Slipknot have newly uploaded a proper 5-minute behind the scenes look from the video shoot for their divisive new single, “Arsenal“. The band’s percussionist M. Shawn “Clown” Crahan oversaw the direction for that clip, having also served as the masked metal group’s art director for some time. As part of this new featurette of sorts, Crahan took part in a new interview in which he explained the vision and the filming process for the music video.
Speaking in part about why he chose not to include the band in this video for the standalone single, Crahan cited the fact that work on Slipknot‘s forthcoming eighth studio album continues and that they aren’t yet that far yet into the promotional cycle for it. He stated [transcribed by theprp.com]:
“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.
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. 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 scheduled for inclusion on the band’s forthcoming new album, which like this latest single, they have been tracking recently with producer Matt Wallace (Faith No More, Mushroomhead).
Aside from parting ways with key members in Sid Wilson and Craig Jones, “Arsenal” also serves as the first release through the band’s (sic)est Records imprint. Having concluded their long-running arrangement with Roadrunner Records with the release of “The End, So Far“, Slipknot have since partnered with Roadrunner and Atlantic for that new venture.
