Slipknot: History, Albums, Songs and Official Merchandise

Slipknot – Band History, Albums, Songs and Legacy

Slipknot are one of the most intense, innovative, and influential metal bands in history. Formed in Des Moines, Iowa in 1995, the nine-piece band — known for their matching boiler suits and terrifying custom masks — have spent three decades redefining the boundaries of heavy metal, nu-metal, and alternative metal.

Their devoted fanbase, known as the Maggots, is one of the most passionate in rock and metal music. Slipknot have sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and remain one of the biggest live acts in heavy music.

Band Members

Slipknot's classic nine-piece lineup includes:

  • Corey Taylor – vocals
  • Jim Root – guitar
  • Mick Thomson – guitar
  • Sid Wilson – turntables/DJ
  • Jay Weinberg – drums
  • Alessandro Venturella – bass
  • Craig Jones – samples/media
  • Shawn Crahan (Clown) – percussion/creative director
  • Michael Pfaff – percussion

Slipknot (1999) — The Debut

Slipknot's self-titled debut album was released in 1999 and immediately established the band as a ferocious and unique force in heavy music. Produced by Ross Robinson, the album featured some of their most iconic early recordings:

Iowa (2001)

Iowa is widely regarded as one of the heaviest and most uncompromising albums ever recorded. A brutal, relentless record that pushed the band's intensity to its absolute limit, it debuted at No.3 on the US Billboard 200 and featured:

Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses (2004)

The Subliminal Verses showed a more melodic and dynamic side of Slipknot, earning them a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance for Before I Forget. The album debuted at No.2 on the Billboard 200 and featured:

All Hope Is Gone (2008)

All Hope Is Gone became Slipknot's first No.1 album on the US Billboard 200, cementing their status as one of the biggest metal bands in the world.

.5: The Gray Chapter (2014)

Released following the death of bassist Paul Gray in 2010, .5: The Gray Chapter was a deeply emotional record that debuted at No.1 in multiple countries, including the UK.

We Are Not Your Kind (2019)

We Are Not Your Kind debuted at No.1 on the US Billboard 200 — Slipknot's second chart-topper — and was widely acclaimed as one of their finest records, featuring Unsainted and Solway Firth.

The End, So Far (2022)

Slipknot's most recent studio album, The End, So Far, debuted at No.1 in the UK and No.2 on the US Billboard 200. A sprawling, ambitious record that pushed the band into new sonic territory, it features some of their most cinematic and emotionally complex work to date.

Live and Legendary

Slipknot are renowned as one of the most spectacular live acts in heavy music. Their shows — featuring pyrotechnics, elaborate staging, and the full nine-piece lineup in masks and boiler suits — are among the most intense concert experiences in rock and metal. Their performance at Download Festival has become the stuff of legend.

Shop Official Slipknot Merchandise

Celebrate Slipknot's extraordinary legacy with our officially licensed merchandise collection:

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Slipknot on the Wonderhaul Blog

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Frequently Asked Questions

When did Slipknot form?

Slipknot formed in Des Moines, Iowa in 1995.

How many members does Slipknot have?

Slipknot are a nine-piece band, one of the largest lineups in mainstream metal.

What is Slipknot's most famous song?

Songs such as Duality, Before I Forget, and Unsainted are among their most celebrated recordings.

What is Slipknot's latest album?

The End, So Far (2022) is Slipknot's most recent studio album, debuting at No.1 in the UK.