Slipknot have released a new five-minute behind-the-scenes featurette documenting the making of their divisive standalone single “Arsenal”, with percussionist M. Shawn “Clown” Crahan offering insight into the creative direction behind the video.
Crahan, who has long overseen much of Slipknot’s visual presentation, directed the music video and also appears in the new featurette to discuss the concept and production process.
One of the more noticeable aspects of the “Arsenal” video is the absence of the band itself. According to Crahan, that decision was intentional, as Slipknot are still working on their forthcoming eighth studio album and have not yet reached the point in the album cycle where new masks and costumes have been finalized.
“This one was difficult because we definitely wanted to do the band. It feels so right to do the band. It’s too early to make masks and outfits and be sure of that stuff. And I definitely don’t want to regurgitate old stuff, because Slipknot doesn’t do that. It’s my job to make sure we don’t repeat ourselves.”
Rather than forcing the band into a visual concept that could potentially overlap with the forthcoming album campaign, Crahan wanted the song and video to exist somewhat independently while leaving room for the group’s next visual era to develop.
“So, this is all supposed to be a little confusing and a little bewildering, because there’s so much more that’s going to be focused in the future. So I just let the song be the song and I thought I’d let the video be the video and people will connect them when they want to.”
He continued:
“Two for one. [I’m] tired of fighting the song. I’m tired of fighting the video. It’s two for one. Get it when you can. I know you’ll only listen to the song for a while and that’s okay. That’s what we’re here to do. Lucky and blessed to even be able to make a video.”
As previously confirmed by guitarist Jim Root, “Arsenal” is not expected to appear on Slipknot’s forthcoming eighth studio album. The band has been working on that record with producer Matt Wallace, known for his work with Faith No More and Mushroomhead.
The single also represents a significant point in the band’s current chapter. “Arsenal” is the first release to arrive through Slipknot’s (sic)est Records imprint following the conclusion of their long-running deal with Roadrunner Records, which ended with 2022’s ‘The End, So Far’.
Slipknot have since partnered with Roadrunner Records and Atlantic Records for the new venture, while the group has also moved forward following the departures of percussionist Craig Jones and turntablist Sid Wilson.
With the next album still taking shape, “Arsenal” appears to stand on its own as a separate piece of the band’s evolving creative direction.
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