Slipknot have officially opened the door to their next era with “Arsenal,” their first completely new song since the release of The End, So Far in 2022.
The track arrives at a particularly interesting moment for the masked metal veterans. Slipknot have undergone substantial personnel changes in recent years, including the departures of Craig Jones, Jay Weinberg and Sid Wilson. Former Sepultura drummer Eloy Casagrande stepped into Weinberg’s position, while the identity of the musician brought in following Jones’ exit remains under wraps.
That changing lineup makes “Arsenal” more than another Slipknot single. It offers fans one of their first opportunities to hear what this version of the band might sound like moving forward.
The song also comes during a new business chapter for Slipknot. Their long association with Roadrunner Records ended with The End, So Far, leaving the group to release new material through its own (sic)est Records operation.
As might be expected from a band with such a passionate following, the arrival of “Arsenal” immediately sparked debate.
Some fans have been critical of the track, questioning elements of its production, songwriting and overall direction. Others have welcomed its aggressive energy and experimental touches. Even among some of the more skeptical listeners, Casagrande’s drumming has emerged as a notable highlight.
The accompanying music video keeps Slipknot’s visual identity firmly in unsettling territory. It features a collection of masked figures and includes an appearance from actor Jackson White, familiar to television audiences from Tell Me Lies.
All of this follows Slipknot’s extensive celebration of the 25th anniversary of their landmark self-titled debut, which took the band on the road throughout 2024 and 2025.
Now the focus is shifting from the band’s past to its future.
“Arsenal” may not have produced universal agreement among Slipknot fans, but that reaction also demonstrates how closely listeners are watching the group’s evolution. With new personnel, greater independence and another musical chapter beginning to take shape, Slipknot have given their audience plenty to argue about.
For a band that has rarely inspired indifference, that part certainly hasn’t changed.
