Jim Root warns Slipknot album will hurt feelings
When you’re dealing in raw, intense music, there’s a fine line between artistic honesty and public expectation. For Slipknot frontman Jim Root, that line is currently being drawn with a mixture of defiance and introspection, especially as the band prepares for new creative territory.
Root recently dropped a statement about the direction of their forthcoming material, warning fans that the new album is “gonna hurt some feelings.” This provocative comment sets the stage for a deeper look into the band’s evolving sound and the often-turbulent process of creating music under the intense spotlight.
The shift in creative focus isn’t just about a new record; it’s about revisiting the roots of their sound. Root has reflected on their production choices, emphasizing a desire to avoid repetition, stating they are experimenting with different approaches and refusing to fall back on previous sonic blueprints like the “Iowa” or self-titled records.
He believes the current vibe is honest and true, even if it’s uneasy. Root contrasts their current work with earlier recordings, noting that the sound reminds him of the early days. He points to the influence of producers like Ross Robinson, acknowledging that while the early records had a certain vibe, he found them to be “LoFi,” whereas some later works felt “over produced.”
The philosophy behind their sound involves stripping back layers. Root prefers a focus on the core elements—the guitar and rhythm—rejecting excessive guitar layering, opting instead for a more visceral, analog approach. This commitment extended to their recording process, where they chose the most exciting and pissed-off sounding track, recording it live on the floor with drummer Eloy Casagrande, prioritizing raw energy over polished perfection.
Looking back at their previous efforts, Root admitted that the 2022 album, The End, So Far, felt “disjointed and a mess.” While acknowledging that the global pressures of Covid and the state of the world made the process difficult, he insisted that some good material emerged from that time.
Amidst these artistic considerations, the band is gearing up for a massive global push. Slipknot has announced their “(sic)est Stadium Tour,” which kicks off in 2027 and features a lineup that includes Marilyn Manson, Bring Me The Horizon, and more. This monumental tour will feature their only UK and European show at London’s Wembley Stadium in July of 2027.
However, the band’s decision to bring in Manson as a support act has ignited a firestorm among fans. Comments shared online reflected a sharp division: while some welcomed the “huge fanbase overlap” and saw Manson as a “perfect support act,” many others expressed deep disappointment, citing concerns over the association, especially in light of past allegations against Manson.
Ultimately, the story of Slipknot—and the tensions surrounding it—is a potent mix of uncompromising artistic vision, the unpredictable nature of stadium-level touring, and the complex relationship between art, commerce, and public perception.
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