SLIPKNOT’s newest drummer, Eloy Casagrande, has recently shared an exhilarating drum-cam video capturing his performance of the song “Scissors” on August 15 at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield, Massachusetts. This release provides fans with an immersive view of Casagrande’s dynamic drumming style and his integration into the band’s high-octane live performances. You can watch the video below and experience firsthand the energy and precision Casagrande brings to the stage.
In a recent interview with Tone-Talk, SLIPKNOT guitarist Jim Root shed light on how Casagrande came to join the band and his impact on SLIPKNOT’s sound. Root explained that the band didn’t consider any other drummers; Casagrande’s name emerged organically. “Eloy’s name came up, and he contacted us about wanting to be a part of it,” Root said. “He started sending a bunch of videos in. I think he and our bass player, Alessandro ‘Vman’ Venturella, might have had a bit of a relationship before. They had mutual friends, and Vman is really in tune with a lot of great, proggy, heavy musicians who are passionate about their instruments. It just seemed like a no-brainer.”
Root also emphasized Casagrande’s respect for the band’s legacy, particularly the influence of SLIPKNOT’s original drummer, the late Joey Jordison. “Eloy is really respectful of Joey’s legacy. Joey was a huge influence on him, and Eloy is so humble. The dude has so much humility,” Root continued. “You can tell he lives and breathes his craft. I see his passion, and it ignites my passion for my instrument. Brazilians, and South Americans in general, are so passionate about what they do. Our manager mentioned that he was out to dinner with several promoters from South America, and they were all really stoked. They felt like they had won the World Cup with a Brazilian drummer in SLIPKNOT now. It’s a cool feeling.”
The transition to having Casagrande in the band seems to have been smooth and mutually beneficial. Root expressed his gratitude, stating, “God, he just fits in so well. I don’t know, man. There are a lot of things I can say about it. I’m just glad it happened when it did. We are really lucky to have him.”
For their 2024 tour, SLIPKNOT has revisited their iconic look, incorporating the classic 1999 red jumpsuits and elements of their early masks into modern versions. This nod to their past coincides with the band’s celebration of its 25th anniversary. The tour has been well-received by fans eager to see the band’s evolution over the years while celebrating their roots.
The drummer transition began after SLIPKNOT parted ways with Jay Weinberg in November of the previous year. The band had teased fans about a new drummer with a cryptic social media post showing a broken drumstick captioned “Rehearsal.” The band later explained that the split with Weinberg was a creative decision. Weinberg, in turn, expressed his heartbreak and surprise over his departure, stating that he was “heartbroken and blindsided” by the decision.
Following his exit from SLIPKNOT, Weinberg joined SUICIDAL TENDENCIES and INFECTIOUS GROOVES. His departure marked a significant shift for SLIPKNOT, which was now looking to move forward with fresh energy and perspectives.
Casagrande’s departure from SEPULTURA just six months prior to joining SLIPKNOT added another layer of intrigue to his transition. SEPULTURA had announced Casagrande’s exit on February 6, just days before he was set to begin rehearsals for the band’s 40th-anniversary farewell tour. The statement from SEPULTURA noted that Casagrande left to pursue other projects, a move that left fans and the band surprised.
Casagrande had been with SEPULTURA for nearly 13 years, joining as a replacement for Jean Dolabella. His sudden departure opened the door for his entry into SLIPKNOT, a band known for its intense live performances and distinctive sound.
SLIPKNOT’s latest album, “The End, So Far,” released in August 2022, marked a significant chapter for the band. It was the last full-length LP before the departure of keyboardist Craig Jones in June 2023 and Weinberg. This album continued to build on the band’s legacy, showcasing their evolution while staying true to their core elements.
Currently, SLIPKNOT is in the midst of their “Here Comes The Pain” tour, celebrating the 25th anniversary of their seminal debut album, “Slipknot,” which catapulted them into the spotlight in 1999. The tour, produced by Live Nation, includes major arena stops across North America, such as Madison Square Garden in New York City, Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, and Moody Center in Austin, among others. The tour features support from Kentucky’s hardcore/metal up-and-comers KNOCKED LOOSE, as well as ORBIT CULTURE and VENDED on select dates.
As SLIPKNOT continues to captivate audiences with their powerful performances and evolving lineup, the addition of Eloy Casagrande has injected a renewed energy into the band. His drum-cam video of “Scissors” not only highlights his impressive technical skills but also his seamless integration into the band’s dynamic. Fans can look forward to experiencing more of Casagrande’s contributions as SLIPKNOT continues to tour and celebrate their milestone anniversary.
In summary, Eloy Casagrande’s entry into SLIPKNOT has been a significant development for the band, bringing fresh energy and a new perspective. His recent drum-cam video offers a glimpse into his impactful drumming style, while the band’s ongoing tour celebrates both their past and their future. As SLIPKNOT moves forward, the synergy between Casagrande and the band promises to deliver an exciting and powerful chapter in their storied career.
