To My Surprise

Last updated

To My Surprise
To My Surprise group photo.jpg
The last active incarnation of the band. From left to right: Paul Thompson, Steven Robinson, Shawn Crahan, Dorothy Hecht, Wade Thompson, Jarrod Brom
Background information
Also known asThe Ornge (2002–2003) [1]
Origin Des Moines, Iowa, U.S.
Genres
Years active2002–2006
Labels
Past members

To My Surprise was an American experimental rock band formed in 2002 in Des Moines, Iowa. They are referred to as a side project of Shawn Crahan, a member/founder of heavy metal band Slipknot. In 2003 they released their debut album To My Surprise , however after losing frontman Brandon Darner in 2004 they parted ways with their record label. 2005 saw four new members join the band to begin work on a second album and in 2006 they began performing shows in the US. However, shortly after To My Surprise canceled several upcoming appearances and disbanded without releasing a second album.

Contents

History

In June 2002, Shawn Crahan, Brandon Darner and Steven Robinson began working on an album together. During an interview with MTV in 2003 Crahan explained; "I've been keeping in touch with the music side of myself," and that To My Surprise is "a movement towards understanding [himself] and who [he is]." [2] Two songs that Crahan and Darner wrote in 2002 were sent to producer Rick Rubin, without the intent of working with him. However, Rubin invited the band to Cello Studios in Los Angeles to work on an album. [2] On October 7, 2003, the band released their debut album To My Surprise through Roadrunner Records. [3] A music video for the track "In The Mood" premiered on MTV's Extreme show on December 1. [4] In 2004 "Get It To Go" featured on the soundtrack for the video game MVP Baseball 2004 . [5] Also in 2004, Crahan began working with Slipknot again in preparation of the release of their third album. At this time vocalist Darner was—as Crahan describes it—"at an age where he was ready to start his career" but Crahan had other commitments with Slipknot and Darner decided to leave To My Surprise. [6] Shortly after this, with only releasing one album by the band, Roadrunner Records parted ways with To My Surprise. [7]

In 2005—after Slipknot had finished touring—Crahan and Robinson got back together to work on new material, enlisting the help of Dorothy Hecht, Jarrod Brom, Paul Thompson, Wade Thompson and Patrick McBride making the band twice its original size. [8] The band were working on a second album which they planned to release through Crahan's own label Big Orange Clown Records. [9] In 2006 it was announced that the band would release a limited edition 7" record, however the band began performing shows and this brought a halt to work in the studio. [10] Most notably To My Surprise performed at South by Southwest, which Crahan described as "a dream come true". [10] Prior to their performance at South by Southwest a track entitled "Jump The Gun" was released online as part of an e-card. [11] They also planned to perform at festivals in Europe and tour the US, however the band canceled their appearances at European festivals and parted ways. Crahan said that the reason the band "died" was because it was unrealistic for him to be in this band and make it work and that "Slipknot made it impossible". [6]

Musical style

To My Surprise found its name from people's reaction to their music, primarily based on peoples prejudice based on Crahan's most notable band Slipknot's musical style. Crahan went as far as saying "I'd have to put a gun in my mouth if it was metal," because he's already in "the best metal band in the world". [9] Their musical style has been noted to include; glam rock, new wave, pop, country rock, alternative rock and disco. [9] [12] [13] They have been compared to Cake, The Strokes, Faith No More, Weezer, Syd Barrett, They Might Be Giants, Hater, The Presidents of the United States of America and Harvey Danger, among others. [12] [13]

Band members

Discography

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Slipknot (band)</span> American heavy metal band

Slipknot is an American heavy metal band formed in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1995 by percussionist Shawn Crahan, former vocalist Anders Colsefni and bassist Paul Gray. After several lineup changes in its early years, the band settled on nine members for more than a decade: Crahan, Gray, Joey Jordison, Craig Jones, Mick Thomson, Corey Taylor, Sid Wilson, Chris Fehn, and Jim Root. Slipknot is well known for its attention-grabbing image, aggressive style of music, and energetic and chaotic live shows.

<i>Iowa</i> (album) 2001 studio album by Slipknot

Iowa is the second studio album by American heavy metal band Slipknot. Produced by the band and Ross Robinson, it was released on August 28, 2001, by Roadrunner Records. The title derives from the band's home state, Iowa, which members have stated is one of their greatest sources of inspiration. With much anticipation for the album following the success of their 1999 self-titled debut, pressures on the band were high. Their relationships with each other suffered and this was later described as the darkest time of their career. It was also the first full album to feature guitarist Jim Root after only appearing on one song from their previous album. Despite troubles within the band and with Iowa's development, Slipknot promoted it for almost a year.

<i>Slipknot</i> (album) 1999 studio album by Slipknot

Slipknot is the debut studio album by American heavy metal band Slipknot. It was released on June 29, 1999, by Roadrunner Records, following a demo containing a few of the songs which had previously been released in 1998. Later, it was reissued in December 1999 with a slightly-altered track listing and mastering as the result of a lawsuit. It was the first release by the band to be produced by Ross Robinson, who sought to refine Slipknot's sound rather than alter the group's musical direction. This is the only album to feature original guitarist Josh Brainard who left at the end of recording in late 1998 while the band was taking a brief break. Jim Root, who recorded two tracks at this point, would appear full time on subsequent albums starting with their next album Iowa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Corey Taylor</span> American musician

Corey Todd Taylor is an American musician, songwriter, author and actor. He is the lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Slipknot, in which he is designated #8, as well as the lead vocalist, guitarist, lyricist, and sole continuous member of the rock band Stone Sour.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Fehn</span> American musician

Christopher Michael Fehn is an American musician. He was a percussionist and backing vocalist for the heavy metal band Slipknot from 1998 to 2019, in which he was designated #3. He was also the bassist for Will Haven from 2010 to 2012.

<i>Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses)</i> 2004 studio album by Slipknot

Vol. 3: is the third studio album by American heavy metal band Slipknot, released on May 25, 2004, by Roadrunner Records. A special edition, containing a bonus disc, was released on April 12, 2005. It is the band's only album produced by Rick Rubin. Following the band's tour to promote its second album in 2002, speculation regarding the future began. Some band members had already been involved in side projects including Murderdolls, To My Surprise, and the reformation of Stone Sour. In 2003, Slipknot moved into The Mansion to work on the album. Initially, the band was unproductive; lead vocalist Corey Taylor was drinking heavily. Nevertheless, the band managed to write more than enough material for a new album. Vol. 3 is credited as Slipknot's first to incorporate more traditional, melodic song structures, guitar solos and acoustic instruments.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shawn Crahan</span> American percussionist

Michael Shawn Crahan, more commonly known by his stage persona "Clown", is an American musician. He is the co-founder and one of the percussionists for heavy metal band Slipknot, in which he is designated #6. Crahan helped form Slipknot in 1995 alongside bassist Paul Gray and former vocalist Anders Colsefni. Crahan is the longest-serving and only remaining original member of Slipknot, and also has extensive involvement with Slipknot's media production and music videos. Outside Slipknot, Crahan had two side project bands called To My Surprise and Dirty Little Rabbits. Aside from his musical activity, he also directed the 2016 action thriller film Officer Downe.

<i>9.0: Live</i> 2005 live album by Slipknot

9.0: Live is the first live album by American heavy metal band Slipknot. The band recorded the two-disc album during a 2004–05 world tour that promoted their third studio album Vol. 3: . Released on November 1, 2005, by Roadrunner Records, 9.0: Live features tracks from Slipknot's first three studio albums: Slipknot, Iowa, and Vol. 3: . Many of the included tracks are rarely played live; "Skin Ticket" from the album Iowa was its first live performance. 9.0: Live peaked in the top twenty in album sales for Austria and the United States, and was certified gold in the United States. Critical reception was generally positive, with Adrien Begrand of PopMatters calling it a "very worthy live album".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Downthesun</span> American metal band

Downthesun was an American nu metal band formed in Kansas City, Missouri in 1999. The group was known for their abrasive and heavy sound as well as their association with Slipknot. Downthesun was the only act signed to Slipknot's short-lived record label, Maggot Corps. The group released one studio album, 2002's Downthesun, before breaking up in 2004. They briefly reunited in 2010 and have been inactive since 2011.

<i>Voliminal: Inside the Nine</i> 2006 video by Slipknot

Voliminal: Inside the Nine is the third video album by American heavy metal band Slipknot. Released December 5, 2006 by Roadrunner Records, the 2-disc DVD set features an 84-minute movie created by band member Shawn "Clown" Crahan. The set also includes live performances, music videos from songs on the band's third studio album, Vol. 3: , and the first unmasked interviews with all of the band members. The movie featured footage recorded from the recording of Vol. 3: through the end of the tour in support of the album spanning a total of 28 months. The DVD was promoted on various websites for the weeks leading up to its limited theatrical release. Critical reception of the album was mixed. Dawn wrote the album has "a raw sound" calling it "an audible treat for thrash and speed metal fans"; however, Billboard would tell fans to "save your cash for the band's next tour". Voliminal would be certified gold, platinum, and double platinum in Australia, the United States, and Canada respectively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Nameless (song)</span> 2005 single by Slipknot

"The Nameless" is a song by American heavy metal band Slipknot. The song was released as the only single from their first live album, 9.0: Live, while it is also included on their third studio album, Vol. 3: . A music video was released for the single in late 2005 and also was featured on MTV's Rock Top 10 as number two.

Dirty Little Rabbits was an American alternative rock band formed in 2007 in Johnston, Iowa. They are often referred to as a side project of Shawn Crahan, a member and founder of heavy metal band Slipknot. The band has not been active since 2010. Also known as the side project of Stella Soleil of Sister Soleil fame.

<i>All Hope Is Gone</i> 2008 studio album by Slipknot

All Hope Is Gone is the fourth studio album by American heavy metal band Slipknot, released on August 26, 2008 by Roadrunner Records. The album was published in two versions: the standard album in a CD case and a special edition packaged in a six-fold digipak containing three bonus tracks, a 40 page booklet, and a bonus DVD with a documentary of the album's recording. With a runtime of 57 minutes and 57 seconds, it is Slipknot's second-shortest studio album behind 2022's The End, So Far. It is also the band's final studio album to feature the Iowa-era lineup with two longtime members: bassist and founding member Paul Gray, who was found dead in an Iowa hotel on May 24, 2010, almost two years after the album's release, and drummer Joey Jordison, who left the group in December 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Big Orange Clown Records</span> American record label

Big Orange Clown Records is a Des Moines, Iowa-based record label founded by Shawn Crahan of the band Slipknot.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psychosocial (song)</span> 2008 song by Slipknot

"Psychosocial" is a song by American heavy metal band Slipknot. Released as the second single from the band's fourth studio album, All Hope Is Gone (2008). The song entered airplay on June 26, 2008 and was originally planned for release as a digital single on July 1 but was delayed and released on July 7. Slipknot performed "Psychosocial" live for the first time on July 9, 2008, at the White River Amphitheatre in Auburn, Washington. In 2008, the song was featured on the soundtrack to Marvel's Punisher: War Zone.

<i>To My Surprise</i> (album) 2003 studio album by To My Surprise

To My Surprise is the only album by American alternative rock band To My Surprise. Released on October 7, 2003 by Roadrunner Records, it was the only album that the band released before disbanding in 2006. The album was intended to be self-produced by Shawn Crahan and Brandon Darner, but after producer Rick Rubin was sent demos by Crahan, Rubin invited the band to Los Angeles where he assumed the role of executive producer. Following the release of the album, a music video was released for the song "In The Mood" on December 1.

<i>(sic)nesses</i> 2010 video by Slipknot

(sic)nesses is the fourth video album by American heavy metal band Slipknot. It was released on September 28, 2010 by Roadrunner Records. The double-disc release features a recording of their headlining performance at the 2009 Download Festival, along with a 45-minute behind the scenes documentary created by percussionist Shawn Crahan, and the four music videos from All Hope Is Gone. It is the band's first release since the death of the band's former bassist Paul Gray and is dedicated in his memory. On September 22, 2010, (sic)nesses premiered in select theaters across the United States. Entrance to the screenings were free and it included free giveaways. Reception was generally positive, with Artistdirect rewarding the album a perfect five out of five stars, and Blabbermouth.net giving the album eight and a half out of ten stars. The album peaked at number one on four charts: the Australian Top 40 Music DVD Chart, the Finland Top 10 Music DVDs, the UK Top 10 Music DVD Chart, and the US Top Music Video Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Snuff (song)</span> 2009 single by Slipknot

"Snuff" is a song by American heavy metal band Slipknot. Released on September 28, 2009, as the fifth and final single from their fourth album, All Hope Is Gone, the song charted at number two on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, their highest chart placement to date, surpassing "Dead Memories".

<i>We Are Not Your Kind</i> 2019 studio album by Slipknot

We Are Not Your Kind is the sixth studio album by American heavy metal band Slipknot. Recorded at EastWest Studios in Hollywood, California with co-producer Greg Fidelman, it was released on August 9, 2019, by Roadrunner Records. The title is taken from a lyric in the song "All Out Life", which was released as a standalone single in 2018 and features as a bonus track on the Japanese edition of the album. We Are Not Your Kind is the only Slipknot album to be recorded as an eight-member band, as their former percussionist Chris Fehn was fired from the band in March 2019 after suing the group for alleged unpaid royalties.

Look Outside Your Window is an upcoming studio album recorded by four members of the American band Slipknot. The material was written and recorded concurrently with the sessions for the band's fourth studio album All Hope Is Gone (2008). However, its emphasis on experimentation and a more melodic rock style kept it classified as a separate body of work from Slipknot's aggressive heavy metal sound. The album was scheduled for release during the latter half of the band's We Are Not Your Kind touring cycle, which was delayed until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After a three-year delay, vocalist Corey Taylor announced in August 2023 the album will likely be released in 2024.

References

  1. ↑ "To Everyone's Surprise". siN's metal news \m/. June 20, 2003. Archived from the original on June 21, 2003. Retrieved January 4, 2003.
  2. 1 2 D'Angelo, Joe (June 26, 2003). "Slipknot's Crahan Not Clowning Around With Side Project". MTV. Archived from the original on August 8, 2003. Retrieved November 30, 2008.
  3. ↑ "For The Record: Quick News On Da Band, John Mayer, Godsmack, X-ecutioners, Ronald Isley, Hanoi Rocks & More". MTV. September 9, 2003. Archived from the original on September 17, 2004. Retrieved November 30, 2008.
  4. ↑ "In The Mood". Roadrunner Records. November 21, 2003. Retrieved November 30, 2008.
  5. ↑ "(Game) Nerds". Roadrunner Records. February 9, 2004. Retrieved November 30, 2008.
  6. 1 2 "Exclusive Podcast: Part 2 - Slipknot Percussionist Shawn Crahan Beats Himself, Takes Pictures For Art". MTV. November 14, 2008. Archived from the original on December 25, 2008. Retrieved November 30, 2008.
  7. ↑ "To My Surprise Part Ways With Roadrunner, Seek New Label Home". Blabbermouth.net . July 17, 2004. Archived from the original on February 21, 2009. Retrieved November 30, 2008.
  8. ↑ "South By Southwest Fesivals + Conferences". South by Southwest. March 16, 2006. Archived from the original on January 23, 2009. Retrieved November 30, 2008.
  9. 1 2 3 Wiederhorn, Jon (October 3, 2005). "Slipknot Cap A Year Of Destruction With 9.0: Live; More Stone Sour On Tap". MTV. Archived from the original on January 7, 2006. Retrieved November 30, 2008.
  10. 1 2 Gager, Ellen (April 2006). "Peeking behind Shawn "Clown" Crahan's mask". Midwest Excess. Archived from the original on May 24, 2024. Retrieved November 30, 2008.
  11. ↑ "To My Surprise Featuring Slipknot Percussionist: New Song Posted Online". Blabbermouth.net. March 10, 2006. Archived from the original on February 21, 2009. Retrieved November 30, 2008.
  12. 1 2 Strauss, Neil (October 15, 2003). "The Pop Life; Hard-Rock Clown Finds His Inner Softie". The New York Times . Retrieved November 30, 2008.
  13. 1 2 Bell, Mike (November 11, 2003). "These Clowns are unhinged". Calgary Sun . Retrieved November 30, 2008.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.