Slipknot is a heavy metal band from Des Moines , Iowa . The band started in 1995 by vocalist and percussionist Anders Colsefini , guitarists Donnie Steele and Josh `` Gnar '' Brainard , bassist Paul Gray , drummer Joey Jordison , and percussionist Shawn Crahan . Slipknot is a heavy metal band formed by vocalist and percussionist Anders Colsefni , guitarists Donnie Steele and Josh `` Gnar '' Brainard , bassist Paul Gray , drummer Joey Jordison and percussionist Shawn Crahan , in Des Moines , Iowa .