttural voices. In their more recent work they include more melodic voices and have dropped the raps. The lyrics always have a very aggressive tone, which They are characterized by dealing with darkness, nihilism, anger, hate, love, misanthropy, and psychosis. Rick Anderson of Allmusic said of Slipknot's lyrics: &# 34;They are not to be quoted on a family website".

The band has been a major influence on many modern metal and even hip hop bands such as Knocked Loose, Employed To Serve, Rise of the Northstar, Code Orange, Vein, Slaughter To Prevail, Infant Annihilator, Suicide Silence, Whitechapel, Carnifex, Impending Doom, Bring Me The Horizon, Deafheaven, Loathe, Architects, Beartooth, Of Mice & Men, Blood Youth, Cane Hill, Motionless In White, Crown The Empire, Capture, Asking Alexandria, City Morgue, Ho99o9, among many others.

Shawn Crahan and Sid Wilson during a concert in 2005.

Rock am Ring Concert 2009.

Members

Current lineup

• (#0) Sid Wilson: tornames, keyboard, synthesizer (1998-present)
• (#4) Jim Root: Leading guitar (1999-present)
• (#5) Craig Jones: sampler, keyboard, synthesizer (1996-present)
• (#6) Shawn Crahan: percussions, choirs (1995-present)
• (#7) Mick Thomson: rhythmic guitar (1996-present)
• (#8) Corey Taylor: vocalist (1997-present)

Additional members

• Alessandro Venturella*: bass (2014-present)
• Jay Weinberg*: Battery (2014-present)
• Michael Pfaff,** (known as "Tortilla Man"): percussions (2019-present)

♪ They're not official members.

** The band had stated that it had no intention of revealing its identity, But they confirmed it almost two years later.

Previous members

• Donnie Steele: guitar (1995-1996)Low (2011-2014)
• Anders Colsefni: vocalist, percussion (1995-1997)
• (#3) Greg Welts: percussions (1997-1998)
• (#3) Brandon Darner: percussions (1998)
• (#4) Josh Brainard: guitar, choirs (1995-1999)
• (#2) Paul Gray: bass, choirs (1995-2010, deceased)
• (#1) Joey Jordison: drums, percussions (1995-2013, deceased in 2021)
• (#3) Chris Fehn: percussions, choirs (1998-2019)

Timeline

Discography

Albums of study

• 1999: Slipknot
• 2001: Iowa
• 2004: Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses)
• 2008: All Hope Is Gone
• 2014: .5: The Gray Chapter
• 2019: We Are Not Your Kind
• 2022: The End, So Far

Filmography (DVD)

• 1999: Welcome to Our Neighborhood
• 2002: Disasterspieces
• 2006: Voliminal: Inside the Nine
• 2010: (sic)nesses
• 2017: Day of the Gusano

Awards and recognitions

RIAA Certifications

These statistics are made from online data from the RIAA.

Video Clips

Grammy Awards and Nominations

Slipknot have been nominated for eight Grammy Awards and have won once.

• "Wait and Bleed" - Best Metal Performance, 2001 (nominated)
• "Left Behind" - Best Metal Performance, 2002 (nominated)
• "My Plague" - Best Metal Performance, 2003 (nominated)
• "Duality" - Best Hard Rock Performance, 2005 (nominated)
• "Vermilion" - Best Metal Performance, 2005 (nominated)
• "Before I Forget"* - Best Metal Performance, 2006 and Gatti Award's 2008winner)
• "Psychosocial"* - Best Metal Performance, 2008 (nominated)
• "The Negative One"* - Best Metal Performance, 2014 (nominated)
• ".5: The Gray Chapter"* - Best Rock Album, 2016 (nominated)

MTV Video Music Awards

• Psychosocial - Best Rock Video, 2008 (name)