Mick Thomson’s guitar work is as integral to Slipknot’s sonic assault as Corey Taylor’s guttural roar or the band’s chaotic stage presence. For over two decades, his downtuned, aggressive guitar sound has been a cornerstone of the Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum metal juggernaut. Selling over 16 million records and consistently selling out global tours, Slipknot remains a dominant force in modern heavy music, and Thomson’s distinctive guitar tone is a crucial part of their enduring appeal.
Born and bred in Des Moines, Iowa, the very city where Slipknot originated, Thomson’s roots are deeply intertwined with the band’s history. Even amidst global fame, he has chosen to remain in his hometown, a testament to his grounded nature and connection to the band’s beginnings. Slipknot officially formed in September 1995, and Thomson cemented his place within the lineup in 1996, becoming a core member who would help shape their signature sound.
Within the enigmatic world of Slipknot, each member is known by a number from 0 to 8. Mick Thomson proudly holds the number seven, a designation that has become synonymous with his menacing stage presence and powerful guitar riffs. Adding to the band’s mystique, Slipknot members have always performed masked, famously declaring that their music is “not about our names or our faces.” Thomson’s mask, evolving over the years, has become as iconic as his guitar playing. Initially sporting a simple store-bought hockey mask, he later transitioned to a black leather gimp mask, further amplifying the band’s unsettling aesthetic. His current mask is a truly terrifying visage – painted silver, adorned with angry eyes and a five-bar grill across the teeth, perfectly mirroring the intensity of his guitar sound.
Beyond his central role in Slipknot, Thomson’s guitar expertise has been sought after in various other projects within the metal scene. He, along with the late Slipknot bassist Paul Gray, contributed to a Death tribute album curated by James Murphy, showcasing his respect for death metal pioneers. His guitar skills are further evidenced by his guest appearance on Malevolent Creation’s track “Delivery My Enemy,” where he laid down the second guitar solo. Thomson also lent his lead guitar work to Necrophagia’s Deathtrip 69 album and even made a cameo in the music video for Lupara’s “No Pity on the Ants,” demonstrating his versatility and willingness to collaborate within the broader metal community.
Despite the dark and intense persona he embodies on stage, Mick Thomson has some surprising passions outside of music. He is known to be a devoted fan of the Oakland Raiders football team, showcasing a loyalty to his favorite sports franchise. This glimpse into his personal interests reveals a more multifaceted individual behind the mask and the heavy guitar riffs.
Delving into Mick Thomson’s guitar journey reveals his long-standing affinity for Jackson guitars. He recounts the story of his first prized Jackson: “After saving for several years after high school, I was finally able to take out a loan and placed an order for a custom King V. It was my perfect guitar. Charcoal metallic grey, black hardware, Floyd Rose tremolo, shark tooth inlays and an active pickup circuit.” This custom King V became his trusted instrument during Slipknot’s formative years, including their debut record. However, recognizing its value and the risks of touring, he made the difficult decision to retire it from the road, keeping it safe at home. This anecdote highlights Thomson’s deep connection to his instruments and his understanding of the practicalities of a touring musician’s life. His choice of a Jackson King V, equipped with features like a Floyd Rose tremolo for extreme whammy bar techniques and active pickups for high output and aggressive tone, foreshadows the powerful and technically demanding guitar style that would become his trademark in Slipknot. Mick Thomson’s guitar sound is not just about heavy distortion; it’s a carefully crafted sonic weapon, built upon a foundation of quality instruments and a dedication to sonic aggression.
