The latest issue of *Metal Hammer* is a massive tribute to Slipknot’s groundbreaking self-titled debut album, marking its 25th anniversary. To celebrate this milestone, the magazine features interviews with Slipknot’s Clown (Shawn Crahan), guitarist Jim Root, and producer Ross Robinson, who all share their memories of the band’s chaotic early days.
After grinding it out in the basements and clubs of Des Moines, Slipknot recorded their debut album at Indigo Ranch studio in Malibu. Before the album’s release, they introduced themselves to the world during Ozzfest in May 1999. Clown, the band’s percussionist and leader, recalls the surreal experience of handing out demo tapes at the festival and hearing them played all over the parking lots.
“Wherever I went, all I could hear was our tape blasting from hundreds of car stereos,” Clown recalls. “My brain just melted. I thought, ‘Could all these people actually buy our album?’ It was unreal, just incredible. We were nobodies, anonymous and faceless, without a record, but at that moment, it felt like maybe we had a shot.”
Clown also took time to reflect on his late bandmates, bassist Paul Gray and drummer Joey Jordison. “Paul was a genius, and Joey was a genius,” Clown says. “They both wanted to change the world. Those were my dudes. There was a lot of fighting and a lot of tears, but it was all love. It was the three of us going crazy for our dream.”
The new issue of *Metal Hammer*, available on UK newsstands and online, celebrates Slipknot’s 25th anniversary in style. It includes an official anniversary patch and a silver logo charm, exclusive to the magazine.
Spanning 28 pages, the issue dives deep into Slipknot’s origins, from their chaotic early days in the clubs of Des Moines—complete with puking in buckets—to their first *Metal Hammer* cover. The magazine also recounts the legendary performance at London’s Astoria, with firsthand stories from those who were there. In addition, nine musicians share how Slipknot’s music had a monumental impact on their own lives and careers.
In this issue of *Metal Hammer*, we dive into the favorites of metal’s biggest names as they select their top songs by upcoming Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Ozzy Osbourne. We also spotlight Heriot, the new face of British metal, and explore their rising impact.
Powerwolf’s Falk Maria Schlegel shares the life lessons he’s learned over two decades of crafting Catholic-inspired lycanthropic power metal. Dani Winter-Bates of Bury Tomorrow answers your questions about aliens and reincarnation, while we go behind the scenes with Opeth in the studio.
Bridear’s Kimi provides her Slaylist, Lacuna Coil reflects on the making of their iconic track “Our Truth,” and we introduce House Of Protection, a new band formed by former Fever 333 and The Chariot members Aric Improta and Stephen Harrison.
Additionally, the issue covers Nightwish, Unto Others, The Black Dahlia Murder, ArcTanGent, Radar, and much more.
Grab the latest *Metal Hammer* on sale now. You can also order it online and have it delivered straight to your door.
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