Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
Slipknot guitarist Jim Root offered a remarkably candid assessment of the band’s recent output and current direction in a series of social media interactions on September 28, as per theprp. Reflecting on 2022’s “The End, So Far”, Root bluntly described the divisive release as “disjointed and a mess,” pointing to the logistical hurdles and creative friction caused by pandemic lockdowns as key factors behind its troubled production.
The 2022 album marked the end of Slipknot‘s long-standing contract with Roadrunner Records. Now operating under their own label imprint, (sic)est Records — launched in partnership with Roadrunner/Atlantic — the metal icons are preparing to release their eighth studio album, preceded by the new single “Arsenal.” As the band steps into this era of heightened independence, Root also fielded fan comments addressing both their newfound creative freedom and the ongoing backlash surrounding their current tour lineup alongside Marilyn Manson and Kublai Khan TX.
I feel like y’all have always done what you wanted to do, with the exception of TESF, because y’all have talked ad nauseum about that process. I’m just excited for you guys to do what YOU WANT to do again, without the label and corporate pressure. I think that’s the only way to appropriately compare the early records to now…you guys writing the music for yourselves and where you’re at in life. That said, Ngl, bummed about KKTX and Manson being anywhere near y’all, but understand it might not just be up to y’all. Thanks for your candor Jim, in your interactions and conversations with us as fans. Happy recording!
Root’s straightforward response shared his perspective on the successes and failures of “The End So Far. ” He also acknowledged his absence in the process of choosing the band’s touring companions.
…we’ve never had a A&R guy over our shoulders suggesting this or that. I did meet the head of Warner on a tour of the offices in NYC once. He brought up “bringing in outside writers” and I just said… “No. That’s not what we do” and that was the end of it. TESF was disjointed and a mess. Some good stuff came from it. But overall Covid and the state of the world made that a very hard process for us. Among other circumstances.
I stay out of the logistics of touring and all that. I concentrate on writing and being a guitarist… so forgive my ignorance about who we do shows with. There are other people with much bigger brains than I that coordinate all that and I honestly don’t keep up with new bands or new music etc. I’m stuck listening to the same music my parents listened to when I was forming myself as a little human. And I purposely don’t listen to or pay attention to what’s “trending” or what’s happening at them moment as to not get influenced by anything. if one is a part of the family they will come along for the journey that started 26+ years ago… even before I was a part of the story. If not. Cya and with that said… I’m late for the studio. TTYL.
