Slipknot New Song “Arsenal”: Release, Video & What We Know
Slipknot new song “Arsenal” has arrived, marking the band’s first new music in more than three years and introducing fans to a new chapter with drummer Eloy Casagrande.
Released on September 9, 2026, “Arsenal” arrived alongside a dark and surreal official music video directed by M. Shawn “Clown” Crahan.
The new single has already sparked plenty of discussion among Slipknot fans, with some listeners praising the band’s return while others have criticized aspects of the song.
Now guitarist Jim Root has addressed the reaction to “Arsenal”, and his comments make one thing clear: fans shouldn’t assume this single represents the sound of Slipknot’s upcoming album.
Slipknot’s New Song Is Called “Arsenal”
Slipknot returned with the surprise single “Arsenal” on September 9, 2026.
The track runs for 3 minutes and 41 seconds and represents the band’s first new music in more than three years.
It is also the first new Slipknot release featuring drummer Eloy Casagrande, who joined the band following Jay Weinberg’s departure.
“Arsenal” arrives during a major period of change for Slipknot, making the song an important introduction to the band’s current era.
Slipknot’s “Arsenal” Official Video
The official “Arsenal” music video was directed by M. Shawn “Clown” Crahan and stars actor Jackson White.
The video takes a dark and surreal approach, featuring disturbing imagery and mysterious characters that fit Slipknot’s long-established visual style.
Crahan has been heavily involved in Slipknot’s visual identity throughout the band’s career, and “Arsenal” continues that tradition with a video that feels more like a short horror film than a conventional performance clip.
Watch the Official Slipknot “Arsenal” Video
Tip for WordPress: Paste the official YouTube URL directly into a new paragraph and WordPress should automatically create the video embed.
Want to Study or Enjoy the Lyrics to “Arsenal”?
Slipknot’s “Arsenal” lyrics match the song’s aggressive and confrontational musical style.
Corey Taylor delivers the vocals with a combination of intense verses, shouted sections and the song’s repeated chant.
Rather than reproducing the complete copyrighted lyrics here, fans can follow along with the song through a legitimate lyrics source while listening to the official recording.
Whether you want to study the lyrics, analyze the meaning or simply enjoy the words while listening, having the lyrics available alongside the official video gives fans another way to experience the new Slipknot song.
Jim Root Addresses Criticism of Slipknot’s New Song “Arsenal”
The reaction to “Arsenal” has been mixed.
Some Slipknot fans have welcomed the band’s return to new music, while others have criticized parts of the track and questioned whether it represents a change in the band’s musical direction.
Guitarist Jim Root has now responded to some of that criticism.
In exchanges with fans on Instagram, Root was asked about the reaction to the new song and whether the criticism bothered him.
His comments made an important distinction: “Arsenal” should not be viewed as a representation of everything Slipknot is currently working on.
Root explained that the song was something the band could finish quickly and release while continuing to work on the rest of the record.
He also indicated that “Arsenal” is not really representative of the other songs the band is currently working on.
That could be significant for fans who aren’t completely convinced by the new single.
Jim Root Confirms “Arsenal” Is Not on the New Album
One of the biggest questions surrounding the Slipknot new song was whether “Arsenal” would eventually appear on the band’s next studio album.
It will not.
Jim Root confirmed that “Arsenal” is not going to be included on Slipknot’s upcoming album.
According to Root, the band simply had this particular song ready to finish sooner, allowing them to release something new to fans while continuing work on the rest of the record.
That means fans shouldn’t automatically consider “Arsenal” the first single from Slipknot’s next album.
Instead, it is best viewed as a standalone release from the band’s current era.
Why Jim Root’s Comments Matter
Root’s comments are particularly interesting because some fans have already started using “Arsenal” to predict what Slipknot’s next album will sound like.
According to the guitarist, that’s not necessarily a good assumption.
If “Arsenal” isn’t representative of the other material, then the upcoming album could sound significantly different from this single.
That gives Slipknot plenty of room to surprise fans when the full record eventually arrives.
For listeners who don’t particularly like “Arsenal,” Root’s comments may therefore come as good news.
One song doesn’t define the next Slipknot album.
Why Are Some Slipknot Fans Criticizing “Arsenal”?
The response to “Arsenal” has been divided since its release.
Some fans have embraced the aggressive new track, while others have questioned the song’s structure and certain stylistic choices.
One particular point of discussion has been the repeated “Let’s go” chant, which some listeners feel is too simple compared with the more complex material Slipknot has produced throughout its career.
Others have argued that the song is designed for a different purpose: immediate impact, crowd participation and live energy.
That’s ultimately part of what makes Slipknot releases so heavily debated.
The band has changed its sound repeatedly over the years, and fans naturally compare every new song with different periods of Slipknot’s history.
But Jim Root’s explanation provides some important context.
“Arsenal” isn’t the album.
What Does “Arsenal” Sound Like?
Musically, “Arsenal” combines several recognizable Slipknot elements.
The song features:
- Heavy guitar riffs
- Aggressive vocals from Corey Taylor
- Dense percussion
- Fast and intense passages
- Abrupt changes in energy
- A repeated chant designed to hit hard in a live environment
The track also gives listeners an opportunity to hear how Eloy Casagrande fits into Slipknot’s recorded sound.
Rather than trying to recreate an older version of the band, “Arsenal” represents the current lineup moving forward.
Whether that direction works for every fan is another question, but the song certainly doesn’t sound like a band standing still.
Eloy Casagrande Makes His Slipknot Recording Debut
One of the most significant aspects of “Arsenal” is the presence of drummer Eloy Casagrande.
Casagrande joined Slipknot following Jay Weinberg’s departure and has already performed extensively with the band.
Now fans can hear him on a brand-new Slipknot studio recording.
That makes “Arsenal” an important moment for the current lineup.
For longtime fans, hearing Casagrande behind the kit on new material provides a clearer picture of how he contributes to the band’s sound compared with simply watching live performances.
“Arsenal” Marks a New Chapter for Slipknot
The release arrives after several significant changes within the band.
Jay Weinberg’s departure led to Casagrande joining Slipknot, while Craig Jones and Sid Wilson have also departed during this period of transition.
As a result, “Arsenal” isn’t simply another new Slipknot song.
It is a snapshot of a band entering another new era.
The song also arrives as Slipknot continues working toward its next studio album, making the current period particularly interesting for fans trying to understand where the band goes next.
Is “Arsenal” Slipknot’s New Album Single?
No — not in the traditional sense.
“Arsenal” is a new Slipknot single, but Jim Root has confirmed that it will not appear on the band’s upcoming studio album.
The song was released because it was ready to go while the band continues developing the rest of its new material.
That distinction is important.
Fans should enjoy “Arsenal” for what it is rather than treating it as a complete preview of the next Slipknot album.
What Is Slipknot Working on Next?
Slipknot is continuing to work on its next studio album.
However, the band has not indicated that “Arsenal” represents the overall direction of that record.
In fact, Jim Root’s comments suggest that fans should expect more variety from the upcoming material.
That means the next album remains one of the most interesting unanswered questions in modern metal.
Will Slipknot return to the darker aggression of its earlier work?
Will the band continue experimenting with the sound heard on more recent albums?
Or will the next record take the group somewhere completely unexpected?
For now, fans will have to wait.
Slipknot “Arsenal” Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Band | Slipknot |
| Song | “Arsenal” |
| Release date | September 9, 2026 |
| Length | 3:41 |
| Drummer | Eloy Casagrande |
| Music video director | M. Shawn “Clown” Crahan |
| Video star | Jackson White |
| Upcoming album? | No — “Arsenal” will not appear on it |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slipknot’s new song?
Slipknot’s new song is “Arsenal,” released on September 9, 2026. It is the band’s first new music in more than three years.
When did Slipknot release “Arsenal”?
Slipknot released “Arsenal” on September 9, 2026.
Is “Arsenal” on Slipknot’s new album?
No. Jim Root confirmed that “Arsenal” will not be included on Slipknot’s upcoming studio album.
Who plays drums on Slipknot’s “Arsenal”?
Eloy Casagrande plays drums on “Arsenal.” It is his first new Slipknot studio release.
Who directed the “Arsenal” music video?
The official “Arsenal” video was directed by M. Shawn “Clown” Crahan and stars actor Jackson White.
Why did Jim Root address criticism of “Arsenal”?
The song received mixed reactions from Slipknot fans, including criticism of its sound and repeated chorus. Root explained that “Arsenal” is not really representative of the other material the band is working on.
Does “Arsenal” represent Slipknot’s next album?
According to Jim Root, not necessarily. He has said the song isn’t representative of the other material being developed for the band’s next record.
Final Thoughts
The Slipknot new song “Arsenal” has already become one of the band’s most talked-about recent releases.
It marks the studio debut of Eloy Casagrande, gives fans a new Slipknot track after more than three years and introduces another chapter in the band’s constantly evolving history.
But Jim Root’s comments may be the most important part of the story.
“Arsenal” isn’t on the upcoming album, and Root says it isn’t really representative of the other songs Slipknot is working on.
So whether you love the song, dislike it or are still making up your mind, there’s one thing worth remembering:
Slipknot’s return comes during a busy period for heavy music, with latest rock and metal news continuing to give fans plenty to talk about.
