Listen to Slipknot online radio. Slipknot is an American heavy metal band from Des Moines, Iowa. Formed in 1995, the group was founded by percussionist Shawn Crahan and bassist Paul Gray. Slipknot is well known for its attention-grabbing image, aggressive music style, and energetic and chaotic live shows. The band enjoyed a somewhat meteoric rise to success following the release of their self-titled debut album in 1999. The 2001 follow-up album Iowa further increased the band's popularity.