Slipknot guitarist Jim Root continues to offer refreshingly candid responses on social media this week. After addressing his mindset for the band’s forthcoming new album in a comment to a fan yesterday, September 28th, on social media, he also once again shared his thoughts on the band’s latest record, 2022’s “The End, So Far“.
That outing was perhaps the most ill-received full-length entry in the band’s catalog, offering a divisive listening experience that Root himself has previously aired his misgivings about. In a reply made to a fan on social media yesterday, Root was far more blunt in his current assessment of that much-maligned record, calling it “disjointed and a mess.” He cited various circumstances in hampering the creative process for that outing, namely the pandemic lockdown presenting obvious challenges.
“The End So Far” concluded Slipknot‘s deal with Roadrunner Records, effectively leaving them free agents. As they revealed with the recent launch of their seemingly equally divisive new single “Arsenal” however, they’ve now since launched a new label of their own, (sic)est Records. That venture was forged in partnership with Roadrunner/Atlantic. Their upcoming eighth studio album will be their first through that venture.
Yesterday a fan spoke on the potential of that creative freedom, as well as the backlash the band are facing for touring with controversial outfits Marilyn Manson and Kublai Khan TX. That fan said in the comments on the below Instagram post shared by Root:
“I feel like y’all have always done what you wanted to do, with the exception of TESF, because y’all have talked ad nauseum about that process. I’m just excited for you guys to do what YOU WANT to do again, without the label and corporate pressure. I think that’s the only way to appropriately compare the early records to now…you guys writing the music for yourselves and where you’re at in life. That said, Ngl, bummed about KKTX and Manson being anywhere near y’all, but understand it might not just be up to y’all. Thanks for your candor Jim, in your interactions and conversations with us as fans. Happy recording!”
Root‘s direct reply offered his own thoughts on what went right and wrong with “The End So Far“. It also found him admitting to his lack of involvement when it comes to selecting the band’s tourmates. Here’s what he had to say:
“…we’ve never had a A&R guy over our shoulders suggesting this or that. I did meet the head of Warner on a tour of the offices in NYC once. He brought up “bringing in outside writers” and I just said… “No. That’s not what we do” and that was the end of it. TESF was disjointed and a mess. Some good stuff came from it. But overall Covid and the state of the world made that a very hard process for us. Among other circumstances.
I stay out of the logistics of touring and all that. I concentrate on writing and being a guitarist… so forgive my ignorance about who we do shows with. There are other people with much bigger brains than I that coordinate all that and I honestly don’t keep up with new bands or new music etc. I’m stuck listening to the same music my parents listened to when I was forming myself as a little human. And I purposely don’t listen to or pay attention to what’s “trending” or what’s happening at them moment as to not get influenced by anything. if one is a part of the family they will come along for the journey that started 26+ years ago… even before I was a part of the story. If not. Cya and with that said… I’m late for the studio. TTYL.”
As noted by Root above, recording sessions for the band’s next studio album have been underway this month with producer Matt Wallace (Faith No More, Mushroomhead) behind the boards. A 2027 release is expected, with the band intending to support it with their newly announced stadium tour. Root certainly seems more invested in this next release, stating in part yesterday:
“[It’s a] very important thing for us at this time is to not “repeat” ourselves. It’s gonna hurt some feelings. We’re really experimenting with different approaches… don’t expect another “Iowa” or “self titled” record. We’ve been there. The vibe feels honest and true to me. It’s uneasy and reminds me of recording in the earlier days. I’m not saying that means it will translate to the type of music we’re creating or the sound/production of it. The early records had the vibe. You can’t miss that with Ross.
But they always sounded “LoFi” to me. And some of the later records felt/sounded “over produced” … like. Too many layers of guitar etc. we don’t need that….
