Eloy Casagrande has spoken about what fans can expect from Slipknot’s upcoming album, saying that they are “not thinking about business” and instead prioritising “making real music”.
The masked metal icons returned last month with the surprise single ‘Arsenal’ – their first new music in three years, and first since the departure of Sid Wilson and the joining of drummer Casagrande.
Since it dropped, Corey Taylor and co. have announced their ‘(sic)est Stadium Tour’, which kicks off in 2027 and features support from Marilyn Manson, Bring Me The Horizon and more. Guitarist Jim Root has also been dropping hints that a full album is on the way, but unlikely to feature ‘Arsenal’ on the tracklist.
Now, Casagrande has given another status update on the upcoming, Matt Wallace-produced eighth album, explaining that it will be “special” and feature “real music”.
“We are doing a lot of songs. Many, many songs,” he told Radiónica. “I cannot explain for you what exactly we are doing in the studio right now. But, what I can say is that the band is really happy with the music that we created so far. Everyone’s in a very good vibe.”
He continued: “We are doing what feels right for us to do at the moment and we are being very honest to all the fans. That’s it. We are making real music; we are not thinking about business. We are not thinking about if the people are gonna like it or not.
“Nowadays, you see a lot of artists thinking about the future; if they’re going to sell well or not [and] if they’re going to be able to play in huge arenas or not. That’s the opposite that we’re doing here. We are focusing on doing something that we like [and] that we feel proud of what we are doing.”
Casagrande also spoke about how his background in Brazilian music will most likely seep into the new Slipknot material, explaining that it is “impossible to be a different person” behind the drum kit, regardless of which band he’s in.
“I’m just one person, so it’s impossible for me [not to] bring that Brazilian influence… that’s something that I cannot get rid of,” he shared. “Of course I’m not playing like a traditional Brazilian band. I’m evolving to fit into the Slipknot world, but I’m still able to still have my DNA and to express myself in the band.”
Casagrande’s comments about making “real music” and not getting too lost in fulfilling fan expectations echo what Root said about the upcoming album at the end of last month – sharing that what feels most important to the band in 2026 is that they don’t “repeat ourselves” or try to replicate any of their earlier records.
“We’re really experimenting with different approaches. Don’t expect another ‘Iowa’ or self titled record. We’ve been there,” the guitarist said. “The vibe feels honest and true to me. It’s uneasy and reminds me of recording in the earlier days. I’m not saying that means it will translate to the type of music we’re creating or the sound/production of it.”
Root also looked back at the mixed response to their last album, 2022’s ‘The End, So Far’, saying that while “some good stuff came from it”, the process of writing during the COVID pandemic ultimately led to it sounding “disjointed and a mess”.
While Slipknot haven’t released an album since 2022, they did tease a new song, ‘Long May You Die’, recorded shortly after Casagrande joined in 2024, replacing Jay Weinberg.
Before they dropped ‘Arsenal’, the band also finally released their long-awaited ‘lost’ album ‘Look Outside Your Window’ for this year’s Record Store Day. A full series of physical editions followed later.
Their upcoming tour features their only UK and European show, set to take place at London’s Wembley Stadium on July 3. Following the support acts being announced, many fans have hit out at the band’s decision to have Marilyn Manson on the bill, given the numerous allegations of sexual and domestic abuse against him; all of which he has denied.
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