In a recent interview with Brazilian journalists Marcelo Vieira and Mateus Ribeiro, Mike Portnoy, the celebrated drummer of Dream Theater, offered his insights on the latest lineup changes in the heavy metal world, particularly focusing on Eloy Casagrande’s new role as Slipknot’s drummer.
Known for his humor and candidness, Portnoy’s comments not only provided a deep appreciation for Casagrande’s talents but also highlighted his unique perspective on drumming in the metal genre.
When asked about Eloy Casagrande’s suitability for the role in Slipknot, Portnoy’s response was both humorous and filled with admiration. He jokingly mentioned, “I do. Eloy really… Well, actually, no. The perfect drummer for Slipknot would have been my son Max Portnoy,” and then added with a laugh, “But the second-best drummer for Slipknot, behind Max, is definitely Eloy.” This playful remark underscores Portnoy’s confidence in both his son’s skills and Casagrande’s exceptional drumming abilities.
Portnoy’s praise for Casagrande was effusive, emphasizing not only his technical prowess but also his vibrant performance style. He described Eloy as “a perfect fit, a perfect pick,” and elaborated, “He has so much incredible technique, but beyond technique, he plays with a lot of spirit and balls, and personality. And sometimes, for me, that’s way more important than technique. But in his case, he has both. He has it all. And I couldn’t be happier for him.” This endorsement from Portnoy is significant, given his stature in the drumming community, and reflects the high regard in which Casagrande is held.
Portnoy’s admiration extended beyond just Casagrande. He expressed satisfaction with the recent drummer reshuffles in the metal world, including the moves of Greyson Nekrutman and Jay Weinberg. Nekrutman’s transition to Sepultura and Weinberg’s shift to Suicidal Tendencies were seen by Portnoy as forming a “perfect metal triangle.” He remarked, “I’m also happy for Greyson who took his place in Sepultura, ’cause he’s another favorite modern drummer of mine. So, the kind of triangle between Sepultura, Slipknot, and Suicidal Tendencies, with Jay Weinberg going to Suicidal, it’s the perfect metal triangle. I think all three of those drummers are tremendous, and they’ve all gotten great gigs.”
For those unfamiliar with recent developments, Portnoy’s son Max has been making waves as a drummer for the band Tallah and has been Code Orange’s touring drummer since 2021. Prior to these roles, Max was the drummer for the now-defunct band Next To None. This familial connection adds an extra layer of pride and personal investment to Portnoy’s comments about the drumming world.
The drumming landscape saw a significant reshuffle in late 2023. Eloy Casagrande left Sepultura after a notable 13-year tenure and officially joined Slipknot as their drummer on April 30th. This departure from Sepultura created an opening that was quickly filled by Greyson Nekrutman, who had recently been with Suicidal Tendencies. In a dramatic twist, Suicidal Tendencies then brought Jay Weinberg on board to replace Nekrutman. Weinberg, who was previously the drummer for Slipknot, found a new home with Suicidal Tendencies, completing the trio of high-profile drummer moves that Portnoy praised.
Portnoy’s observations reflect a deep understanding of the dynamics within the metal music industry and the importance of each drummer’s contribution to their respective bands. His comments offer insight into how significant these changes are, not only for the bands involved but also for the broader metal community.
In conclusion, Mike Portnoy’s recent remarks shed light on the high regard he has for Eloy Casagrande and the recent shifts in the metal drumming scene. His humor, combined with sincere praise for Casagrande’s skill and personality, highlights the critical role that individual drummers play in shaping the sound and success of their bands. The reshuffling of drummers among major metal acts like Slipknot, Sepultura, and Suicidal Tendencies is more than just a change in personnel; it represents a significant moment in the evolution of the genre, with each drummer bringing their unique talents to their new roles.
