SlipKnot Merch

The year was 1995 when one of the greatest Nu Metal bands of all time was formed in Des Moines, Iowa: SlipKnot. 9 personalities, 9 masks and 9 stories, all of which have shaped the character of SlipKnot. The masks and the overalls are, without question, the trademark of SlipKnot.

By the way, the idea for the masks came from percussionist Shawn Crahan, who already showed up at the first SlipKnot rehearsals with a clown mask. The idea was found to be a good one and was quickly declared a permanent part of the band.

Inside the 9: You want to know more about the history of Slipknot? We've picked out the most exciting stories and fan facts about Slipknot for you. Click here to go directly to the EMP Slipknot Wiki. Learn all about the Slipknot members and the Slipknot discography.

On 31 October 1996, the demo "Mate.Feed.Kill.Repeat" was recorded. The demo tape shaped SlipKnot's sound like no other release. For example, the intro "SlipKnot" can also be found on the later debut album as "(Sic)". Meanwhile, the demo is one of the most popular SlipKnot collector's items.

No wonder, after all, only 1000 original copies of the demo exist. Even the members of Slipknot don't own their own copy. But the demo was not only groundbreaking for the debut, but also for "Iowa". The songs "Gently" and "Killers are Quiet" were re-recorded for the album.

Slipknot's History - From Debut to We Are Not Your Kind

With $40,000 in their pockets, the debut "SlipKnot" was recorded and finally released on 29 June 1999 via Roadrunner Records. To this day, the album represents one of the most important milestones in the nu-metal scene. Songs like "(sic)", "Wait and Bleed" or "Spit It Out" should not be missing from any SlipKnot show.

Within a very short time, the boys from Des Moines achieved international fame. What Paul Gray and Co. could only dream of at the Basement Sessions in 1992 finally came true. The first big tours followed and they played huge festivals. You can find the matching merchandise for the debut album in our EMP SlipKnot Merch Shop.

After such success, SlipKnot faced a huge challenge, because the fans' expectations were high - quite high. But SlipKnot just kept going and didn't let success impose anything on them. Nevertheless, they managed to add one more on top.

Iowa

The second album "Iowa" shot to #1 on the UK album chart and #3 on the Billboard Magazine album chart shortly after its release. Definitely one of the best nu-metal releases of all time for us. To go with the "Iowa" album, you can get SlipKnot shirts, CDs, records and much more from us.

After "Iowa" the band took a creative break. They took care of side projects, such as Stone Sour or Murderdolls. Stone Sour wasn't actually a side project, but had already been founded before SlipKnot. But the success of SlipKnot put Stone Sour's career in the background for the time being.

Vol. 3 (The Subliminal Verses)

Finally, Corey Taylor, Chris Fehn, Mick Thomson, Sid Wilson, Craig Jones, Shawn Crahan, James Root, Joey Jordison and Paul Gray got back together in late 2003 to record the third album. With "Vol. 3 (The Subliminal Verses)", SlipKnot partially reinvented themselves.

For the first time, quieter songs like "Circle" or "Vermilion Pt. 2" have also made it onto the album. For the song "Before I Forget", the band was even awarded a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance.

All Hope is gone

Huge headlining tours all over the world followed. At the end of 2007, the band began work on their fourth album, "All Hope Is Gone", which was released on 20 August 2008. The album shows SlipKnot from a harder side again. But also catchy songs like "Psychosocial" made it onto the album. SlipKnot just can't write a disappointing album - top work!

5. The Gray Chapter

In 2010, however, Slipknot suffered a major setback when bassist Paul Gray was found dead in an Iowa hotel. For the band members, a world collapsed after Gray's death. James Root subsequently announced a break of at least two years. In September 2010, Slipknot released the "(sic)ness" DVD as an unofficial legacy to Gray.

We Are Not Your Kind

Nearly five years we had to wait for a new SlipKnot album. With "We Are Not Your Kind" Corey Taylor and Co. are back after the 2014 album ".5: The Gray Chapter".

We can't wait to see SlipKnot on the stages of this world with the new album. Because not only the music is a big part of SlipKnot, but also the stage show. Matching the "We Are Not Your Kind" album, we can also expect a new stage show. There is also a new band member! We don't know the name, but among the Maggots he is only called Tortilla Man.

SlipKnot in upheaval

In December 2013, SlipKnot finally announced that drummer Joey Jordison had left the band - no further reasons were given. A short time later, however, Jordison stressed that he would never leave SlipKnot and he was kicked out of the band. How exactly the split came about, only the band members themselves know. What is certain, however, is that SlipKnot went on. A replacement for Joey Jordison was found in Jay Weinberg. Since 2014, Alessandro Venturella has taken over the bass part.

The official legacy of Paul Gray then followed with the "5th The Gray Chapter" album. When the first single "The Negative One" was released at the beginning of August 2014, it quickly became clear that SlipKnot had returned to their old strength. The song could have easily been included on "Iowa" - what a board! With the video "Devil in I" even the last maggot could be convinced. The entire album was released on 17 October 2014. R.I.P Paul!

Slipknot merch and much more

We've been following Slipknot's story since the beginning and anticipate every release with great anticipation. At our EMP SlipKnot Online Shop you will find everything that will make your Maggot pulse soar. In addition to the entire SlipKnot discography, you will also find a good amount of SlipKnot merchandise such as SlipKnot T-shirts, SlipKnot jackets and much more. Of course you can also find Slipknot CDs and Slipknot vinyls here.

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.

Find all information about the North American Slipknot Tour "Knotfest Roadshow 2022" and other upcoming Slipknot concerts also in Europe.

Read a lovely chat with Slipknot vocalist Corey Taylor about comic books, ‘The Boys’ TV series, and his new mask on our UPROXX partner site.

Slipknot gifts - perfect for real maggots

Slipknot isn't just a band - it's a brute experience. If you want to give a real fan a treat, you need something that's as loud, dark and unique as their music. A vinyl edition brings the band's raw energy straight to your home - perfect for anyone who wants to experience their unmistakable sound at its best. A hoodie with the iconic Nonagram logo, limited edition tour posters or a Slipknot necklace are also gifts that will delight any fan. Whether for a birthday, Christmas or just because - with these gifts you can bring the untamed madness of Slipknot directly into everyday life. If you're 555, then they're 666!

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