Best Slipknot masks of all time

Slipknot is a renowned American heavy metal band known for their aggressive and intense music. Formed in 1995, the band quickly gained recognition for their unique blend of alternative metal, nu-metal, and thrash metal. The band members, known for their distinctive masks and jumpsuits, bring a visually striking and theatrical element to their performances. Let us take a closer look at the best Slipknot masks.

Best Slipknot masks

Slipknot is widely recognized for its striking and elaborate masks, which have become an integral part of its image and stage presence. From the menacing and intimidating mask of the band’s founder, Shawn “Clown” Crahan, to the haunting and theatrical masks of Corey Taylor and Sid Wilson, Slipknot’s masks are an embodiment of their artistry and darkness. Here are the best Slipknot masks:

1. Corey Taylor
2. Mick Thomson
3. Jim Root
4. Craig Jones
5. Sid Wilson
6. Shawn Crahan
7. Chris Fehn
8. Paul Gray
9. Joey Jordison

The masks of Slipknot serve as a visual representation of the band’s music, amplifying the raw and aggressive energy they bring to the stage. Whether it’s the intricate details, the unsettling designs, or the symbolism behind them, Slipknot’s masks have become iconic symbols in the realm of heavy metal, further cementing their status as one of the most visually captivating and memorable bands in the industry.

1. Corey Taylor’s masks

Corey Taylor is the songwriter and lead vocalist of the bands Slipknot and Stone Sour. He was born on December 8, 1973, in Des Moines, Iowa. Taylor gained prominence as the frontman of Slipknot. He joined the band in 1997 and has been an integral part of their success, contributing his powerful and versatile vocals to their aggressive and energetic music. In addition to Slipknot, Taylor has also pursued a successful career with Stone Sour, an alternative metal band with a more melodic and mainstream sound. His dynamic stage presence, emotional depth, and ability to deliver both guttural screams and melodic singing allow Corey Taylor to establish himself as one of the most respected and versatile vocalists in the rock and metal genres. Here are the masks of Corey Taylor:

1. Iowa 2001

Although Taylor’s mask for the band’s catastrophic 2001 album Iowa was only an updated version of his original costume, the changes turned him into terrible nightmare fodder. The dreadlocks were still there, but his scarred skin was painted over white, and a thick layer of black ink covered both his eyes and mouth. He had the appearance of either a terrifying ghost who had come to harvest souls at any cost or a demon that was on his way to loot a bank. It is hardly his most elaborate mask, and one could certainly make the case that the one from 1999 is scarier.

2. Slipknot – 1999

With their self-titled album from 1999, Slipknot tapped upon a visual aesthetic that still gives people chills today. Given the intensity of the music they were playing and the risky lifestyles of the young maniacs wearing them, the matching red jumpsuits screamed “Stay back,” and the first set of DIY masks, albeit simpler than in later years, have a certain menacing about them. Taylor’s head resembled a decaying rag doll during this time, complete with unkempt, projecting dreadlocks and unsettlingly small eye slits. Scary is a mild understatement.

3. Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses) – 2004

Taylor’s style reflected the band’s move toward a more cinematic feel on their 2004 album Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses). His vintage dead skin mask resembles a rotting corpse or even the faces of several corpses stitched together in the manner of Leatherface from the Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

When Taylor’s mouth was open, the diagonal mouth stood out especially horrifyingly, and her unkempt, rainbow-colored hair gave an additional layer of bizarre contrast.

4. The new Mask

For the first time in the band’s history, Taylor debuted a completely new mask without making an accompanying new album announcement. When Slipknot performed at the Rocklahoma event on September 4th for the first time in about 18 months, Taylor was rocking an absolutely ominous new mug that like a Tim Burton character come to life. also a Cenobite. Dr. Decker from Nightbreed, perhaps? Whatever your preferred point of comparison, it stands out as being unlike every other mask in Taylor’s collection but also subtly nodding to every one of them.

5. The Gray Chapter – 2014

The Gray Chapter album from the band featured Taylor’s mask, which was a welcome turn in the right direction. It undoubtedly possesses the eerie qualities that made his early masks such a terrifying sense, like the goblin-like snout, Glasgow smiles stitching through the cheeks, and the more human-like eyes than his previous mask. Extra points go to the top section’s surprise feature, which peels back to reveal what appears to be The Engineer from Prometheus.

6. All Hope Is Gone – 2008

With their 2008 album All Hope Is Gone, Slipknot attempted to build on their previous three ground-breaking albums and establish themselves as legitimate metal superstars. Taylor’s bald, dead-eyed mug was relatively unimpressive in comparison to his previous three masks, despite Joey Jordison’s legendary crown of thorns and Clown’s gimp mask being among the most memorable sights from this time period. Although it is stunning in its almost wooden-like simplicity, it lacks the skin-crawling “x” element that characterized many of his previous outfits.

7. We Are Not Your Kind – 2019

Unfortunately, the mask Taylor first wore to promote Slipknot’s 2019 album We Are Not Your Kind is nothing compared to the others on this list. The mask always seemed to fit awkwardly on Taylor’s face, with inflated cheeks, squinty eyes, and a transparent green tint that resembles a beached sunfish. It appeared to have been purchased in a pharmacy’s Halloween area, or as several fans pointed out, the dairy section of a grocery store. Worst of all, it wasn’t even remotely frightful. Fortunately, things only get better (much) from here.

2. Mick Thomson’s mask

Mick Thomson, also known as “Number 7” or “The Seven” in Slipknot, is an American musician and songwriter. He was born on November 3, 1973, in Des Moines, Iowa. Thomson is the lead guitarist of Slipknot and is known for his masked and mysterious persona.

Thomson’s guitar-playing style is characterized by aggressive riffs, technical proficiency, and a penchant for heavy, distorted tones. Alongside fellow guitarist Jim Root, Thomson forms the core of Slipknot’s dual-guitar assault, contributing to the band’s intense and chaotic sound. He has been an integral part of the band’s success and has helped shape their signature sound over the years.

Mick Thomson’s first mask was a hockey mask. Later he changed it into a black leather gimp mask and said:

“Roadrunner didn’t like the masks. They also didn’t want nine guys in the band but I can’t tell you how many millions of dollars that label has made from us. I take pride in knowing that they were wrong and I was right.”

Here is the mask of Mick Thomson:

3. Jim Root’s mask

Jim Root was born on October 2, 1971. He is the rhythm of Slipknot. Root joined Slipknot in 1999, replacing the band’s original guitarist, Josh Brainard. Root’s guitar-playing style is characterized by heavy riffs, technical precision, and a knack for crafting memorable hooks.

Alongside fellow guitarist Mick Thomson, Root forms the core of Slipknot’s dual-guitar attack, contributing to the band’s distinctive sound. Root has also made significant songwriting contributions to Slipknot’s discography. With his masked persona and powerful guitar playing, Jim Root has become a prominent figure in the world of heavy metal and has played a crucial role in Slipknot’s success over the years.

Here is the mask of Jim Root:

4. Craig Jones’ mask

Craig Jones was born on February 11, 1972. He is known as “Number 5” or “The Silent One” in the band.

Jones initially joined Slipknot as their sampler and keyboard player in 1996, shortly after the band’s formation. He is known for his mysterious and enigmatic persona, often wearing a distinctive, featureless mask during performances. Jones’ contributions to Slipknot go beyond his role as a sampler, as he is also involved in the band’s visual and creative aspects.

He has played a significant role in the development of Slipknot’s unique sound and stage presence, adding atmospheric elements and texture to their intense music. Craig Jones’ quiet and reserved nature contrasts with the chaotic energy of Slipknot, making him an intriguing and integral member of the band.

5. Sid Wilson’s mask

Sid Wilson was born on January 20, 1977. He is known as “DJ Starscream” or “Number 0” in the band. Wilson joined Slipknot in 1999, bringing his skills as a turntablist and DJ to the group.

Wilson’s role in Slipknot involves adding electronic and atmospheric elements to the band’s music, creating unique textures, and enhancing their intense sound. With his dynamic DJing skills, Sid Wilson has become a prominent figure in the world of heavy metal.

6. Shawn Crahan’s mask

Shawn Crahan was born on September 24, 1969.  He is known by various stage names, including “Clown,” “Shawn Clown Crahan,” or simply “Clown.” In Slipknot, Crahan serves as one of the band’s percussionists, handling custom percussion instruments and contributing to the band’s intense and aggressive sound. He is also recognized for his visually striking and often unsettling masks, costumes, and theatrical performances.

Beyond his musical role, Crahan is an accomplished visual artist and has directed several of Slipknot’s music videos. He is one of the founding members of Slipknot. He has been instrumental in shaping the band’s unique identity and has played a significant role in their success.

Here is the mask of Shawn Crahan:

7. Chris Fehn’s mask

8. Paul Gray’s mask

Paul Gray was born on April 8, 1972. He was one of the founding members of the heavy metal band Slipknot.

Gray was a key songwriter for the band, co-writing many of their most popular songs.

Tragically, he passed away on May 24, 2010, due to an accidental overdose. Gray’s untimely death deeply impacted the band and their fans, but his legacy as a talented musician and his contributions to Slipknot’s success continues to be remembered and celebrated.

Paul Gray’s cause of death was determined to be an accidental overdose resulting from the combined effects of morphine and fentanyl. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid pain medication. The combination of these substances led to respiratory failure, leading to Gray’s untimely passing on May 24, 2010.

Paul Gray`s mask:

9. Joey Jordison’s mask

Joey Jordison was born on April 26, 1975. He was the original drummer and founding member of the heavy metal band Slipknot. Jordison’s technical skill and high-energy drumming style played a pivotal role in shaping Slipknot’s intense and aggressive sound.

Jordison co-wrote many of Slipknot’s most notable songs and was a significant contributor to the band’s success.

In 2013, Jordison departed from Slipknot due to personal reasons. Despite his departure, his impact on Slipknot’s early career and his influence on the metal genre as a whole remains highly regarded. Sadly, Joey Jordison passed away on July 26, 2021, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of heavy metal.

Slipknot’s masks have become iconic symbols, representing not only their visual identity but also the raw intensity and artistic depth that the band brings to their music. Each member’s mask reflects their individuality and adds an element of mystery and intrigue to their performances.

Beyond their striking appearances, the masks serve as a visual manifestation of Slipknot’s cathartic release, allowing the band members to immerse themselves fully in their art while simultaneously connecting with their dedicated fan base. From the haunting and unsettling masks of Corey Taylor and Sid Wilson to the menacing and enigmatic masks of Shawn Crahan and the rest of the band, Slipknot’s masks are a testament to their commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring the darker realms of human emotion.

What is your favorite Slipknot mask? Let us know in the comments!