Netflix has officially dropped the trailer for its upcoming documentary, The Making of Slipknot — a powerful and unflinching look inside one of the most intense, mysterious, and influential metal bands of all time. The streaming giant promises a raw, emotional journey through the chaos, creativity, and controversy that defined Slipknot’s rise to global dominance.
For more than two decades, Slipknot has stood as one of heavy metal’s most iconic and polarizing acts. From their masked imagery and aggressive sound to their cult-like fanbase known as Maggots, the band has always been more than just music — it’s been a movement. Netflix’s new documentary seeks to peel back the mask, revealing the story behind the mayhem.
The trailer opens with haunting visuals of the band’s early days in Des Moines, Iowa — a small city that would soon become the birthplace of a global phenomenon. Through rare footage and never-before-seen interviews, viewers get a glimpse of the raw energy that powered Slipknot’s early underground shows, long before they became household names.
According to Netflix, The Making of Slipknot will trace the band’s entire evolution: from their self-titled debut album in 1999, which exploded onto the scene with brutal force, to their latest era marked by reinvention and resilience. It delves into the creative process behind their music, the personal struggles that nearly tore them apart, and the unbreakable brotherhood that kept them alive.
Frontman Corey Taylor takes center stage in the documentary, reflecting on the band’s emotional highs and devastating lows. In one standout clip, he says: “Slipknot was never just a band — it was survival. We made music because it was the only way to make sense of what we were feeling.” His words set the tone for what promises to be one of Netflix’s most authentic music documentaries yet.
The film also features candid interviews with founding member Shawn “Clown” Crahan, who reveals how Slipknot’s iconic masks were born from a blend of performance art, psychological warfare, and emotional expression. Fans will finally get an inside look at how the band’s signature visual identity evolved — from early homemade masks to their modern-day incarnations that define each album cycle.
Netflix producers have confirmed that The Making of Slipknot will include never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage from studio recording sessions, backstage chaos, and intimate conversations that reveal the toll of fame and tragedy. The documentary doesn’t shy away from the pain — addressing the losses of bassist Paul Gray and drummer Joey Jordison with honesty and reverence.
Critics who previewed the trailer have already praised it for its cinematic scope and emotional depth. Rather than simply glorifying the band’s success, the film focuses on their humanity — the insecurities, conflicts, and passion that fueled their art. Slipknot’s story is one of perseverance against impossible odds, and Netflix appears to capture that essence perfectly.
Visually, the documentary is stunning — combining gritty concert footage with stylized re-creations, fiery stage visuals, and archival interviews. The score, composed with input from members of Slipknot, mirrors the dark, visceral atmosphere the band is known for, ensuring fans experience the film as both a documentary and an immersive performance.
Beyond the band itself, The Making of Slipknot explores the impact the group had on global music culture — how they gave a voice to the misunderstood, the angry, and the broken. From rebellious teens in 1999 to generations of fans today, Slipknot became more than a metal act; they became an emotional outlet for millions.
The documentary concludes with a message of evolution — showing how Slipknot continues to grow, adapt, and survive despite internal and external chaos. It’s a celebration of their 25-year journey, but also a reminder that their story isn’t finished yet. As one producer puts it: “Slipknot isn’t just about darkness — it’s about what happens when you find light inside it.”
The Making of Slipknot premieres exclusively on Netflix next month. Fans around the world can finally witness the untold story behind the masks — the pain, passion, and purpose that turned nine outsiders from Iowa into one of the greatest metal bands of all time.