You'd think that after spending half the year sweltering under masks and heavy jumpsuits, the members of Slipknot would use their time off to cool down. The wild Iowans aren't exactly known to be sedentary creatures, however.

Not only are a few of the guys working on side projects and solo endeavors, but the nine-headed hydra of hard are also on their way to becoming industry moguls. Maggot Recordings, which takes its name from the term of endearment classifying the band's fans, has signed its first act, Downthesun.

The sextet is led by two vocalists, one of whom, Satone Stevens, used to be Clown (#6)'s drum tech, according to a spokesperson from Slipknot's management. Clown is serving as executive producer on Downthesun's debut and is assisting with the album artwork — two functions he provided for 40 Below Summer's debut, Invitation to the Dance.

Downthesun will continue to work on their debut album, which is likely to be released next year, until they put it aside to join Slipknot on an overseas trek that begins January 20 in Helsinki, Finland.

Meanwhile, Slipknot singer Corey Taylor (#8) has been working on a side project called Superego, he said Monday. Turntablist Sid Wilson (#0) is planning on spinning solo under the moniker DJ Starscream, and drummer Joey Jordison (#1) has written a few more songs with his moonlight venture, the Rejects. No dates have been set for when all this material will surface.

Slipknot guitarists James Root (#4) and Mick Thompson (#7) continue to hammer away at their respective solo albums, which they formulated while on the road during this summer's Ozzfest tour (see [article id="1445023"]"Slipknot's #4 and #7 Working On Solo LPs" [/article]).

Slipknot are currently spending time at home before crossing the Atlantic for an international tour that wraps up March 24 in Tokyo. Clown will remain in Iowa, however, to aid in his wife's recuperation after undergoing surgery for Crohn's disease. The procedure prompted the band to put off its U.S. tour, which was to begin November 21 (see [article id="1450987"]"Slipknot Postpone U.S. Tour" [/article]). Upon returning from Japan, the group plans to embark on a headlining tour to make up for the lost dates.

For a feature interview with Slipknot, check out [article id="1445317"]"Slipknot: Home Is Where The Art Is."[/article]