Slipknot Fans, Hold Your Breath: The Next Album Might Be Further Away Than You Think
In a recent, eye-opening interview with NME, Slipknot co-founder and percussionist M. Shawn Crahan, affectionately known as Clown, dropped a bombshell that might surprise many fans. Contrary to circulating rumors, neither he nor any other band member is currently working on new material for the follow-up to their 2022 album, The End, So Far. But here's where it gets controversial: instead of hitting the studio, the band is prioritizing something far more human—taking a much-needed break. After relentless touring throughout 2024 and 2025, Crahan emphasized the importance of stepping back and recharging. 'Everybody is writing all the time,' he noted, 'but we haven’t reached the point where we’re ready to collaborate on what’s been written.' While there are tentative plans to reconvene later this month, it’s entirely dependent on everyone’s readiness. 'The vibe feels positive,' Crahan assured, 'and everyone’s eager to dive back in when the time is right.'
This pause might seem unusual for a band known for their relentless energy, but it’s a reminder that even the most intense artists need downtime. And this is the part most people miss: creativity often thrives in moments of rest, not just in the chaos of constant work. Last October, drummer Eloy Casagrande hinted at the band’s ongoing creative process during an interview with Drummer's Review. 'We’re always cooking up new ideas,' he revealed. 'Since I joined, we’ve been exchanging riffs, beats, and even jamming. There’s a lot of material waiting to be pieced together.' Yet, despite this, the band’s focus remains on balance—a rare but necessary approach in the music industry.
Guitarist Jim Root echoed this sentiment in a candid conversation on the Turning Wrenches podcast last May. 'We need to write a record,' he admitted, 'but it’s tough to be creative with a tour looming over your shoulder.' Root’s home studio, with its reference monitors and recording setup, is his sanctuary for creativity, but he needs time to sit, experiment, and layer ideas. Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Root openly challenged the band’s management to halt tour bookings, emphasizing the need for financial stability to support newer, family-oriented members. 'We don’t want them to have to go back to work after tours,' he explained. 'We want to ensure they’re paid while we focus on creating music.' This raises a thought-provoking question: How do bands balance artistic integrity with the financial realities of their members? Is it fair to prioritize creativity over immediate income?
Root also addressed a viral post that misconstrued his words, suggesting the new album wouldn’t arrive anytime soon. 'That was me, tour-weary in London,' he clarified. 'Now, I’ve got six solid arrangements ready for the band, with four more in the works. I’m aiming for 20 to 25 tracks before pre-production.' He even floated the idea of releasing a single or EP before the full album, a move that could either tease the new direction or stand as a standalone piece. But here’s the kicker: Root admitted that some of the band’s most unexpected songs, like Devil In I, turned out to be fan favorites. 'You never know what’ll stick,' he said. 'That’s the beauty of the creative process.'
Less than two years ago, Slipknot teased fans with Long May You Die, a track recorded during early sessions with Casagrande. The End, So Far, released in August 2022, marked the band’s final full-length LP before keyboardist Craig Jones and drummer Jay Weinberg parted ways, with Casagrande stepping in. As the band navigates this transitional phase, one thing is clear: their next chapter will be worth the wait.
What do you think? Is Slipknot’s decision to prioritize rest over rushed creativity a smart move, or should they capitalize on their momentum? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
