Eloy Casagrande finishes recording drums for Slipknot album
The Beautiful Chaos: Inside Slipknot’s Creative Storm and Controversial Tour
The making of a new heavy metal masterpiece is rarely a smooth affair, and the journey toward Slipknot’s eighth studio album has proven to be anything but easy. Drummer Eloy Casagrande has spent months laying down the tracks, diving into a creative process he admits has been absolutely crazy.
The collaborative effort began with a raw exchange of riffs and beats between Casagrande and guitarist Jim Root, which eventually led to jamming sessions with percussionist Shawn Crahan. These early interactions, spanning hours of shared experimentation, were the foundation for the recording, a process that required listening back, cherry-picking the best moments, and solidifying a sonic vision.
Adding to the creative tapestry was the involvement of industry figures, including producer Matt Wallace, who had previously worked with the band, lending an extra layer of experience to the intense studio sessions.
The songwriting process also revealed fascinating dynamics within the group. The single Arsenal, which the band released last month, was not born from a jam, but rather from a vocal melody sung by frontman Corey Taylor. This distinction highlights how the band weaves together individual creative impulses into a cohesive whole.
While the studio was buzzing with new material, the external world presented its own set of storms for the band. The years following the album release have been marked by significant lineup changes and public friction. In 2026, longtime turntablist Sid Wilson departed the lineup, a shift that occurred shortly after personal and professional upheaval for the group.
Later, the band announced a major world tour in 2027, including a stop at London’s Wembley Stadium. However, this ambition was tempered by controversy surrounding the inclusion of Marilyn Manson as a support act in South America and the UK. This decision drew intense backlash, especially given the complex legal and personal history surrounding Manson and various accusers.
The tension over the touring decision led guitarist Jim Root to step away from the logistics of the matter, emphasizing his desire to remain outside the controversy. Meanwhile, the focus returned to the personal narrative of the drummer himself. Casagrande shared that the meaning behind his iconic Slipknot mask stems from a traumatic experience, recounting a time when he was mugged in São Paulo and felt lucky that the perpetrator decided not to shoot.
From the volatile studio sessions to the complex public relations surrounding their performances, Slipknot continues to navigate a landscape defined by intense creativity and equally intense human drama.