Clown's cryptic clues: Slipknot's new music and what fans can expect

Interestingly, Deftones is not the only "nu-metal" band band set to release new music. In a recent interview with Revolver, Shawn "Clown" Crahan, one of the original members who co-founded the band in 1995, shared insights into the group's plans. Though a clown is technically a buffoon, Crahan is not clowning around.

In fact, despite some not taking them seriously due to their masks, this a band that has released albums intended to be serious, emotional statements. For example, back in 2014, .5: The Gray Chapter was released with a serious explanation: "This album is about making peace with the loss that we’ve suffered."

Crahan emphasized that Slipknot is committed to creating new music, stating, "There’s always going to be new Slipknot music." However, he explained that the process involves careful consideration and collaboration within the band, saying, "But we’ve also said that there is a filter, and we are the filter, and that filter must go through everyone. And when I was telling you that we’re doing a lot better communicating, now apply that to communicating about music."

Fans should prepare for surprises, as Crahan revealed that the upcoming music will be released "sooner than you can imagine, delivered to you in a way you can’t imagine." He has predicted the new material will be "widely accepted" by fans, and has "a really, really spiritual feeling" (and hey, according toat least one survey, some people listen to Slipknot while getting it on, so that might be spiritually uplifting as well).

Crahan also expressed excitement about Slipknot's newfound independence after parting ways with their label, adding, "There’s a lot of dismay with that, you know what I mean? But there’s also a lot of middle fingers with that. I love it, you know? Come and get us, or we’ll come to get you!”

More specifics on new Slipknot material

Adding to the anticipation, Slipknot recently confirmed long-standing rumors about a new song titled "Long May You Die." The band took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to address fan speculation, writing, "Slipknot fans are talking amongst themselves about Long May You Die being a new song written during the recent recording sessions. You’re right. You’re absolutely right."

The new releases will mark the band’s first recordings with their latest member, drummer Eloy Casagrande. Casagrande, who is best known for his work with Sepultura, officially joined Slipknot in April 2024 after their auditioning process, replacing Jay Weinberg, who was dismissed from the band in November 2023.

Tour

In addition to new music, Slipknot has launched an extensive tour in 2024 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their self-titled debut album, which was released in 1999. Crahan has hinted that the band might play the album in full during some of the tour dates and is also considering hosting intimate concerts to mark this milestone. This album, which features iconic tracks like "Wait and Bleed" and "Spit It Out," helped catapult Slipknot to fame, solidifying their place in the nu-metal scene (or what sophistcates might call the "New Wave of American Heavy Metal.").

Who is Slipknot anyway?

Formed in Des Moines, Iowa, Slipknot became known for their aggressive sound, chaotic live performances, and distinctive image, featuring members in matching jumpsuits and horror-inspired masks. Over the years, the band has released several critically acclaimed albums, including Iowa (2001), Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses) (2004), and We Are Not Your Kind (2019). They have also won numerous awards, including a Grammy for Best Metal Performance in 2006.

Slipknot's evolution continues as they prepare to release new material and embark on a commemorative tour, much to the excitement of their global fanbase. The band is also expected to release Look Outside Your Window, an album recorded by four band members in 2008, which was previously unreleased because those who heard it said "It's not Slipknot."

Slipknot's Corey Taylor described the album: "It’s much more of a rock vibe. Honestly, it’s much more of a Radiohead vibe..."

With Crahan’s hints of unexpected delivery and the band’s rich history, fans can look forward to what Slipknot has in store next.