Slipknot’s Eloy Casagrande reveals the meaning behind his mask

During a recent episode of the Modern Drummer Podcast, Slipknot‘s drummer Eloy Casagrande (formerly of Sepultura), discussed the deep meanings behind his mask. The design serves as both a tribute to his predecessor, the late Joey Jordison, and incorporates elements reflecting Casagrande’s Brazilian heritage and a traumatic robbery experience.

The band’s percussionist and creative director, M. Shawn “Clown” Crahan, provided initial guidance for the mask while giving Casagrande creative freedom. Casagrande explains:

“I created the mask with Clown. His first request was for a white mask to honor Joey’s memory and legacy. I suggested adding black lines to represent the Brazilian indigenous peoples. It brings with it the Brazilian people and culture. But my expression, the face expression, was designed by Clown. He watched me playing without the mask and said, ‘That’s how you look when you’re playing Slipknot music. We’re going to put that in your mask.'”

Regarding the bullet hole in the mask’s forehead, Casagrande references a frightening incident from two years ago:

“The bullet hole was my idea. Two years ago, I was robbed in São Paulo. I was walking in my neighborhood at 9 AM, heading to the gym, when two motorcyclists stopped me, held a gun to my head, and demanded my phone and backpack. It profoundly changed something inside me. He decided not to shoot. I was lucky.