Slipknot

Slipknot have come a long way. From the basements of Des Moines, Iowa, to the main stage at Download festival, Slipknot's journey is one of inspiration. One of the most successful metal band's of the century, and one of the few to emerge from the nu metal boom of the early noughties with their integrity in tact, the nine-man killing machine have released five albums and played to millions of fans (also known as maggots) throughout the world.

But it hasn't been easy. Iowa remains one of the darkest records of all time, owing much to the psyche and headspace the band were occupying at the time, and the band's founding member Paul Gray died in 2010.

If you're new to the world of Slipknot then welcome, but tread carefully, because here be monsters. Below, we'll answer any question you may have. Who are Slipknot? What's up with that nine-pointed star? What are their biggest songs? What is Knotfest? Let's see...

There are nine members of Slipknot, although the line-up has changed numerous times since their formation in 1995. The current line-up of Slipknot is Corey Taylor on vocals, Shawn ‘Clown’ Crahan and Chris Fehn on percussion, Mick Thomson and Jim Root on guitar, Alessandro ‘V Man’ Venturella on bass, Jay Weinberg on drums, Sid Wilson on turntables and Craig ‘133’ Jones on samples and keyboards.

The classic Slipknot line-up (from 1999-2010) featured Joey Jordison on drums and Paul Gray on bass. Paul Gray was replaced by V Man in 2014 following Paul’s death in 2010, and Jay Weinberg replaced Joey Jordison following his departure from Slipknot in 2013 following a battle with his health.

Each Slipknot member has a different mask, all of which change with each album – some more significantly than others. We have a comprehensive list of every Slipknot mask detailing the evolution from the simple, dirty masks of the debut album to the sleeker, more ergonomic masks from the .5: The Gray Chapter era.

Shawn Crahan has always remained a clown, although sometimes more grotesque as seen with his Iowa mask. Sid has retained a gas mask look, diverting away for the Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses album with a skeletal look. Chris has always kept his long nose and Craig has maintained his lengthy spikes. Mick’s mask has always resembled a metallic hockey mask and Jim’s has continued to have an air of a joker about it. Joey’s mask was a Kabuki style and Paul’s was initially a pig but morphed into a Hannibal Lecter-esque get-up. Corey’s mask has changed over time, from a dreadlocked leatherface on Slipknot to a haunting old man figure (with detachable jaw) for the .5: The Gray Chapter.