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Slipknot

Slipknot is an American heavy metal band from Des Moines, Iowa, formed in 1995.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Slipknot is an American heavy metal band from Des Moines, Iowa, formed in 1995. The group is known for its aggressive music, chaotic live performances, and distinctive masked image. Slipknot has toured extensively in Canada and has a large Canadian heavy metal fan base.

History

Slipknot formed in 1995 in Des Moines, Iowa, and released its early material before settling into a more stable lineup. The band gained wider recognition after its 1999 self-titled debut album.

Image and performances

Slipknot is known for wearing masks and jumpsuits on stage. The masks are individualized and have changed over time, but the overall visual style remains a defining feature of the band.

Lineup

The band has had many members over the years. A commonly cited current lineup includes Corey Taylor, Shawn Crahan, Mick Thomson, Jim Root, Sid Wilson, Alessandro Venturella, Michael Pfaff, and Eloy Casagrande.

Reception and influence

Slipknot is one of the most recognisable heavy metal bands of its era. Its aggressive sound, theatrical image, and large live shows have made it influential in modern metal.

Key facts

  • Slipknot formed in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1995.
  • Corey Taylor is the band’s best-known lead vocalist.
  • The band is widely associated with masks and matching jumpsuits.
  • Slipknot’s lineup has changed repeatedly since its formation.
  • The group rose to prominence in the late 1990s.
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Canadian context

Slipknot has toured extensively in Canada and has a large Canadian heavy metal fan base.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the lead singer of Slipknot?
Corey Taylor is Slipknot’s lead singer.
How many members are in Slipknot?
Slipknot is typically described as having 8 current members.
What is Slipknot's best album?
There is no single officially agreed “best” album. Their self-titled debut album, *Slipknot* (1999), is often cited as their most important and influential release.
When did Slipknot form?
Slipknot formed in 1995 in Des Moines, Iowa.
What masks do Slipknot wear?
Slipknot members wear individualized masks that vary by era and member, often designed to create a distinct, unsettling stage image.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Slipknot-band
    Supports: Formation date, origin, band image, and early history.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slipknot_(band)
    Supports: Current and historical lineup information, origin, and formation year.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corey_Taylor
    Supports: Corey Taylor as Slipknot’s lead vocalist.