Unmasking the Evolution: A Deep Dive into Slipknot’s Legacy
SLIPKNOT has carved its place in the annals of rock history with a potent blend of aggression, theatrics, and masked mystique. This deep dive into SLIPKNOT’s history will unmask the individuals who have shaped its sonic onslaught, delving into their entrances, exits, and the stories that define SLIPKNOT‘s ever-evolving lineup.
Seeds of Discord: A Midwestern Maelstrom
SLIPKNOT‘s story begins not in the glitzy heart of Los Angeles, but in Des Moines, Iowa, a city not typically associated with the pulverizing sounds of metal. In September 1995, drummer Shawn Crahan, whose chilling clown mask would become an iconic image, and bassist Paul Gray, often masked in a grotesque homage to a plague doctor, initiated a musical venture called THE PALE ONES.
The ensemble comprised individuals who had connected through the local music scene, featuring vocalist Anders Colsefni and guitarist Donnie Steele. Shortly after their formation, Gray extended an invitation to drummer Joey Jordison, whose monstrous drum kit would become a staple of the band’s live show, to join a rehearsal, aiming to incorporate additional drum elements into their sound. Jordison accepted the offer, becoming the drummer and prompting Crahan‘s transition to percussion.
In addition, Colsefni assumed percussion duties while retaining his role as the band’s vocalist. Opting to expand, the group welcomed Josh Brainard as their second guitarist, solidifying a six-member lineup. Following a private Halloween performance on October 31, the band marked their public debut on November 5 at a benefit show under the moniker “Meld“.
The initial stages of the band’s evolution were often credited to late-night strategy sessions held at a Sinclair gas station, where Gray, Crahan, and Jordison would convene during Jordison‘s night shifts. It was in the latter part of 1995, during one of these sessions, that Jordison proposed a shift in the band’s name to SLIPKNOT, drawing inspiration from their own track with the same title.
Refining the Sound: The “Original Nine”
As SLIPKNOT experimented with unconventional instruments such as turntables and custom percussion setups, their sound defied easy categorization. Drawing inspiration from multiple sub-genres of metal, including nu-metal, death metal, and industrial metal, the band’s music became a visceral, chaotic blend of aggression and melody, setting them apart from their contemporaries.
During this period, the band was actively seeking a shift towards more melodic vocals in their music. This led to the recruitment of Corey Taylor from the Des Moines group STONE SOUR. This move prompted Anders Colsefni‘s transition to backing vocals and percussion and then eventually out of the group altogether. Amidst a few other personnel changes, the “Original Nine” would take form.
Here, we meet the core members who would become known as the “Original Nine”:
- Shawn “Clown” Crahan (Percussion/backing vocals): A co-founder and the band’s creative visionary, Clown‘s avant-garde percussion and chilling mask designs continue to push SLIPKNOT into new artistic realms.
- Mick Thomson (Guitar): Thomson’s relentless guitar work, characterized by crushing riffs and a menacing stage presence, has been a constant force since 1996.
- Corey Taylor (Lead vocals): The charismatic frontman, Corey Taylor, remains the voice of the group, steering the ship with his powerful vocals and prolific songwriting prowess.
- Sid Wilson (#0) (Turntables/keyboards): The enigmatic DJ Sid Wilson injects electronic chaos into SLIPKNOT‘s sonic tapestry. His energetic stage antics and turntable wizardry are pivotal components of the group’s live experience.
- Joey Jordison (#1) (Drums): The pulse behind SLIPKNOT, Joey Jordison was a founding member, contributing not only percussive prowess but also songwriting ingenuity. His untimely passing in 2021 left a void that the metal world continues to mourn.
- Paul Gray (#2) (Bass/backing vocals): Bassist Paul Gray was a driving force and the band’s moral compass. His tragic death in 2010 was a significant loss to the band and the metal community as a whole.
- Jim Root (#4) (Guitar): A steady force since 1999, Root‘s guitar work and songwriting contributions remain integral to SLIPKNOT‘s sonic assault.
- Craig “133” Jones (#5) (Samples/media/keyboards): The mysterious sonic architect, Craig Jones manipulated samples and contributed to the band’s industrial edge from 1996 to 2023.
- Chris Fehn (#3) (Percussion/backing vocals): An addition to the band’s evolving percussion sounds, filling out the driving rhythm of the group.
Masks, Mayhem, and Metal: The Slipknot Experience
Beyond the technical proficiency of its members, SLIPKNOT‘s signature element lies in its visual identity. Each member dons a unique mask, transforming them into a nightmarish collective. These masks have evolved over time, becoming more elaborate and symbolic with each album cycle.
Dissecting the Masks: While the exact meaning behind each mask is often left open to interpretation, some general themes emerge. Clown‘s grotesque clown mask embodies a twisted form of entertainment, reflecting the band’s blend of aggression and theatricality. Corey Taylor‘s masks have often been more symbolic, with his later masks referencing themes of self-destruction and rebirth.
Impact on the Metal Scene: SLIPKNOT‘s arrival in the late 1990s injected a much-needed dose of aggression and experimentation into the metal scene. Their unique blend of influences and ferocious live shows resonated with a new generation of metalheads, inspiring countless bands across subgenres like melodic death metal and metalcore.
Analyzing Albums by Era: SLIPKNOT‘s discography showcases a band unafraid to evolve. Their self-titled 1999 debut was a sonic assault, characterized by crushing riffs, guttural vocals, and bleak lyrical themes. The follow-up, “Iowa” (2001), delved even deeper into darkness, exploring themes of depression, psychosis, and societal decay.
The mid-2000s saw a shift in the band’s sound with albums like “Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses)” (2004) and “All Hope Is Gone” (2008) incorporating more melodic elements alongside their signature aggression.
Following the tragic passing of Paul Gray, the band released “.5: The Gray Chapter” (2014) – a somber yet cathartic exploration of grief and loss. The follow-up, “We Are Not Your Kind” (2019), marked a return to a more aggressive sound, showcasing the band’s enduring creative fire while “The End, So Far” (2022) delivered a more experimental sound, yet still delivered the blistering quality that fans have come to expect from the group.
A Revolving Door: Membership Changes in Slipknot After the “Original Nine”
The “Original Nine” era of SLIPKNOT, solidified in 1999 with the release of their self-titled debut, marked a golden period for the band. However, the years that followed saw a significant amount of member turnover, shaping SLIPKNOT‘s sound and dynamic in new ways. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the departures and arrivals that have redefined SLIPKNOT‘s lineup:
Chris Fehn’s Exit (2019):
In March 2019, percussionist Chris Fehn (#3) was abruptly let go from SLIPKNOT. Fehn, a founding member alongside Joey Jordison and Shawn Crahan, accused the band’s leadership of withholding financial information and underpaying him for years.
The band offered a cryptic response, stating that “Chris knows why he is no longer a member of SLIPKNOT.” This left fans with unanswered questions and a sense of unease.
Joey Jordison’s Departure and Passing (2013 – 2021):
In 2013, drummer Joey Jordison (#1) parted ways with SLIPKNOT under what were described as “amicable” circumstances.
Jordison, a powerhouse drummer who significantly influenced SLIPKNOT‘s early sound, went on to form other bands like SCAR THE MARTYR, MURDERDOLLS (who were already active while he was still in SLIPKNOT) and VIMIC.
Tragically, Joey Jordison passed away unexpectedly in July 2021, leaving a void in the metal community and a deep sense of loss for SLIPKNOT fans.
Craig Jones’ Mysterious Disappearance (2023):
In 2023, SLIPKNOT quietly parted ways with sampler/keyboardist Craig Jones (#5). Jones had been a crucial member since 1996, responsible for manipulating samples and adding an industrial edge to the band’s sound.
The reasons behind his departure remain shrouded in mystery. Neither Jones nor the band has offered any official explanation, leaving fans to speculate about creative differences or personal reasons.
Jay Weinberg’s Short-Lived Tenure (2014 – 2023):
Following Joey Jordison‘s departure in 2013, SLIPKNOT recruited drummer Jay Weinberg to fill the vacant spot. Weinberg, son of legendary drummer Max Weinberg (Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band), brought his technical prowess and youthful energy to the band.
However, in another unexpected turn of events, SLIPKNOT parted ways with Weinberg in late 2023. Similar to Craig Jones‘ exit, the reasons for this dismissal haven’t been publicly disclosed.
Eloy Casagrande Joins the Ranks (2023):
With two drummers departing in 2023, SLIPKNOT wasted no time finding a replacement. This was then they somewhqat mysteriously brought in Eloy Casagrande, the former drummer of Brazilian metal legends SEPULTURA.
Casagrande, known for his speed, power, and technical abilities, is a formidable addition to SLIPKNOT‘s lineup. Fans are eagerly anticipating his impact on the band’s future sound.
The Ever-Evolving Lineup:
SLIPKNOT‘s history is marked by member changes, and the addition of both Michael Pfaff (percussion) and Alessandro “V-Man” Venturella (bass) were significant moments in the band’s evolution.
The Enigmatic Tortilla Man (Michael Pfaff):
A Shrouded Entry (2014): Following the departure of Chris Fehn in 2019, SLIPKNOT had already parted ways with drummer Joey Jordison in 2013. To address these vacancies, the band recruited two new members in 2014, but their identities were kept a closely guarded secret.
The Internet Detectives Strike (2014): Despite SLIPKNOT‘s efforts, the internet sleuths couldn’t be contained. Eagle-eyed fans noticed a hand tattoo in glimpses of the new percussionist, later identified as Michael Pfaff.
Confirmation with a Touch of Humor (2022): For years, SLIPKNOT maintained the mystery surrounding Pfaff, who donned a unique mask resembling a tortilla (hence the fan-given nickname “Tortilla Man“). However, in 2022, SLIPKNOT finally acknowledged Pfaff by username in a Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) session, officially confirming his role as the band’s percussionist.
V-Man Takes the Bass (2014):
A Similar Strategy (2014): SLIPKNOT recruited bassist Alessandro Venturella in 2014. Similar to Pfaff, V-Man‘s identity initially remained a secret, with the band opting for a generic mask design.
Panic in the Pit (2014): Unlike Pfaff‘s hand tattoo, V-Man‘s identity reveal was more dramatic. According to interviews, V-Man expressed a sense of “mad panic” when internet sleuths unmasked him based on online clues.
Acceptance and Growth (2014 – Present): Despite the initial secrecy, V-Man has become an integral part of SLIPKNOT‘s lineup. His contributions on bass have solidified the band’s rhythm section, and his stage presence adds another dynamic element to their live performances.
Looking Ahead to “Look Outside Your Window”: With the “new” album, “Look Outside Your Window,” on the horizon, SLIPKNOT continues to challenge expectations.
The Curious Case of SLIPKNOT’s “Look Outside Your Window”
SLIPKNOT‘s “Look Outside Your Window” is an enigma within the band’s history. Recorded alongside their 2008 album “All Hope Is Gone,” it represents a stark departure from their signature sound. Here’s a breakdown of its origins and the reasons behind its ongoing delay:
A Concurrent Creation:
- During the recording sessions for “All Hope Is Gone,” SLIPKNOT, or more specifically, a core group consisting of Corey Taylor (vocals), Jim Root (guitar), Shawn “Clown” Crahan (percussion), and Sid Wilson (turntables), embarked on a parallel creative venture.
- This resulted in “Look Outside Your Window,” an album described as a significant deviation from SLIPKNOT‘s usual aggressive and dark soundscapes.
- Details about the specific reasons behind this parallel project remain scarce. Some speculate it might have been an outlet for experimentation or a chance to explore a more melodic side that wouldn’t necessarily fit with the “All Hope Is Gone” direction.
A Shelved Surprise:
- Initially, the plan was to release “Look Outside Your Window” as a surprise on Christmas Day 2019, coinciding with the band’s touring cycle for their album “We Are Not Your Kind.”
- However, the release date came and went with no sign of the album.
Reasons for the Delay:
- Clown, a key figure in the band, has offered various explanations for the delay:
- Needing its own Space: He expressed a desire for the album to have its own release window separate from other Slipknot projects.
- Mixed, Mastered, and Ready: In 2023, Clown assured fans that the album was complete and would be released “next year,” implying 2024. However, as of today (April, 2024) there’s no official confirmation.
- Focus on SLIPKNOT‘s Identity: It’s possible the band is carefully considering how to present this different style of music while maintaining their core identity as SLIPKNOT.
Fan Speculation:
- The lack of concrete information fuels fan speculation. Some theorize the band might be hesitant to release such a different album for fear of alienating their established fanbase.
- Others believe the delay could be due to legal or contractual issues with their former record label, Roadrunner Records.
The Future of “Look Outside Your Window”:
With 2024 already underway and no official announcement, the release date for “Look Outside Your Window” remains shrouded in mystery. However, Clown‘s past assurances and the album’s reported completion status suggest it might finally see the light of day sometime this year (2024).
The release of “Look Outside Your Window” will undoubtedly be a significant event for SLIPKNOT fans, offering a glimpse into a different creative facet of the band. It will be interesting to see how this experimental project is received and how it fits into the broader narrative of SLIPKNOT‘s musical evolution.
More Than Just Metal: A Legacy Cemented
SLIPKNOT‘s impact transcends the realm of metal. They’ve challenged the boundaries of genre, defied expectations, and inspired a generation of musicians and fans. Their dedication to their craft, coupled with their commitment to pushing boundaries, ensures their place as one of the most influential and captivating bands of the 21st century.