Mick Thomson’s bone-jarring, downtuned guitar work has been a cornerstone of Slipknot’s sonic assault for over two decades. As one of the masked menaces from Des Moines, Iowa, Thomson, designated #7, has carved out a brutal and distinctive guitar voice within the Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum metal juggernaut. Slipknot’s relentless touring and massive record sales cement their place as a dominant force, and Thomson’s guitar is undeniably central to their crushing sound.
The Iowan Roots of a Metal Icon
Like Slipknot itself, Mick Thomson’s origins are firmly planted in Des Moines, Iowa. Born and raised in the same city where Slipknot took shape in September 1995 (Thomson joining in 1996), his connection to the band and their geographical base is deeply intertwined. This local grounding arguably fuels the raw and visceral energy that defines both Slipknot’s music and Thomson’s guitar playing.
Numbered and Masked: Anonymity and Intensity
Within Slipknot’s enigmatic framework, each member is identified by a number and a mask, stripping away individual identities to amplify the band’s collective impact. Mick Thomson is known as #7, and his masks have evolved from a simple hockey mask to a more disturbing black leather gimp mask, culminating in his current menacing silver mask with angry eyes and a five-bar grill. This visual anonymity allows the focus to remain on the music, and Thomson’s guitar work speaks volumes within this intense, masked persona.
Beyond Slipknot: Side Projects and Influences
While best known for Slipknot, Thomson’s guitar talents extend to other projects and collaborations. He contributed to a Death tribute album alongside fellow Slipknot bassist Paul Gray, showcasing his respect for death metal pioneers. He also laid down a guitar solo on Malevolent Creation’s “Delivery My Enemy,” demonstrating his prowess in the genre. Further highlighting his involvement in the extreme metal scene, Thomson guested on lead guitar for Necrophagia’s Deathtrip 69 album and appeared in Lupara’s “No Pity on the Ants” music video. These side credits reveal a musician deeply embedded in and passionate about extreme metal guitar.
The Genesis of a Guitarist: A Custom King V
Thomson’s journey as a guitarist began with a strong desire for a specific instrument. As he recounts, “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.” This Jackson King V, custom-ordered and meticulously chosen with features like a charcoal metallic grey finish, black hardware, Floyd Rose tremolo, shark tooth inlays, and active pickups, became his prized possession. He relied on it heavily, even for Slipknot’s debut record. While he eventually retired it from touring to protect it, this first Jackson King V represents the foundation of Mick Thomson’s signature guitar style and his early pursuit of the perfect metal instrument.
Oakland Raiders and Guitar Devotion
Adding a touch of personal trivia, Mick Thomson is a dedicated Oakland Raiders fan. This passion outside of music offers a glimpse into his personality, but it’s his unwavering dedication to guitar and his relentless pursuit of heavy, impactful sound that truly defines Mick Thomson’s legacy as a metal guitarist and the force behind his signature guitar tone within Slipknot.
