Iowa at 25: The Album That Redefined Extreme Drumming | MetalForge
Slipknot's Iowa turns 25 on August 28, 2026. A look back at Joey Jordison's drumming on the record — the verified Pearl and Paiste rig, the tracks that still...
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Slipknot's Iowa released?
Iowa was released on August 28, 2001, through Roadrunner Records — making August 28, 2026 the album's 25th anniversary.
How did Iowa chart?
Iowa debuted at #1 on the UK Albums Chart and #3 on the US Billboard 200, and is widely cited as one of the heaviest albums to ever top a national albums chart.
Who played drums on Slipknot's Iowa?
Joey Jordison played drums on Iowa. His performance across the album — sustained blast beats, six-tom fills, and a signature snare tuned to cut through Slipknot's dense mix — remains one of the most demanding drum performances in mainstream metal.
What drum gear did Joey Jordison use on Iowa?
Jordison recorded Iowa on a Pearl Masterworks kit (purple/black fade finish) with a Pearl 13" x 6.5" signature snare and Paiste RUDE and 2002 series cymbals. The full track-by-track breakdown, including hardware and recording technique, is in our Iowa drum setup article.
Is Joey Jordison's Iowa-era gear still available?
Yes. The Pearl Joey Jordison Signature snare and Promark TX515W signature sticks remain in production, and the Paiste RUDE cymbal lineup he used is unchanged. The original purple/black fade Pearl Masterworks kit itself is a vintage/collector item found through Reverb and dealers specializing in used drum gear.