Slipknot Biography

Slipknot emerged out the of nu-metal explosion of the late 1990's, a mixture of shock-rocker Marilyn Manson, Korn, and rap-metal whose theatrical stage presence placed them as one of the most popular bands of the movement. The nine-piece band, which hails from the unlikely Des Moines, Iowa, performs in identical industrial jumpsuits wearing homemade Halloween masks. To add to the anonymity of their live act, each member of Slipknot has adopted a number as their stage alias. The band is composed of (in order from 0 through 8)- DJ Sid Wilson, Joey Jordison (drums), Paul Grey (bass), Chris Fehn (percussions), James Root (guitar), Craig Jones (sampler/programmer), Shawn "Clown Crahan (percussions), Mick Thompson (guitar) and Corey Taylor (lead vocals).Appropriately, Slipknot self-released their first album on Halloween of 1996. Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat. was picked up by Nebraska-based label -ismist and the band signed with Roadrunner Records in 1997. Two years later the band released their self-titled official debut album, produced by Ross Robinson, and started perma-touring. Slipknot's heavy touring schedule granted them an avid audience and a spot in the Ozzfest package tour. Metal fans flocked to see Slipknot, as much for their music as their shock-and-awe performance methods, such as when lead singer Crahan (or #8) smashed his head into his drum kit, producing a gasp-worthy gash requiring stitches, not once but twice during the tour. Slipknot's reputation wormed its way throughout the nu-metal scene and after light radio circulation the band went platinum in 2000, a first for their label.Slipknot released their sophomore album, Iowa, in 2001 and despite its industry buzz the record debuted at number three. The band continued a heavy tour rotation, including a more prominent spot at Ozzfest, before taking a break while numbers 0 through 8 concentrated on side projects. One such project was the creation of Slipknot's label, Maggot Recording; the label's name was a tribute to the band's penchant for affectionately calling their fans "Maggots" during performances. A few years of feuding and solo projects ensued before Slipknot began work on a new album in 2003. Single "Pulse of the Maggots" was released in August of 2003, followed by Vol. 3-The Subliminal Verses in May 2004.