Slipknot is an American heavy metal band formed in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1995 by percussionist Shawn 'Clown' Crahan, vocalist Anders Colsefni, and bassist Paul Gray. Early members included guitarist Donnie Steele and drummer Joey Jordison, with the band initially operating as The Pale Ones before adopting the name Slipknot. After lineup changes, including Corey Taylor joining as vocalist in 1997, the classic nine-member configuration stabilized with members including Sid Wilson, Chris Fehn, Craig '133' Jones, Mick Thomson, and Jim Root. The band's style blends nu metal, extreme metal, and aggressive percussion, highlighted by their self-titled debut album in 1999, followed by Iowa (2001), Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses) (2004), and We Are Not Your Kind (2019). They released the demo Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat. in 1996. Slipknot received a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance for 'Duality' in 2006. Slipknot is known for intense live performances featuring masks, matching jumpsuits, and chaotic energy that fosters strong audience connection.