SLIPKNOT’s New Drummer Officially Unveiled: Eloy Casagrande Beats the Drum of Change
SLIPKNOT, the enigmatic Iowan force behind some of nu metal’s most aggressive anthems, has finally pulled back the curtain on their new drummer. Filling the crucial role is the formidable Eloy Casagrande, a name that sent shockwaves through the metal scene after his abrupt departure from SEPULTURA earlier this year.
The news, officially confirmed via an Instagram post on April 30th, showcased not only the band’s new drummer but also their revamped attire and imposing new masks, hinting at a fresh era for the band.
Casagrande‘s arrival comes after the departure of Jay Weinberg in February. While the band cited creative differences for the split, Weinberg has landed on his feet, currently drumming for thrash metal veterans SUICIDAL TENDENCIES. Enter Casagrande, a powerhouse drummer known for his technical mastery and relentless energy – a perfect fit for SLIPKNOT‘s signature blend of aggression and melody.
The eagle-eyed among the band’s fanbase might have noticed a subtle clue in March – a seemingly innocuous Instagram post featuring a broken Promark drumstick. Casagrande, a brand ambassador for Promark, inadvertently fueled the rumor mill, suggesting rehearsals with a new drummer were in full swing.
The speculation reached a fever pitch when SLIPKNOT took the stage for the first time with Casagrande on April 25th. The highly anticipated performance not only unveiled their new drummer but also debuted their menacing new masks and a setlist brimming with nostalgia, featuring five bone-crushing tracks from their self-titled 1999 debut album. The energy was palpable, and the maggots (SLIPKNOT‘s devoted fanbase) were ecstatic. The band followed it up with a scorching performance at the Sick New World festival in Las Vegas on April 27th, further solidifying Casagrande‘s place behind the kit.
But the arrival of Casagrande signifies more than just a new drummer for SLIPKNOT. It marks a new chapter for the band, one brimming with potential. Casagrande‘s drumming style, characterized by his lightning-fast speed and intricate fills, perfectly complements the band’s intense sound. Fans can expect a renewed focus on technicality and a potentially more progressive direction for the band, without sacrificing the raw aggression that defines their music.
This isn’t just speculation. SLIPKNOT has hinted at a more adventurous sonic direction in recent interviews. Clown, the band’s co-founder and resident mad scientist, has spoken of pushing boundaries and experimenting with new sounds. With Casagrande‘s arrival, the band has the firepower to translate those ideas into reality.
The upcoming 25th-anniversary tour of their debut album further underscores this new direction. Performing the album in its entirety is a bold move, showcasing the band’s roots while also highlighting their evolution. The inclusion of BLEED FROM WITHIN, a Scottish groove/melodeath metal band known for their technical prowess, as support on the European leg of the tour further reinforces this focus on musicality.
For SLIPKNOT maggots across North America, there’s more to celebrate. The band will be gracing several festivals this year, culminating in a headlining slot at Knotfest Iowa in September. This homecoming show, their first in their home state since 2021, promises to be an unforgettable experience, a chance to witness SLIPKNOT reborn with a new drummer and a renewed creative fire.
SLIPKNOT‘s new era has officially begun. With Eloy Casagrande taking the reins behind the drumkit, the band is poised to deliver a brutal yet exhilarating new chapter in their already legendary career. Whether you’re a longtime maggot or a newcomer to the dark and twisted world of SLIPKNOT, one thing’s for certain: you won’t want to miss what’s coming next.
SLIPKNOT 2024 tour dates:
May 12: Daytona Beach Welcome To Rockville, FL
May 19: Columbus Sonic Temple Festival, OH
Sep 21: Des Moines Water Works Park, IA
Dec 05: Amsterdam Ziggo Dome, Netherlands
Dec 06: Dortmund Westfalenhalle, Germany
Dec 08: Stuttgart Schleyerhalle, Germany
Dec 90: Leipzig Quarterback Immobilien Arena, Germany
Dec 11: Zurich Hallenstadion, Switzerland
Dec 12: Paris Accorhotel Arena, France
Dec 14: Leeds First Direct Arena, UK
Dec 15: Glasgow OVO Hydro, UK
Dec 17: Manchester Co-op Live Arena, UK
Dec 18: Birmingham Utilita Arena, UK
Dec 20: London O2 Arena, UK
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