Subsequently, Jones became the band's sampler and Mick Thomson was brought in as the replacement guitarist. However, throughout their time in the studio, the band were adding samples to their recordings but could not produce these sounds live. When questioned in 1999 about Steele's departure, Jordison explained: 'we were prepared to keep him on, but he didn't want to stay.' During the mixing stages of their project at SR Audio, Craig Jones was recruited as Steele's replacement on guitar.

In February 1996, guitarist Donnie Steele decided to leave Slipknot due to his Christian beliefs. Without a recording budget, the band were forced to self-finance the project, the costs of which came to an estimated $40,000. In December, Slipknot began recording material at SR Audio, a studio in the band's hometown. It was there, in late 1995, that Jordison suggested changing the band name to Slipknot after their song of the same name. Much of the band's early development was retrospectively attributed to late-night planning sessions between Gray, Crahan and Jordison at a Sinclair gas station where Jordison worked nights. On December 4, the band made their live debut playing a benefit show using the name Meld. The band then decided to invite Donnie Steele as their second guitarist, bringing their lineup to six members.

Furthermore, Colsefni also took up custom percussion while remaining the band's vocalist.

Jordison subsequently joined the band as their main drummer, moving Crahan to custom percussion. Not long after their inception, Gray invited Joey Jordison to a rehearsal because the band were interested in experimenting with additional drum elements. The lineup was made up of friends who met through the local music scene, including vocalist Anders Colsefni and guitarist Donnie Steele. Slipknot was formed in Des Moines, Iowa, in September 1995 when drummer Shawn Crahan and bassist Paul Gray started a band named The Pale Ones.

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