The legendary heavy metal band Slipknot is gearing up for their next studio album, marking a significant milestone since their last release in 2020. Guitarist Jim Root, a founding member, has been instrumental in shaping the band's sound and creative direction. In a recent interview, Root revealed exciting details about the upcoming album, shedding light on the creative process and the influence of new members.
A New Sound, A New Producer
One of the most intriguing aspects of this album is the collaboration with producer Matt Wallace. Root describes the process as organic and real, stating, 'We're just jamming and Clown's arranging. He's taking things that Eloy and I are playing, or me and Eloy and Michael Pfaff are playing, or he's even sitting in on the jams.' This approach has resulted in a diverse range of song ideas, with Root noting, 'We might get four song ideas out of that and then we just spend time arranging and it’s so organic and it’s so real.'
The new album is a stark contrast to their previous work, as Root emphasizes, 'The new shit we’re writing does not sound like that at all. We’re not de-evolving into that sort of thing.' Despite this, the music retains a familiar Slipknot vibe, as Root explains, 'Yet there’s a familiarity to it that feels like I’ve been listening to it my whole life and it’s just so organic. It’s just Slipknot music.'
The Influence of New Members
The introduction of new members, particularly drummer Eloy Casagrande, has brought a fresh perspective to the band. Root describes Casagrande as a talented and versatile musician, capable of blending technical prowess with experimental elements. He adds, 'He’s very knowledgeable. He’s very technical. But he also is very… he can lay back and get experimental.'
The guitarist also acknowledges the influence of the band's new members on the creative process, stating, 'It’s Slipknot, so we’re going to have a sound. But at the same time, having Eloy in the band is like such an honor to be able to jam with that guy.'
A Musical Evolution
Despite being a founding member, Root continues to evolve as a writer, stating, 'For the first time, I’m listening to some of these arrangements as they’re growing. And this is the closest I’ve heard to the music that I can hear in my head that I can’t get out that I’ve ever been.' This excitement about the creative process is evident in his desire to spend every waking hour in a studio, a sentiment that reflects his passion for music.
In conclusion, Slipknot's upcoming album promises to be a testament to the band's enduring creativity and musical evolution. With a new producer, fresh influences, and a renewed sense of experimentation, the album is sure to captivate fans and introduce new listeners to the unique sound of Slipknot.
