The anticipation for Slipknot's next album is palpable, and guitarist Jim Root is shedding light on the creative process behind the upcoming release. In a recent interview, Root revealed the producer overseeing the sessions, Matt Wallace, and shared insights into the band's creative journey.
Root describes the collaboration with Wallace as a dynamic process, 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 organic approach, Root emphasizes, is what makes the creative process so exciting and real.
The drummer, Eloy Casagrande, is a key figure in this new chapter. Root praises Casagrande's talent and technical prowess, noting his ability to blend experimental elements with a deep understanding of drumming masters like Stewart Copeland. This infusion of fresh influences is evident in the band's sound, as Root mentions the exploration of grindpicking riffs and melodic, heavy, and doomy elements.
Despite Slipknot's longevity, Root acknowledges his own growth as a writer. He expresses excitement about the evolving arrangements, 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.'
The new album, Root assures fans, will not be a reversion to the band's earlier sound. He clarifies, 'The new shit we’re writing does not sound like that at all. We’re not de-evolving into that sort of thing.' Instead, the music will retain Slipknot's signature style while incorporating fresh elements.
Root's enthusiasm for the creative process is infectious. He envisions a studio behind his house, dedicating every waking hour to music, a testament to his passion and dedication. The band's focus on new music is evident, with no official album or song titles revealed, and a tour schedule that allows them to immerse themselves in the creative process.
In conclusion, Slipknot's upcoming album promises to be a testament to the band's evolution, blending their signature sound with fresh influences and a dynamic creative approach. As fans eagerly await the release, Root's insights provide a glimpse into the exciting journey ahead.
