Slipknot’s Joey Jordison was one of the most talented drummers in metal history

One of the greatest stories of the late Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison is the time where he helped fill in for Metallica’s Lars Ulrich at Download Festival 2004, with very little warning. Imagine, for a second, that you’re helping out for arguably the biggest metal band of all time – even though you’re the drummer of a band who’s already held in very high esteem. And it wasn’t just Metallica that he filled in and toured with, either – Jordison routinely toured with bands like Ministry, Rob Zombie, and even Korn after David Silveria departed.

No doubt, the Slipknot co-founder was one of metal’s most acclaimed and talented drummers. With a band that’s comprised of nine people, standing out can be difficult – but Jordison was the engine that drove Slipknot to success. Considering much of the nu-metal sound is based and predicated on the rhythm section, having a talented drummer like Jordison enabled Slipknot to play faster and heavier than pretty much any other band in their demographic. Seriously, Jordison stood up to the best drummers in all of thrash metal in terms of technical ability, speed, and overall flash.

Jordison displayed a lethal, energizing touch on all of his work with Slipknot, but there’s many moments that stand out. The double-bass drumming on Iowa cut “The Heretic Anthem”, the angry and technical Slipknot cut “Surfacing”, and even Vol. 3 standout “The Blister Exists” were all driven by Joey’s immense technical skill. Yet, his skills were always controlled instead of going completely unhinged and off the rails. There’s also his performance on the absolutely batshit 8+ minute track “Scissors”, which really does threaten to break apart at any moment.

Of course, it wasn’t just Slipknot that Jordison was known for. He also played integral roles in Murderdolls (who gained a good amount of success with their horror punk sound), as well as an in-demand touring drummer. His time with Slipknot, however, is likely what he’ll always be known best for. When one of the biggest drummers of all-time is “never completely happy” with his performance and craft (and always strived to improve), that alone speaks volumes.

Sad to hear the passing of Joey Jordison. His drumming in @slipknot inspired me as a teenager, as it did to many other drummers my age. I’d spend a lot of time jamming that first album in the school music room. RIP.

— Ben Thatcher (@BenjiTalent) July 27, 2021

Jordison’s influence influence is felt all over modern drummers, as well. At the time of his passing last year, drummers and musicians from all across the music scene stepped up to pay tribute to his influence, including the likes of Trivium’s Alex Bent and Ben Thatcher of Royal Blood (just to name two). And it’s safe to say that much of modern metal drumming would be very, very different without the skills and talent that Jordison brought to the table.

What a legend.