Slipknot has recently released “Arsenal,” marking the band’s first new song in over three years. The song was released alongside an official music video, which was directed by M. Shawn Crahan (“Clown”) and stars actor Jackson White. In the surrealist, unsettling video, White’s character’s investigation of a mysterious house reveals several sinister figures seemingly performing a ritual, each of whom rip off their rubber masks to reveal a monstrous form underneath. As frontman Corey Taylor fervidly proclaims, “I got a lot to fuckin’ say / And if you didn’t listen, you didn’t hear me anyway,” he is accompanied by thunderous drumming and scratching. Overall, “Arsenal” deploys nearly every weapon Slipknot owns: pummeling dynamics, razor sharp vocals and lyrics, knifing keyboards, and riffs that can only be measured in tons. Nearly three decades in, Slipknot continues to summon the drive, creativity and band connection required to make music like this. The song’s release comes after the departure of Slipknot’s longtime DJ Sid Wilson in August. It is also Slipknot’s first newly released song featuring drummer Eloy Casagrande, who joined the group in 2024. 

“Arsenal” was confirmed by guitarist Jim Root to be a standalone release separate from Slipknot’s eighth studio album. While no official release date has been announced, the upcoming album was confirmed by Root to be in the tracking stage. The album will include Matt Wallace as a producer, who has produced music for artists such as Mushroomhead, Faith No More and Maroon 5. Slipknot also completed their recording contract with longtime label Roadrunner Records with the release of their album The End, So Far in 2022, making the exact details of how they will handle their upcoming album release unclear. 

Photo Credit: Mauricio Alvarado