Image: Sleep Token Live [Sara Velez Herrero]
The metal scene is characterized by flashy outfits, makeup, and even masks. Today we compare 6 Metal bands that hide their faces behind masks, from Slipknot to Sleep Token.
Masks have been a popular stylistic choice on stage since, at the latest since the existence of Slipknot. Many musicians use this accessory to either keep their identity a secret or simply let their creativity run wild. Some bands and musicians constantly design new masks. In some cases, the identities of the musicians are already public, while in others they remain a mystery. But whether it's a horror clown or a fantasy creature, the face coverings create a unique atmosphere on stage and leave a lasting impression. But which masked Metal bands actually exist? And what is the motivation and meaning behind the masks? We provide an overview and draw comparisons!
Slipknot
It's clear that Slipknot must be mentioned first here. They are well-known in the Metal scene, whether you love their music or don't listen to it at all. This has a great deal to do with their masks, as their band photos are unforgettable. Since the early days of the band, they have worn masks, and with each new album, a new era of masks is celebrated. Since they never perform live without them, many people only recognize them by their stage personas. This is despite many of the band members having already shown their true faces, whether in interviews or as members of other bands.
What's The Meaning?
One thing has never changed with Slipknot: all their masks are different. Each band member has their individual mask and personality on stage. This also means that new band members always have a completely new mask and do not take over the mask of a previous member. This is because each person interprets the design of their mask themselves.
"The mask for me has always been that physical representation of the person inside me who just never had a voice. It allows me to be me."
- Corey Taylor
Corey Taylor further explains that the mask allows him to shed societal norms such as manners, rules, and much more. Anyone who has seen Slipknot in music videos or at concerts knows that such a brutal, excessive show would not be possible with too many rules in mind…
The Mystery Surrounding New Band Members
Since their starting days, there have been numerous lineup changes and dismissals from the band. When new members are added to the band, the person's identity is always initially a well-kept secret. The big moment comes when a new mask is presented.
These masks often come with an artist name as well, as is the case with Tortilla Man (Michael Pfaff), for example. In general, however, the true faces of newcomers become known over time.
Handling information like this has given the band a mysterious atmosphere for over 20 years, and the excitement never wanes.
Sleep Token
The new masked band at the center of the Metal scene. Founded in 2016 and they've already surpassed Metallica in a way. On Spotify, Sleep Token's album Take Me Back To Eden reached number 1 on the most streamed Metal albums in 2023! Metallica's 72 Seasons actually fell short in comparison.
Sleep Token owe their popularity to their music, but also their image in the scene. None of the four band members has revealed their identity so far. They wear their masks both on stage and in their music videos. There have been extremely few interviews with the group around lead singer Vessel so far; they clearly want to focus on their music. It does not seem like these musicians plan to (or ever will) reveal their faces in the near future.
New Sleep Token Masks
Recently, new masks were presented to fans of Sleep Token, ushering in a new era, similar to what is regularly done by Slipknot. So far, Vessel's design stood out above all else; his mask is white with the red Sleep Token logo, has slits for six eyes and is cut around his mouth and smeared with blood. Paired with his black robe, this skillfully underlines their rituals for "Sleep", which are their concerts. The rest of the band - II, III and IV - previously wore simple black masks with their white band logo; this has now changed. On their social media channels and on stage in London, these three presented new masks and thus also show more personality now.
It seems there can no longer be any comparison withheld between them and Slipknot. It makes you wonder if Mick Thompson and Shawn Crahan from Slipknot can be counted among their sources of inspiration?
Ghost
One could say that Papa Emeritus from Ghost doesn't quite fit into this list; after all, singer Tobias Forge does not wear a mask but always performs on stage with his iconic makeup. However, his bandmates are always masked; hence we'll allow it here.
The so-called Nameless Ghouls that are playing the instruments in Ghost all wear identical masks and also identical costumes. Symbolically they represent the five elements: fire, water, air, earth and aether. Papa Emeritus himself symbolizes the anti-pope. So in this case it's less about individuality and more about symbolism.
Anonymous = Successful?
Of course creativity and concept are not to be dismissed when it comes to Ghost. Nevertheless Tobias Forge himself has noted that anonymity has helped contribute to the success of the band. This is understandable because something like this quickly becomes topic number one.
"I think it definitely plays a part. [...] The thing everybody keeps ranting about is the anonymity, which I have a comment on on the side, but I also think that you don't have to be anonymous or masked in order to have somewhat of a clandestine image."
Such an image certainly plays a role not only for Ghost but also for all other bands on this page.
Lordi
Not only does Lordi know how to rock within the Metal community; thanks to their victory at Eurovision Song Contest 2006 they are known worldwide. With their monster outfits they deliver plenty of good-time Metal despite being heavily laden. The background behind these masks is simple:
The group has a strong preference for horror movies. Many of their songs revolve around films such as "Evil Dead 2". Entire tracklists by them are full of references to such films. They never tire of it nor deviate from dressing up. In addition they've already appeared in two horror films themselves - and even co-wrote them! "The Kin" was released in 2004 even before they entered ESC; "Dark Floors - The Lordi Motion Picture" followed in 2008. Each member also has their own monster outfit and stage name. Currently, Mr Lordi himself leads alongside Hiisi on bass, Hella on keyboard, Mana on drums and Kone on guitar.
GWAR
Once again we have a band whose members always perform with their faces masked, but whose faces and names are actually publicly known. With GWAR these are outfits inspired by sci-fi movies and horror movies. Horror seems especially common among Lordi and GWAR, but also Slipknot, as common ground for these mask-loving bands.
Their live performances offer plenty more than just seeing them though; this satire band really pulls out all stops - from acting scenes right down to spitting fire, or fake blood, which even reaches the audience area. Everything about them is taken with great humor.
Mushroomhead
Mushroomhead performances scream fantasy world through-and-through - not just creative, expressive masks but also experimental music combining influences from Nu-Metal and Industrial. Currently they boast no fewer than nine members, each using pseudonyms. So quite comparable indeed with Slipknot who usually consist of nine members as well. Although it still remains unclear who will next fill that ninth spot within Slipknot, since they recently parted ways with their drummer Jay Weinberg…
The worlds of Slipknot and Mushroomhead don't seem particularly friendly towards each other, by the way. As far as the masks go there are speculations and even accusations that ideas were stolen.
Now it's up to you find your favorites among all these artists' masks!
