Paleface Swiss Pay Epic Slipknot Tribute at Halloween Gig

Swiss deathcore outfit Paleface Swiss transformed their Halloween gig into a full-blown tribute to Slipknot, delivering a jaw-dropping performance of three iconic tracks while dressed as the legendary metal band. The set took place at Core Fest in Göppingen, Germany, where Paleface Swiss were headlining the event at the EWS Arena on October 31st.

The band kicked off their surprise set with Slipknot’s eerie intro track 742617000027, instantly setting the tone. As the curtain dropped, the five-piece emerged in red boiler suits and original Slipknot masks, launching into (sic), People = Shit, and Psychosocial—three of Slipknot’s most explosive songs. Each member embodied a different Slipknot member: - Frontman Marc ‘Zelli’ Zellweger wore Corey Taylor’s original mask with dreadlocks. - Guitarist Yannick Lehmann donned Mick Thomson’s steel-plate mask. - Bassist Tommy Lee sported Paul Gray’s iconic pig mask. - Drummer Luigi Paraventi took on the role of the late Joey Jordison*.

This wasn’t the first time Paleface Swiss had covered People = Shit—they’d previously performed it during shows in Mexico City and Dallas earlier in October, proving their dedication to Slipknot’s legacy. The band’s frontman, Zelli, has long cited Slipknot as a formative influence, telling Metal Hammer in 2025 how the band’s music helped him cope with teenage angst. "I’m not good at talking about emotions," he admitted. "I was walking through the streets of Switzerland listening to this really aggressive music, and I felt better."

Zelli also shared a fanboy moment from 2025, when Paleface Swiss performed at the same festival as Slipknot. "I was right next to Clown’s green room, and he was like, ‘Excuse me, can I enter my room?’" he recalled. "I would never be brave enough to say, ‘What’s up?’"

For fans of both bands, the Halloween tribute was a thrilling blend of deathcore energy and nu-metal nostalgia, showcasing Paleface Swiss’s deep respect for Slipknot’s impact on heavy music. While no official footage of the full performance has been released, clips circulating online capture the electrifying moment.

Why This Matters for Fans

• A Unique Tribute: Paleface Swiss’s performance was more than just a cover set—it was a full visual and sonic homage to Slipknot, complete with costumes and stage presence.
• Deathcore Meets Nu-Metal: The Swiss band’s aggressive style paired perfectly with Slipknot’s groove-heavy anthems, creating a fresh yet familiar experience for fans.
• A Nod to Metal History: By channeling Slipknot’s early aesthetic, Paleface Swiss highlighted the enduring influence of the Iowa band’s groundbreaking debut album, Iowa.

What’s Next for Paleface Swiss?

While the band hasn’t announced any upcoming tour dates following their Halloween spectacle, their high-energy live shows and genre-blending sound make them a must-watch act in the deathcore scene. Fans can expect more surprises—whether in the form of original music or unexpected tributes—from this dynamic Swiss quintet.

For now, the Halloween gig stands as a memorable moment for metal fans, bridging the gap between two generations of heavy music.