Slipknot vocalist Corey Taylor has offered his first detailed comments on the band’s surprise new single, “Arsenal,” describing the track as an unapologetically intense new chapter for the masked metal outfit.
Taylor discussed the song during an appearance on BBC Radio 1 with host Jack Saunders ahead of its premiere on September 9. According to Taylor, “Arsenal” wastes little time easing listeners in.
“It pummels. I mean it is absolutely a pummeling experience… Like it’s got these great moments of hyperactivity and then complete flex.”
Taylor went on to compare the song’s energy to Slipknot grabbing listeners by the hair and forcing them forward, before teasing some of the elements that make the track different from what fans might expect.
“We’re definitely exploring the realm that we’ve kind of been in for a long time, and bringing in elements that we have never done before.”
He also acknowledged that some listeners may initially question whether they’re actually hearing Slipknot.
“People are gonna be like when they hear it, ‘There’s no way that’s Slipknot. There is no actual way that that is Slipknot.’ I’m here to tell you 100%, you’re damn right it is.”
“Arsenal” represents several firsts for Slipknot. The track is the band’s first full-fledged recording with drummer Eloy Casagrande, who joined the group in 2024 following Jay Weinberg’s departure. It also arrives after Slipknot officially parted ways with percussionist Sid Wilson last month.
The single is additionally the first release from the band since launching their own (sic)est Records label in partnership with Roadrunner Records/Atlantic.
Slipknot co-produced “Arsenal” alongside producer Matt Wallace, known for his work with Faith No More and Mushroomhead, with Wallace also handling the track’s mix. The band have reportedly been working with Wallace on sessions for their eventual follow-up to 2022’s ‘The End, So Far.’
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