In a recent interview, Slipknot percussionist Shawn “Clown” Crahan delved into the band’s long-shelved album Look Outside Your Window and the deep personal connections embedded in its tracks. The album, recorded by a subset of Slipknot members during the tense All Hope Is Gone sessions, has been a subject of much speculation regarding its release.
Originally promised for a 2024 release, the album remains a topic of anticipation among fans. With Slipknot now eyeing their 25th anniversary, Crahan and fellow band members Jim Root and Corey Taylor have expressed uncertainty about the exact release timeline.
Speaking with Revolver, Clown clarified the status of Look Outside Your Window, emphasizing that the delay isn’t due to any conspiracy. “The album’s been finished for a long time,” he said. “But the world keeps changing, and so do my feelings on the art — like, what did we create a long time ago, and how does it relate to now? And what are we feeling now, and what is it?”
Crahan highlighted the emotional intensity of the All Hope Is Gone sessions, noting that the album’s lyrics capture the turmoil of that period. He shared that the project was a therapeutic outlet amidst the band’s internal conflicts. “There was a lot of stuff going on, and that’s all in the lyrics,” he said. “It was our thing because there was too much anger and too much crap happening, and too much non-communicating.”
Interestingly, Crahan revealed that late bassist Paul Gray was a significant influence on the album, both as a contributor and as a subject. “I would say [to Gray], ‘There’s no way in hell you’re going to be on it, because a lot of it’s about you,'” Crahan recalled. Gray passed away two years after All Hope Is Gone was released, making Look Outside Your Window a poignant reminder of that era.
Despite the uncertainties, Crahan remains hopeful about the album’s release. “There’s still a real good chance it could come out this year,” he said. “But it’s a beautiful thing, a serious thing, and I stand by saying that it will be worth the wait.”
As Slipknot navigates their evolving band dynamics with new drummer Eloy Casagrande and contemplates their next moves without a record label, fans eagerly await the unveiling of this deeply personal and long-awaited project.
—
Photo Credit: Yulia Grigoryeva / Shutterstock.com