Is Slipknot Releasing a New Album in 2025? Here’s What We Know So Far

Slipknot fans are eagerly awaiting news of the band’s next studio album following 2022’s The End, So Far. While a new record hasn’t been officially announced, the band members have dropped numerous hints in recent interviews about their plans.

Below is a detailed article of the information available — from thematic and musical direction to timeline, lineup changes, and speculation about what to expect — all compiled from various trusted sources.

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Slipknot has a history of taking things to the extreme—but did you know that Corey Taylor once passed out on stage from headbanging too hard? During a show, he headbanged so intensely that he lost consciousness mid-song. The band kept playing, assuming it was just part of the act. Talk about commitment. Photos by Dan Virchow via Instagram

Possible Themes & Musical Direction

In recent interviews, Slipknot’s members have indicated that the new material could explore fresh territory while also tapping into elements of their classic sound. Frontman Corey Taylor has hinted that he has “a lot to say” on the next album and that new drummer Eloy Casagrande may inspire the band to visit “places we haven’t been in a while” musically.

This suggests the album’s themes and lyrics might be driven by Corey Taylor’s recent personal experiences and reflections. (Notably, Corey has been open about his mental health struggles and past trauma, which could inform a very introspective and intense lyrical direction.)

Musically, the band appears energized to experiment. Percussionist M. Shawn “Clown” Crahan says he wants to approach the next record “with an energy like it’s all starting again”. This mindset of a “fresh start” implies Slipknot might write music in a more spontaneous, organic way — jamming together as they did in their early days.

In fact, Clown noted that during rehearsals on their recent tour, if someone starts playing a great riff or beat, “that f**ker will be done by the end of the night and then massaged over a month,” which he calls “the best way to write Slipknot music”.

The inclusion of Eloy Casagrande on drums is another key factor in the band’s evolving sound. Casagrande, formerly of Sepultura, brings a “proggy, heavy” style and intense passion for his instrument, according to guitarist Jim Root. Root explained that Eloy’s presence is “inspiring” the band and even pushing them to up their game: “He makes me want to be a better guitar player to match his abilities”.

Given that Eloy cites original Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison as a huge influence, fans are speculating that the new songs could recapture some of the ferocity of the band’s early albums (e.g. the blistering tempos and complexity of Iowa), combined with modern technical flair. In short, Slipknot’s next album is expected to be dark and heavy – potentially even more aggressive, yet also open to new experimental twists – as the band members channel new energy and personal themes into their songwriting.

Release Timeline: Confirmed Plans vs. Rumors

When might we hear this new Slipknot album? The band has been careful not to promise any specific release date, but they have provided a general timeframe and some clues. In an interview with Alternative Press, Clown revealed that “somewhere between 2025 and mid-2026, there’s gonna be writing” for Slipknot’s next studio album.

He suggested they may hit the studio in late 2025, while emphasizing that there’s “no rush” and “no expectations” – the band doesn’t want to force the process, but they also won’t “blow it off”. This indicates that 2025 will likely be the year they get down to serious work on the album, though the actual release could end up in 2026 if the writing only begins later in 2025.

Interestingly, more recent comments by Clown imply the band is feeling motivated coming out of their 25th anniversary tour (which took place in 2024). In a backstage chat with Knotfest (published around the new year 2025), Clown stated plainly: “We got a new album. We’re gonna start at some point” in 2025.

He described going into the project with “positive potential” and the renewed mindset of his “No Complaining” personal resolution. While this still doesn’t pin down a release date, it reinforces that work on the album will commence in 2025.

Some industry outlets took this to mean Slipknot is gearing up to “release a torrent of new music in the near future”, possibly hinting that once things are in motion, we might see singles or previews before the full album drops.

In fact, the band has already begun writing new material. As of May 2024, Slipknot surprised fans by confirming the existence of a brand-new song titled “Long May You Die.” A cryptic post on the band’s official Instagram — later recapped by Kerrang! — acknowledged fan chatter and revealed “You’re right. You’re absolutely right,” confirming that “Long May You Die” was written during recent sessions with Eloy Casagrande.

This is significant because it proves that despite publicly saying there’s no rush, the band members have indeed been creating new music behind the scenes. The song has not been released yet (it was merely teased), but its existence fuels speculation that Slipknot might drop a single or EP ahead of the full album. (As one outlet noted, “a single called ‘Long May You Die’ was announced back in the spring” of 2024, though as of yet it hasn’t “seen the light of day”.)

It’s also worth clarifying that Slipknot has another project slated for early 2025: the long-rumored “lost” album Look Outside Your Window. This is a collection of experimental songs recorded by four Slipknot members during 2008 (the All Hope Is Gone era). For years, Clown has teased its eventual release, and recent reports suggest it “might see the light of day in the first quarter of 2025”.

But Clown has explicitly stated that Look Outside Your Window is “not a Slipknot album” – it doesn’t sound like the typical Slipknot style and should be considered a separate artistic side-release. The band is careful to distinguish this from their main discography. So while Look Outside Your Window may come out in 2025, it’s not the “new Slipknot album” fans are expecting, but rather a unique offshoot for die-hards to enjoy. The actual next Slipknot studio album (the follow-up to The End, So Far) will be composed of newly written material and is on its own timeline (likely late 2025 or beyond, as noted above).

Bottom line: There is no firm release date yet for Slipknot’s next album. The band members suggest that serious writing and recording will take place during 2025, potentially leading to a release either in late 2025 or in 2026. In the meantime, at least one new song (“Long May You Die”) has been written and hinted at, and an unrelated archival project (Look Outside Your Window) is expected in early 2025.

Fans should stay tuned for official announcements, but be prepared for a bit of a wait as Slipknot takes their time to craft the album on their own terms.

Insights from Slipknot Members on New Music

The clearest picture of what to expect comes from comments by key band members like Corey Taylor and Shawn “Clown” Crahan, as well as other members who’ve spoken about the band’s future. Here are some notable insights from Slipknot’s members regarding the upcoming music:

• Corey Taylor (Vocalist): Corey has expressed enthusiasm for the new material, especially working with drummer Eloy Casagrande. “Eloy is such a natural writer… I think he’s going to take us to some places we haven’t been in a while,” Taylor said, adding that “I’ve got a lot to say, and I’m looking forward to expounding on a lot of different things” in the lyrics.

This suggests Corey is bringing significant inspiration to the table — potentially drawing from personal struggles and societal issues he’s passionate about. (He recently had to pause his solo tour for mental health reasons and confronted a lot of past trauma, which might fuel his songwriting.) In short, Corey’s insight is that the new songs will carry strong messages and possibly venture into fresh sonic territory thanks to the new blood in the band.

• M. Shawn “Clown” Crahan (Percussionist & Co-Founder): Clown’s outlook for the next album is centered on rejuvenation and a new approach. His New Year’s resolution for 2025 was literally “No Complaining” – a vow to drop expectations and ego, and just focus on positive creativity. In practice, he said this means: “We got a new album. We’re gonna start at some point. I just want to roll into that with an energy like it’s all starting again. That’s how I want to approach it.”. Clown also discussed how they might release the album now that they’re off their old label. He made it clear he “won’t sign a seven-album deal” again, but is open to alternatives like one-off album deals or even self-releasing the music if necessary.

Though going independent would be “a lot of fuckin’ work,” he acknowledged, it could be beneficial in the long run. In essence, Clown’s insight is that Slipknot’s next phase will be on their own terms — with a refreshed spirit in the studio and a careful decision on how to get the music out to fans.

• Jim Root (Guitarist): While Jim hasn’t spoken as directly about the new album’s content, he has been vocal about the impact of the lineup changes. Regarding Eloy Casagrande joining on drums, Root was “full of praise for Eloy” and noted how the drummer’s dedication has lit a fire within the band. “He’s like some sort of Jedi drum master… He just lives and breathes his craft,” Root said, explaining that Eloy’s passion “ignites my passion for my instrument”. Jim also mentioned that Eloy’s “humility” and respect for the band’s legacy (especially for late drummer Joey Jordison) made him a perfect fit.

From Jim’s perspective, the new member is pushing Slipknot to be better musicians – an insight that implies the next album could feature some of their most technically proficient and inspired performances in years.

• Eloy Casagrande (Drummer): Eloy himself has given a peek into the early stages of the songwriting process. In his first interview about joining Slipknot, he revealed that during his audition period the band “threw new ideas at me to see what my songwriting was like… We’ve written a few things, and they’re shelved for the time being.”. This indicates that even before he was officially in the band, Slipknot started jamming on new material with him. Eloy also echoed the sentiment that there’s no immediate pressure to rush out an album, saying “I don’t think there’s any pressure to record new material. … Right now the band is focused on celebrating its 25th anniversary.”.

His insight reinforces that while new riffs and songs do exist, Slipknot is allowing ideas to marinate until they’re ready to fully commit to recording. Eloy comes across as excited and prepared to contribute, but also patient as he integrates into the band’s writing dynamics.

• Other Members: Longtime members like Sid Wilson (turntablist) and Mick Thomson (guitarist) haven’t given specific interviews about the new album as of yet. However, given the overall band sentiment, it’s likely they share in the excitement of exploring new sounds. Sid’s role in electronics/DJ effects could potentially expand with a new sampler on board, and Mick’s crushing guitar style will surely continue to be a backbone of any heavy direction they pursue. Any insights from them would be speculative at this point, but historically, all members feed off the group’s collective energy — and that energy seems to be at a high heading into 2025.

There ya go, the band’s own comments paint a picture of a group that is reinvigorated and brimming with ideas, but also mindful of doing things differently (and more freely) this time around. Corey is ready to pour his heart out, Clown is fostering a creative reset, Jim and the others are pushing their skills alongside the new drummer, and Eloy is already contributing to the songwriting chemistry.

All these insights suggest that when Slipknot’s next album finally comes, it will be the result of a very collaborative and impassioned process within the band.

Fan and Industry Speculation

Unsurprisingly, the Slipknot fanbase and music industry insiders have been buzzing with speculation about what the next album might hold. Without an official album announcement or title yet, much of this is educated guesswork based on the band’s hints and Slipknot’s past tendencies. Here are some of the prevalent expectations and theories:

• A Return to Heaviness? Many fans suspect that Slipknot’s next record could be one of their heaviest in years. This hope is fueled by comments like Corey Taylor’s hint about going places they haven’t in a while and Jim Root praising Eloy’s powerful, “heavy” style. With a ferocious new drummer on board and Clown talking about feeling like it’s a new beginning, there’s a widespread expectation that the band might channel the raw intensity of their early albums.

Some even wonder if we’ll get songs that rival the brutality of 2001’s Iowa, especially after hearing a title like “Long May You Die,” which sounds ominously aggressive. While it’s impossible to know until the music is out, the consensus among fans is that the album will not be tame – they anticipate a visceral, high-energy onslaught that reasserts Slipknot’s dominance in heavy music.

• Experimental and Evolving Sound: At the same time, there’s speculation that Slipknot will continue the experimental streak seen on their recent releases. The band has never made the same album twice – from the creepy atmospherics of songs like “Adderall” on The End, So Far to the genre-bending moments on previous records. Given Clown’s and Corey’s artistic mindsets, industry watchers predict a blend of old-school heaviness with new twists. As Metal Hammer put it, Slipknot might unleash “a torrent of new music” in the near future – possibly suggesting not just one album, but also standalone singles or EPs that explore different styles.

The known existence of Look Outside Your Window (an artsy, melodic project) alongside their typical material shows the band has multiple creative avenues. Some insiders theorize that Slipknot could even release heavier tracks separately and keep the album more cohesive, or vice versa. In any case, both fans and journalists expect the unexpected: the album will likely have the signature Slipknot rage and darkness, but we shouldn’t be surprised if it also includes eerie melodies, electronic experimentation, or other surprises.

• Release Strategy – Surprise Drops or Traditional Rollout? Now that Slipknot is free from their old record label, there’s a lot of curiosity about how they will release the new music. Will they go DIY and drop songs with little warning (as they did with the Adderall EP in 2023), or partner with a new label for a full promotional rollout? Clown’s remarks about possibly releasing independently have fans debating the pros and cons.

Some speculate the band might follow trends set by other major artists: for example, releasing a couple of singles digitally in advance, or maybe doing a surprise release if they’re feeling particularly unorthodox. Others believe Slipknot might sign a short-term deal with a label just to distribute the album worldwide without committing long-term. No concrete rumors of a label signing have surfaced, so this remains open.

The only semi-confirmed rumor is from Knotfest’s own reporting that Look Outside Your Window is slated for Q1 2025, leading some to guess that the band could stagger their releases – first Look Outside Your Window (early 2025) to appease curiosity, and later the heavy new album (late 2025 or 2026). For now, it’s a waiting game, but the industry is watching closely because how Slipknot releases this album could set a precedent for veteran bands taking control of their music.

• Fan Reactions and Hype: On forums and social media, Slipknot fans have been sharing any shred of information and forming theories. The confirmation of “Long May You Die” sent excitement through the fanbase, with many speculating that it could be the lead single or a sign of the album’s tone. Fans are also dissecting the band members’ statements: Corey’s “lot to say” line has some hoping for very personal, emotionally charged lyrics; Clown’s “starting again” vibe makes others think the band might deliberately revisit the spirit of their early days in Iowa.

Additionally, the recent lineup changes (discussed below) have fans curious how the on-stage masks and personas might change, which in Slipknot’s world often correlates with the album’s era or concept. Overall, the hype is high – longtime Maggots (Slipknot fans) are expecting something big, and even casual listeners are intrigued to see how Slipknot reinvents themselves this time. The mixture of new members, independence from a label, and 25 years of legacy all converging on this next album has created an air of “anything is possible.” As one publication succinctly put it, Slipknot seem “newly refreshed… and ready to unleash whatever their next material will sound like.”

So yeah, while we don’t have the album in hand yet, the prevailing speculation is that Slipknot’s next album will be a fierce statement piece – likely very heavy and true to their roots, but with a fearless experimental edge. How and when it arrives remains to be seen, but both fans and industry insiders are keeping their ears to the ground for the next hint (or surprise drop) from the band.

Lineup & Production Changes Influencing the Album

One of the biggest factors that will shape Slipknot’s forthcoming album is the change in the band’s lineup and team over the past couple of years. Slipknot has always been a nine-member juggernaut, and entering this new album cycle, several roles are being filled by new faces.

These changes, along with shifts behind the scenes, are likely to influence the sound and creation of the record:

• New Drummer – Eloy Casagrande: In November 2023, Slipknot made the startling announcement that they had parted ways with drummer Jay Weinberg after nine years in the band. The split was described as a “creative” decision by the band, though Weinberg said he was “heartbroken and blindsided” by the news. Shortly thereafter, in early 2024, Slipknot revealed their new drummer: Eloy Casagrande, best known for his work with Brazilian metal band Sepultura. This is a major change — the drummer is a core songwriter in Slipknot’s rhythm-intensive sound. Casagrande’s style is highly regarded in the metal community; he’s known for his thunderous power, speed, and intricate percussion. Band members have already noted that Eloy’s contributions in rehearsal have been impressive, calling him “inspiring” and a perfect fit for Slipknot. His influence will likely lead the band to write more complex and explosive drum parts. For fans, the prospect of Eloy’s drumming on a Slipknot album is exciting: some expect an even heavier and more technical rhythm section than before. It’s worth noting this will be Slipknot’s third drummer on a studio album (after Joey Jordison and Jay Weinberg), so comparisons will surely be made once we hear the results.

• New Keyboardist/Sampler: Another longtime member, Craig Jones (Slipknot’s sampler/keyboardist since 1996), departed the band in June 2023. The band’s brief statement wished him well, and almost immediately a new mysterious member appeared in his spot. As of now, Slipknot have a “new, still hidden, sampler/keyboardist” in the lineup. They have not officially revealed this person’s identity or stage name — in live shows, he has been spotted wearing an obscured mask. Despite the secrecy, what matters for the music is that someone new is handling the electronic soundscapes and samples that are an integral part of Slipknot’s atmosphere. Craig Jones was responsible for a lot of eerie background elements and textures across all seven previous albums. The new sampler’s influence could subtly shift the band’s sound: depending on his style, we might hear different sampling techniques, keyboard melodies, or digital effects. It’s hard to predict, but fans are keeping an eye out for any clues. For instance, will the new member bring a more modern EDM influence, or stick to the industrial horror vibe Slipknot is known for? The band hasn’t commented much on this member, likely preferring to let him remain in the shadows until the new era officially begins. Nevertheless, the change is significant — after 27 years with Craig’s contributions, a new person at the controls could open up fresh sonic possibilities (or alternatively, the band might guide him to perform parts in the established Slipknot style). We’ll only truly hear the difference once new songs are released.

• Previous Lineup Adjustments: (Context) It’s worth mentioning that Slipknot underwent a few lineup changes in the last decade which have now fully transitioned into the band’s chemistry. Percussionist Chris Fehn left in 2019 and was replaced by Michael Pfaff (nicknamed “Tortilla Man”), who has since been involved in the last album and tours. Bassist Alessandro “VMan” Venturella joined in 2014 after Paul Gray’s passing, and Jay Weinberg (now departed) had joined in 2014 after Joey Jordison’s exit. Why this matters is that the current Slipknot lineup writing the new album has several relatively newer members (VMan, Tortilla Man, the new sampler, and Eloy) alongside veterans (Corey, Clown, Jim, Sid, Mick). This mix of original and new blood might influence the creative process – possibly making it more collaborative and injecting new ideas, as the newer members prove themselves and contribute riffs/parts. In interviews, the band noted that even bassist VMan played a role in recruiting Eloy due to connections in the music scene, showing how integrated the newer members are in decision-making. So, the dynamic within the band is evolving, and that will inevitably shape the music they create next.

• Production & Label Situation: On the production side, a huge change is that Slipknot is no longer under their longtime label, Roadrunner Records. The End, So Far (2022) fulfilled their contract, ending a partnership that began in 1998. This means the upcoming album will be the first Slipknot record in decades not automatically coming out on Roadrunner. The band is essentially a free agent. Clown has discussed this scenario, saying he refuses to sign another long-term multi-album deal like they had before. Instead, they might consider “one-offs or two” (short contracts per release) or even handle it independently if they choose. This newfound freedom could influence the album in several ways:

  • Creative Freedom: Without label pressure, Slipknot may feel freer to experiment with song structures or lengths, include interludes, or choose whatever tracklist they want. (Not that Slipknot ever seemed creatively stifled, but even more freedom can’t hurt.)
  • Release Schedule: They aren’t obliged to follow a label’s schedule or marketing plan. They could drop music when it’s ready. We’ve already seen them release the Adderall EP and other tidbits on their own timetable in 2023.
  • Production Team: In terms of producers and studio team, nothing is confirmed yet. Their last album was co-produced by Joe Barresi and the band. Going forward, Slipknot could continue producing themselves (with Clown and the band overseeing the direction, possibly hiring engineers to help with mixing), or they might enlist a new producer for a fresh perspective. Because they haven’t entered the studio yet (as of the latest updates), they likely haven’t announced who will produce. It’s all open – they could even bring back a past collaborator (some fans fantasize about Ross Robinson, who produced their early albums, though that’s purely fan wishful thinking at this stage). The key point is the band will have the final say in the production since they’re effectively self-managing this release. Clown did acknowledge that doing it themselves would be “10 times more work”, so they’ll weigh that against signing a short deal where a label handles manufacturing/distribution.

So Slipknot’s next album will be created under very different circumstances than the last one. New members in crucial creative positions (drums and samples) are bringing fresh energy and influences, and the band’s break from their old label means they are navigating how to record and release the music on their own terms. These lineup and production changes add an element of unpredictability — but also excitement — for the upcoming album. The band seems to view these changes positively: as a chance to shake things up and perhaps recapture the spontaneity of their early years, but with the maturity and skill that comes from a 25-year career. Fans can likely expect a record that reflects this transition: one foot in Slipknot’s legendary past and one in a new, uncharted future.

While we wait for what’s next, let’s crank up their latest album. 👇

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