Slipknot has surprised fans with the release of “Arsenal,” the band’s first new song in over three years, according to Slipknot. The track arrives with a music video directed by the band’s M. Shawn “Clown” Crahan and starring Jackson White. The release has sparked mixed reactions from longtime fans, particularly following the band’s recent departure from DJ Sid Wilson.
The band shared the news of the single’s release on social media, introducing fans to the new track.
“‘Arsenal’ – New single & music video out now,” Slipknot’s announcement said.
The response from fans has been largely critical, with many expressing disappointment over the song’s direction. One fan pointed to the track’s disjointed feel.
“This sounds like each band member wrote their own song and you played them all at the same time,” the fan commented.
Another fan drew a connection between the song’s heavy use of scratching and the band’s decision to part ways with Sid Wilson.
“Kicked out Sid and then released a song with more scratching than any other Slipknot song,” the fan wrote.
A longtime follower of the band said they have listened to Slipknot since 1995. This fan offered a more extensive reflection on the band’s evolution and suggested it may be time for them to stop making music.
“I’m 50 years old and have been following you since 1995. In my opinion, Slipknot is the best album you’ve ever made… you could really feel the true essence of Slipknot in it; then the sound took a Stone Sour turn,” the fan said. “It’s time for you to retire… you’re just shadows of your former selves.”
The backlash arrives alongside several notable developments surrounding the single and the band’s current lineup that add context to the moment.
“Arsenal” dropped on September 9, 2026. The timing places the single squarely at the center of ongoing questions about the band’s direction following the Sid Wilson shakeup.
The track also holds a significant distinction within the band’s catalog. It is the first new Slipknot song to feature drummer Eloy Casagrande, who has stepped into a prominent role on the recording. His presence on “Arsenal” signals a shift in the band’s rhythmic backbone. This comes at a moment when fans are already scrutinizing every element of the new sound.
Musically, “Arsenal” has been described as raw and heavy, drawing comparisons to some of Slipknot’s early, Mr. Bungle-influenced experimental material. That characterization stands in contrast to some fan reactions, which have framed the song as disjointed rather than deliberately eclectic. This highlights a divide between how the band may see the track’s artistic intent and how longtime listeners are receiving it.
Taken together, these details suggest “Arsenal” represents a genuine inflection point for Slipknot. The single combines a new drummer’s debut, a return to rougher sonic textures and the fallout from Sid Wilson’s exit. Whether that combination wins over skeptical fans or reinforces their calls for the band to step back remains an open question as Slipknot moves forward without one of its founding members.
