SlipKnot merch from EMP

Located in the heart of the Midwestern United States with a population of approximately 215,000, Des Moines, Iowa, isn’t exactly the place one would first think of in terms of artistic rebellion and oversized expression. But it was in Des Moines that young musicians Paul Gray, Shawn Crahan and Joey Jordison hung out at a local Sinclair gas station in the mid-90s. Together, they would lay the foundations of one of the most lauded metal bands of all time. Together, they would become Slipknot.

Slipknot were one of the pioneers of the Nu-Metal movement, bringing a fresh sound to heavy metal as well as showmanship theatrics and larger than life visuals. Almost as integral to the band as their sound is their music videos and stage presence. There’s a saying, often shared on the likes of Tumblr and Twitter by people full of angst, that says: ‘Sometimes wearing a mask is the best way to show our true selves.’ Poetic. Deep. And when it comes to Slipknot, accurate.

Slipknot’s masks are the band’s signature, switching up with each album cycle and ranging from the disturbing to the tongue-in-cheek humorous. The idea for the masks came from the first Slipknot rehearsal when percussionist Shawn Crahan showed up wearing a clown mask. Everyone liked the idea and it prompted the band to focus on the music and the message.

The different stages of Slipknot masks feature throughout our range of Slipknot merch, whether it’s printed on a Slipknot t-shirt for you to rock to your next gig or across other Slipknot gifts, including shot glasses and bottle openers.

You’ll also find the Slipknot nonagram featured throughout our online Slipknot store. This image - three equilateral triangles each rotated at 0, 40, and 80 degrees – was created by the band's members around the same time the band was founded and represents a 9-point star—a symbol of unity, loyalty, friendship and remembrance. Each star point was meant to stand for each of the nine members of the original band. Though it has prompted some controversy in the past, the Slipknot icon is not a Satanist symbol.

Merch for maggots

Because Slipknot fans – or the maggots, as they’re affectionately known in the band’s inner circles - devote themselves to the group, our Slipknot merchandise covers a wide range. Think everything from Slipknot hoodies to Slipknot baby clothes – because it’s truly never too early to start forging the next generation of metalheads. We’ve also got Slipknot flags and posters for your room and other accessories, like earrings, bracelets and more. And we really mean ‘more.’ When you’re ready to slip(knot) into something more comfortable, wink wink, slip off your clothes to reveal Slipknot boxers – just one of the many items that are exclusive to EMP.

The line-up has changed over time, but collectively, the spirit of Slipknot remains the same. An anarchic, chaotic and alternative metal band who demand to be heard. Their message has reached the masses – Slipknot have sold over 30 million records worldwide, making them one of the most successful metal bands in history.