Image: Slipknot [Jonathan Weiner / Official Press Photo]
Slipknot's new drummer Eloy Casagrande has spoken about how he joined Slipknot. Jim Root also shares his thoughts. How exactly did it all happen?
Eloy Casagrande, the former drummer for Sepultura, has already completed his first live gigs as an official member of Slipknot. After so much speculation and mystery, one naturally wonders how it all came about. In an interview, Casagrande revealed some details about this development.
Audition after Audition
According to Casagrande, Slipknot's management contacted him and asked him to audition. After several video recordings of different songs, he then traveled to America, where he rehearsed with the entire band. After five days, he even extended his stay because Slipknot wanted to record something with him right away.
"I think that was also part of the audition, they brought me new ideas to see what my songwriting is like. They wanted to test me in every possible way."
Although this sounds very much like the start of a new creative process for an upcoming album, Casagrande immediately tempers those hopes. The band's current focus is not on new production, even though new material was recorded with him.
"We wrote a few things, and they are on ice for now… I don't think there is pressure to record new material. But I'm sure they want to, I just don't know when, because right now the band is focused on celebrating their 25th anniversary."
Among other things, Casagrande thanks his fans, especially his large Brazilian fanbase, for their support.
"I have really felt accepted. And you can go there, comment more, I love it. I couldn't be more grateful to the Brazilians."
Jim Root Speaks Highly of Eloy Casagrande
Longtime Slipknot guitarist Jim Root doesn't hold back in his praise for their new addition. According to him, Casagrande fits really well into the band. He has even inspired him.
"You can tell he lives and breathes his craft. So much so that I see his passion and it reignites my own passion for my instrument."
Moreover, Jim Root revealed that no other candidate had auditioned for the drum position. Their bassist Alessandro “Vman” Venturella even already knew Casagrande, and additionally, Eloy Casagrande is very respectful towards Joey Jordison's legacy, their original drummer.
“It was basically a no-brainer. He respects Joey's legacy, and Joey was a big influence on him.”
New Mask Photos Released
New photos of all nine current members of Slipknot were recently posted online. In the description, each musician's name or pseudonym and role in the band are listed. For example, Eloy Casagrande is introduced first as the new drummer. However, there is one name that remains unknown. On the seventh photo, the mask of a new member responsible for samples and media is shown, but no name is provided. Since Craig Jones is no longer with Slipknot, all fans are waiting to see who will step into his big shoes. However, there has been no official announcement yet.
Here you can find the new mask images:
