Eloy Casagrande reveals how he joined Slipknot and states that they have “Written a few things” with him

In a recent interview featuring drummer Eloy Casagrande, the newest member of Slipknot, he delves into the journey that led him to join the renowned masked metal band. Despite much anticipation surrounding Casagrande’s potential inclusion before last month’s official announcement, his entry wasn’t without controversy. Apart from lingering resentment toward Slipknot following the departure of Jay Weinberg last November, Sepultura, Casagrande’s former band since 2011, publicly voiced their feelings, suggesting that he had “abandoned” them just weeks before embarking on their farewell tour. Casagrande now provides insight into the genesis of his latest musical endeavour in an interview with Veja São Paulo. Originally conducted in Portuguese, below are translated excerpts from his discussion.

This is how he was approached:

The invitation came in December, through (their) manager. He asked if I was interested in auditioning first. I accepted. They asked me to record and send them some videos from right here in Brazil. Initially, there were 3 songs, then they asked me for 3 more and asked if I had any plans to go to the United States, I was scheduled to perform there in January with my instrumental music project, Casagrande & Hanysz. So they moved my flight up a bit, and I spent 5 days in Palm Springs, rehearsing with the full band. Then they asked me to extend my stay by another 5 days, so we could record some things. I think that was also part of the audition, they threw new ideas at me to see what my songwriting was like. They wanted to test me in every way.

And how the approval was final:

Slipknot is made up of 9 musicians, so there are many spheres and layers, and they needed everyone’s approval before they gave me the OK. I think it was on February 5, 6 that I received confirmation that I had passed the test.

However, he had to go through an audition process before obtaining the role.

At first, they didn’t explain what we were going to do. It was all kind of in the dark. The first thing they sent was a NDA document, so I couldn’t discuss it with anyone. I learned the setlist, prepared myself and, 4 days before the trip, they sent me a list of 32 songs that it would be important for me to know. Many of the songs I was learning weren’t on that list, so I started looking for sheet music. When I got there (in the United States), they gave me a setlist on the first day, which had some songs I didn’t know either, but we went out playing. On the first day, I was very nervous, because the band was complete, and it’s quite an impact to see the guys there in front of you. It’s a band I’ve been listening to since I was a teenager and followed on TV. On the first day, I was terrible, I didn’t like my performance, but from the second day on I improved. Each day they played a different setlist in the morning, so I had a few hours to learn a song or two that was missing. Overall, it was very smooth. I had everyone’s support.

Eloy talks about the infamous “masks” too.

The first big change when wearing a mask is mental. It’s another persona in there. The mask has life. If someone else puts it on, it won’t be the same. I created it together with Shawn, we worked out the design together, so it’s a combination of Slipknot and my personality. But when you put the mask on, something different happens. I can’t explain it yet. And the physical aspect of playing is calm, I thought it would be worse. Of course, it gets hot, because it’s full of foam, so I get very sweaty. But there’s a good space to breathe. Before the first performance, I was rehearsing with a mask made for athletes, which simulates altitude. It has several valves and covers the nose and mouth, restricting breathing. This helped me play more calmly.

And also how he left his previous band.

I received the invitation to audition after the tour was announced. The big thing, the reason I agreed to audition, was the end of Sepultura. The band was going to break up, and I didn’t want to stop playing drums at the age of 33. I had a chat with Slipknot, asked about their schedule and if it would be possible to juggle the two bands, but they said no, it wouldn’t be possible, I’d be exclusive. So it was my decision to leave Sepultura. It was complicated, I told them when I had closed the deal on February 5 or 6. That very day I called a meeting and explained the situation. That was it, an individual decision.

What will happen in the future? He shares something as well.

I’m still trying to understand how the dynamics of the band work, it’s not so clear yet how things work in terms of records and new songs. We’ve written a few things, and they’re shelved for the time being. We have a gig on the 12th and we’re going to spend a few days there, exchanging musical ideas. For the time being, I don’t think there’s any pressure to record new material. But I’m sure they want to, I don’t know when, because right now the band is focused on celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Casagrande further elaborated that he sustains an amicable relationship with Greyson Nekrutman, who eventually succeeded him in Sepultura, as well as with his predecessor in Slipknot, Jay Weinberg.

These are all the confirmed dates so far for the band:

05/12 Daytona Beach, FL – Welcome To Rockville
05/19 Columbus, OH – Sonic Temple Festival

With Knocked Loose & Orbit Culture:

08/06 Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center
08/07 Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake
08/09 Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena
08/10 Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
08/12 New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
08/14 Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion
08/15 Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
08/17 Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena

Slipknot:

09/01 Pryor, OK – Rocklahoma

With Knocked Loose & Vended:

09/07 Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre
09/08 Ridgefield, WA – RV Inn Styles Resorts Amphitheater

Slipknot:

09/09 Louisville, KY – Louder Than Life

With Knocked Loose & Vended:

09/11 Nampa, ID – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater
09/13 Inglewood, CA – Intuit Dome
09/14 Inglewood, CA – Intuit Dome
09/15 Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
09/17 Austin, TX – Moody Center
09/18 Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion
09/21 Des Moines, IA – Knotfest Iowa at Waterworks Park

Slipknot:

10/11 Sacramento, CA – Aftershock Festival
10/19 São Paulo, BRA – Knotfest Brasil
11/08 Guadalajara, MEX – Calle 2
11/09 Mexico City, MEX – Parque Bicentenario
12/05 Amsterdam, NET – Ziggo Dome
12/06 Dortmund, GER – Westfalehallen
12/08 Stuttgart, GER – Schleyerhalle
12/09 Leipzig, GER – Quarterback Immobilien Arena
12/11 Zürich, SWI – Hallenstadion
12/12 Paris, FRA – Accor Arena
12/14 Leeds, UK – First Direct Arena
12/15 Glasgow, UK – Ovo Hydro
12/17 Manchester, UK – Co-op Live
12/18 Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena
12/20 London, UK – The O2
12/21 London, UK – The O2