Slipknot fans may need to practice a little patience when it comes to the band’s next album.
Although hopes were high for new music following hints back in June that something would be coming “very soon,” it now seems like the wait could be a bit longer than initially anticipated. In a new interview with Alternative Press, Slipknot percussionist Shawn “Clown” Crahan gave an update on the band’s timeline for releasing new material, and it doesn’t seem like 2024 is in the cards.
“Somewhere between 2025 and mid-2026, there’s gonna be writing,” Clown said, setting a tentative window for when fans can expect the creative process to kick into gear. “I think it’s gonna be sooner than later. Maybe we’ll be in the studio in the later part of 2025. There’s no expectations. No one’s in a rush, but we’re not going to blow it off, either.”
For a band that’s spent decades shaping their unique sound and evolving their music, taking the time to perfect each new release makes sense. Slipknot’s previous record, The End, So Far, was released in 2022, marking the end of their long-term deal with Roadrunner Records. This next phase of their career, it seems, will follow a more flexible approach to producing music.
Independent or Label Deal?
One of the big shifts for Slipknot is their relationship with the record industry. After spending their entire career under Roadrunner Records, the band is now free from their seven-album deal with the label, and it sounds like they’re taking full advantage of this newfound freedom.
“I won’t sign a seven-album deal,” Clown said, putting to rest any ideas that the band might return to a long-term record contract. “But could we do one-offs or two? I don’t know. Am I interested in doing it ourselves? Well, that’s a lot of fuckin’ work. Could we do it? Yeah. Could it be beneficial for the band? Of course. Is it going to be 10 times more work? Absolutely.”
There’s no doubt that producing music independently would give Slipknot more creative control, but as Clown noted, it would also come with its challenges. The administrative side of handling their own releases, distribution, and promotion might be more than the band wants to take on. Still, the prospect of shorter deals or one-off releases seems like an appealing middle ground.
The Eloy Casagrande Factor
Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of Slipknot’s upcoming music is the involvement of their new drummer, Eloy Casagrande. Casagrande, best known for his time with Sepultura, has made waves within the metal community for his powerful drumming style and technical skill. He officially joined Slipknot after the departure of Jay Weinberg in 2023, and it seems like his presence is already influencing the band’s direction.
Vocalist Corey Taylor has high hopes for Casagrande’s contribution to the next album, suggesting that his energy and creativity might push Slipknot back toward a sound reminiscent of their earlier work. In an interview, Taylor expressed his excitement: “Eloy is such a natural writer. I think he’s going to take us to some places we haven’t been in a while.”
This is promising news for fans who have longed for a return to the raw, visceral sound of Slipknot’s earlier albums, such as their self-titled debut or Iowa. Casagrande’s drumming has the potential to inject a new level of intensity and aggression into the band’s music, something that has defined Slipknot at their best.
Taylor also hinted at the thematic depth of the upcoming material: “I’ve got a lot to say, and I’m looking forward to expounding on a lot of different things.” While he didn’t go into detail about the specific topics he’s planning to explore, it’s clear that the new album will feature the same raw, emotionally charged lyrics that have become synonymous with Slipknot’s music.
A New Direction?
While the promise of heavier, more intense music is thrilling, it’s also worth noting that Slipknot has never been a band to shy away from experimentation. Over the years, they’ve incorporated everything from industrial and electronic elements to more melodic, introspective passages into their sound. With Casagrande on board and the band taking their time to refine their music, there’s a good chance that the next album will blend Slipknot’s trademark heaviness with unexpected twists.
One of the most appealing aspects of Slipknot’s music is their ability to evolve while staying true to their core identity. Even as they’ve introduced new sounds and experimented with different genres, they’ve never lost the intensity and emotion that first captivated fans back in the late ’90s. The upcoming album, it seems, will continue that tradition of pushing boundaries while delivering the aggressive, high-energy sound that fans expect.
The Wait Continues
While the news of a longer wait might be disappointing for some, it’s clear that Slipknot is taking a methodical, deliberate approach to their next release. The time spent fine-tuning their sound and working with new drummer Eloy Casagrande will likely result in an album that not only meets but exceeds expectations.
For now, Slipknot fans can look forward to seeing the band on tour and perhaps hearing some sneak peeks of new material along the way. In the meantime, the anticipation continues to build, as fans eagerly await what promises to be a groundbreaking album from one of metal’s most iconic bands.
What Does the Future Hold?
As Slipknot moves into this next phase of their career, a few questions remain. How will Casagrande’s presence alter the band’s chemistry? Will they continue to experiment with different sounds, or will they fully embrace the heavier, old-school vibe hinted at by Taylor? And perhaps most importantly, how will the band navigate the new landscape of the music industry as they step away from traditional long-term record deals?
Whatever the answers to these questions may be, one thing is for sure: Slipknot is not a band to rest on their laurels. With nearly 30 years of groundbreaking music under their belt, they continue to push themselves and challenge their audience with each new release. As Clown said, there’s no rush—but when the time comes, Slipknot’s next album could be one of their most exciting and ambitious projects yet.
