The Band Index

Slipknot

AmericasUnited StatesAlternative MetalAlternative RockHeavy Metal
Community

Follow Your Favorite Band Today!

Be the first one to follow Slipknot!

Top Slipknot Community Posts

Loading posts...
Sponsor content

Band Timeline

1995

Formation of Slipknot in Des Moines, Iowa

Slipknot was formed in 1995 in Des Moines, Iowa, by percussionist Shawn Crahan, vocalist Anders Colsefni, and bassist Paul Gray. The band underwent several lineup changes over the initial years, experimenting with their style and musical direction. During this period, they developed their signature aggressive sound and unique image, eventually expanding the lineup to nine members including vocalists, guitarists, drummers, and percussionists. This marked the beginning of what would become a highly influential heavy metal band.
1996

Release of the Demo Album 'Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat.'

Slipknot released their demo album 'Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat.' in 1996 with their initial lineup including vocalist Anders Colsefni and members such as Donnie Steele and Josh Brainard. The album showcased an early form of Slipknot’s sound, blending elements of metal with experimental undertones. Although this release did not gain much commercial success, it helped the band build a local following in the Des Moines metal scene and laid the foundation for their future heavier and more aggressive sound.
1999

Debut Studio Album 'Slipknot' and Rise to Fame

In June 1999, Slipknot released their self-titled debut studio album after solidifying a new nine-member lineup featuring Corey Taylor on vocals and Jim Root on guitar among others. The album quickly gained critical and commercial success, reaching number 51 on the US Billboard 200 and achieving double platinum status. The band's aggressive style, chaotic live performances, and distinctive masked image garnered them a dedicated fanbase worldwide. This release was a turning point that launched Slipknot into mainstream metal.
2001

Release of Second Album 'Iowa'

Slipknot followed up with their second studio album 'Iowa' in 2001, which displayed an even darker and more brutal sound. This album was a critical success and propelled the band to even greater popularity. 'Iowa' peaked at number 3 on the Billboard 200 and topped the UK Albums Chart. The album solidified Slipknot's place in the heavy metal scene with its intense aggression and lyrical themes. During this time, the band also released their first video release, showcasing their highly energetic live performances.
2004

Release of 'Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses)'

After a brief hiatus, Slipknot returned in 2004 with their third studio album 'Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses)'. This album featured a more varied sound with some melodic and acoustic elements while retaining the band's core aggression. It reached number 2 on the Billboard 200. The lead single 'Duality' became a hit and received significant radio play. The album's success demonstrated Slipknot's ability to evolve musically while maintaining their identity, expanding their fanbase and cementing them as leaders in the nu-metal and alternative metal genres.
2008

Release of Fourth Album 'All Hope Is Gone' and Chart Success

Slipknot released their fourth studio album 'All Hope Is Gone' in 2008, marking their first number one debut on the US Billboard 200 chart. The album featured popular singles like 'Psychosocial', 'Dead Memories', and 'Snuff', all of which topped or appeared on Billboard's Alternative Songs chart. This album reflected the band’s continued evolution and maturity in songwriting and production, while their live performances remained highly anticipated events. 'All Hope Is Gone' helped maintain Slipknot's relevance and commercial success in a changing metal landscape.
2010

Death of Founding Bassist Paul Gray

On May 24, 2010, Paul Gray, founding bassist and key songwriting member of Slipknot, died from an accidental overdose involving morphine and fentanyl. His death was a profound loss to the band and the metal community. Slipknot dedicated their fourth video album '(sic)nesses' to Paul Gray, documenting their live performance at the Download Festival in 2009. The band went through a difficult period of mourning and lineup changes, with Donnie Steele returning briefly as bassist. Gray's passing marked a poignant chapter in Slipknot's history.
2013-2014

Departure of Joey Jordison and Release of '.5: The Gray Chapter'

In 2013, Joey Jordison, original drummer and co-founder, was dismissed from the band under controversial circumstances. This marked a significant lineup change for Slipknot. The band introduced Alessandro Venturella on bass and Jay Weinberg on drums, reshaping their rhythm section. In 2014, Slipknot released their fifth studio album '.5: The Gray Chapter', dedicated to Paul Gray. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, reflecting the band's ability to overcome adversity and successfully continue their career with new members.
2019

Release of 'We Are Not Your Kind' and Firing of Chris Fehn

Slipknot released their sixth studio album 'We Are Not Your Kind' on August 9, 2019. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, marking the band's third consecutive album to top the chart. It also achieved the number one position on the UK Albums Chart, their first UK number one in 18 years since 'Iowa'. Prior to the album's release, longtime percussionist Chris Fehn was dismissed following a lawsuit against the band claiming withheld payments. Michael Pfaff replaced Fehn moving forward, and the band continued to promote their album through touring and media.
2022-2023

Release of 'The End, So Far' and Recent Lineup Changes

Slipknot released their seventh studio album 'The End, So Far' on September 30, 2022, which was their last album with Roadrunner Records. This period also saw more lineup changes, including the departures of longtime sampler Craig Jones and drummer Jay Weinberg in 2023. Jay Weinberg was replaced by Eloy Casagrande in 2024. The band continues to evolve while maintaining their core identity as a leading force in heavy metal, adapting to changes and remaining active with new material and tours planned.

Albums

slipknot_1st_album
Slipknot
15 tracks
1999
slipknot_2nd_album
Iowa
14 tracks
2001
slipknot_3rd_album
Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses)
15 tracks
2004
slipknot_4th_album
All Hope Is Gone
15 tracks
2008
slipknot_5th_album
.5: The Gray Chapter
14 tracks
2014
slipknot_6th_album
We Are Not Your Kind
14 tracks
2019
slipknot_7th_album
The End, So Far
12 tracks
2022

Collections Featuring Slipknot

Slipknot’s Top 10
Sponsor content

Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Alessandro Venturella

2019

Piano

Eloy Casagrande

2024

Drums (drum set)

Alessandro Venturella

2014

Bass guitar

Corey Taylor

1997

Lead vocals

Michael Pfaff

2019

Background vocals

Shawn Crahan

1995

Percussion

Background vocals

Michael Pfaff

2019

Percussion

Alessandro Venturella

2019

Synthesizer

Sid Wilson

1998

Keyboard

Turntable

Mick Thomson

1996

Guitar

Jim Root

1999

Guitar

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Craig Jones

1996
2023

Keyboard

Sampler

Jay Weinberg

2014
2023

Drums (drum set)

Josh Brainard

1995
1999

Guitar

Joey Jordison

1995
2013

Drums (drum set)

Greg Welts

1997
1998

Percussion

Background vocals

Chris Fehn

1998
2019

Background vocals

Percussion

Paul Gray

1995
2010

Bass guitar

Background vocals

Donnie Steele

1995
1996

Guitar

Anders Colsefni

1995
1997

Percussion

Lead vocals

Craig Jones

1996
1996

Guitar

Story of Slipknot

Slipknot: A Heavy Metal Juggernaut

Slipknot, a name synonymous with intense, masked mayhem, emerged from the heartland of Des Moines, Iowa, in 1995. Born from the creative fire of percussionist Shawn "Clown" Crahan, former vocalist Anders Colsefni, and bassist Paul Gray, the band underwent a series of lineup changes before solidifying its nine-member core: Crahan, Gray, Joey Jordison, Craig Jones, Mick Thomson, Corey Taylor, Sid Wilson, Chris Fehn, and Jim Root. This lineup dominated the heavy metal scene for over a decade.

Slipknot's undeniable presence is built on their trademark image – masked, masked, and masked again – their aggressive musical style that blends heavy metal, thrash, and industrial influences, and their explosive live shows that leave audiences breathless. Their self-titled debut album in 1999 thrust them onto the world stage, instantly cementing their status as heavy metal royalty. The darker, heavier follow-up, Iowa in 2001, propelled them further into the spotlight.

After a brief hiatus, the band returned in 2004 with Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses), followed by another hiatus before their fourth album, All Hope Is Gone, topped the Billboard 200 chart in 2008. Another lengthy break culminated in the release of their fifth studio album, .5: The Gray Chapter, in 2014, marking a period of musical exploration and evolution.

Slipknot continued their reign with We Are Not Your Kind in 2019, a testament to their longevity and creative drive. Their latest offering, The End, So Far, hit the scene in 2022, showcasing the band's relentless commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering a sonic experience that's both brutal and captivating.

Slipknot remains a force to be reckoned with, a band that continues to redefine the heavy metal landscape, leaving a trail of sonic destruction and undeniable influence in its wake.

Sponsor content

Learn more about Slipknot

Bands you may like