Slipknot percussionist Shawn “Clown” Crahan has addressed the mixed reaction to the band’s new single “Arsenal,” explaining the creative decisions behind the track and its accompanying video. The band recently shared a five-minute behind-the-scenes look at the video shoot for the standalone single, available on YouTube. Crahan detailed why the group opted to keep the band itself out of the visual.
The statement focused on the challenges of moving the band forward creatively without repeating past work, as well as the decision to let the song and video exist as separate but connected pieces.
“This one was difficult because we definitely wanted to do the band,” Crahan said. “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.”
Crahan went on to explain the reasoning behind separating the song and video experience for fans.
“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,” he continued. “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. Two for one.”
He closed by reflecting on the process and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to create the visual.
“[I’m] tired of fighting the song. I’m tired of fighting the video,” Crahan said. “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.”
The confusion Crahan describes fits into a larger picture surrounding “Arsenal” and the band’s new lineup. The track is Slipknot’s first new song in more than three years, following 2022’s The End So Far. It is also the band’s first release since parting ways with longtime turntablist Sid Wilson.
“Arsenal” introduces drummer Eloy Casagrande on record for the first time, making it a significant early document of the retooled lineup. Crahan’s description of the era as “confusing” and “bewildering” suggests the band is not yet ready to lock in a new masks-and-costumes presentation.
Guitarist Jim Root has confirmed that “Arsenal” is a standalone release and will not appear on Slipknot’s upcoming eighth studio album. He described it as a track the band could finish and release sooner while continuing work on the rest of the record.
That distinction aligns with Crahan’s remarks about letting “the song be the song” rather than attaching it to a larger visual or narrative rollout. With the album still in progress, “Arsenal” appears to be an early glimpse at a fuller picture Crahan says is still to come.
