In the aftermath of Slipknot's major breakthrough and rumored breakup, various side projects surfaced, though To My Surprise emerged as the most unexpected among them. Shawn Crahan, the band's percussionist known as Clown, launched the effort in June 2003 alongside Des Moines associates Brandon Darner on vocals and guitar plus Steven Robinson on bass and guitar, ultimately shaping a style that contrasted sharply with his main band and resisted straightforward classification. Rick Rubin responded with strong enthusiasm upon hearing the demos. The well-known bearded producer took on executive producer duties for the group's self-titled and wide-ranging debut album, released through Roadrunner in October 2003. By blending psychedelia, reflective pop, and sophisticated experimentation with metal influences, the record revealed greater range in Crahan beyond his clown-mask persona.
