SlipKnoT

Slipknot's a nu-metal band from Des Moines, Iowa. They have, in the past, adopted a visually arresting theatrical image, wearing hideous masks that are custom made and referring to themselves as numbers zero to eight. Their many live performances are renowned for their enthusiasm and energy.

The nine members of Slipknot got together in the mid 1990s and took a little time to accumulate a catalogue of material and form a stable line-up. They currently comprise the dual-named members Corey Taylor (8) (vocals), Mick Thomson (7) (Guitar), Shawn Crahan (6) (Custom Percussion), Craig Jones (5) (Samples/Media, Keyboards), James Root (4) (Guitar), Chris Fehn (3) (Custom Percussion), Paul Gray (2) (Bass) Joey Jordison (1) (Drums), and Sid Wilson (0) (Turntables).

They were signed to Roadrunner in 1997 and released their debut, Slipknot, a year later. By 2000 it was platinum and, according to Q magazine, one of the "50 Heaviest Albums of All Time".

Iowa was released in 2001 and was well received by critics and fans, a position repeated with their third studio release in 2004, Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses). Both albums sold in sufficient quantities to be awarded platinum status.

Alongside their careers with Slipknot, various members of the band have enjoyed many successful side projects and collaborations, including Joey Jordison with The Murderdolls, Corey Taylor with Stone Sour, Shawn Crahan in To My Surprise, and both Gray and Jordison in Roadrunner United].

In spite of concerns that the hiatus since their 2004 album was, in fact, a split, a new album, All Hope is Gone, was released in August 2008. In 2011, tour dates were announced for Slipknots 2011 and 2012. They also announced that Donnie Steele, Slipknots original guitarist and cofounder, would be filling in for Paul Gray on bass.

Paul Gray passed away on May 24, 2010 due to an overdose of morphine, and was found in his hotel room.