Clown Confirms New Slipknot Album Will Happen

For Slipknot fans worldwide, this day comes with news that could seemingly cure all illness. Slipknot percussionist Shawn "Clown" Crahan has confirmed in an interview on Blabbermouth.net.

"There's plans [to make another record], but that's a way off. No one will push it, because it's going to be a big one. It'll be closer to 'Iowa', but it'll be sadder and crazier. And really thought provoking, it could even be conceptual"

For any Slipknot fans or anyone that has ever heard 'Iowa', and then to hear that this new album will be "sadder and crazier" really makes you think about how fucking crazy it really will be. 'Iowa' is known in the Slipknot community as the darkest and most fucked up saga in the band's lifespan. Clown commented in the Slipknot edition of Revolver Magazine that during the making and touring cycle for 'Iowa', "[Iowa] almost killed us!"

This album, when it finally comes to us all, will be the first since the death of bassist Paul Gray, who was instrumental in nearly all the writing that Slipknot has done over their 10 plus years in the business. While we beg and plead the 'Knot for the new album, they plan to release a special tenth anniversary edition of 'Iowa', including bonus discs and special features.

All in all, ladies and maggots, there is a new Slipknot album on the way, we just need to be patient! (Is it ready yet?!)

Corey Taylor Memorializes Paul Gray with a Tattoo on TLC's NY Ink

Want to see Corey Taylor get a tattoo of his late friend/bandmate Paul Gray?  Well you can...on television this week! 

Slipknot and Stone Sour frontman and new author Corey Taylor will appear on this week’s episode of NY Ink!

The show airs at 10pm ET/9pm CT on Thursday, June 9^th, on TLC.

Slipknot fans will certainly want to tune in for the interview and the ink!

Go HERE for more info on the show!

Paul Gray Remembered

Every generation of music seems to be stamped with dozens of musicians who were taken from the grips of life too early. In recent years so many immensely talented musicians are being ousted from the music scene, it makes me wonder, is there some badass band being put together in the sky that we don't know about?. Last May, another legend of our time was taken far too early, Mr. Paul Dedrick Gray.

Gray is known as the mind bending, ear shredding bassist of possibly the greatest metal band of all-time, Slipknot. #2, as was his "number" assigned to him by the band, Gray was one of the founding members and primary songwriters for "the nine."  One of the most lasting images I personally have of Gray, besides the 11 times I watched him destroy the sea of fans at their shows, was in their latest release, (sic)nesses Live at Download 2009. Just before the band is about to go on stage, their pre-show ritual is to get together as a cohesive family and share their thoughts and feelings for the night's show. During the scene, Tayor asks, "Where's Paul?" Paul Gray is just off screen talking to his wife and says, "I love you baby, and I'll call you after the show." Here's a guy, telling his family how much he loves them, just moments before he goes on stage before tens of thousands of screaming, insane fans, just waiting to tear each other apart. This is the man he was. A pure person with a huge heart, who just so happened to be an incredibly talented musician and songwriter.

Probably the most important part of Slipknot he played was the fact that he was seemingly the glue for the band, holding them together when times got tough. This was evident in the fact that the future of Slipknot is still unclear and basically every single one of the band members has made a statement saying that it's going to be almost impossible to replace Paul as bassist.

"There's a part of me that's ready [to carry on with the band] and there's a part of me that's not," vocalist Corey Taylor said recently. "Honestly, I have a lot of trepidation about it. I don't know how to feel. I know a lot of the guys in the band are trying not to show that side, and I can't."

Despite the fact that Slipknot has been building a schedule of  European festival shows, their ultimate future remains in doubt. Honestly, there seems to be literally only one thing that isn't in doubt in the world of Slipknot since, Gray's untimely passing; the fact that we lost not only a great musician, but the world lost one of it's most pure and good-hearted people it has seen.

Slipknot Calls on Original Guitarist to Replace Gray

Slipknot has finally answered one of the long-awaited questions upon their return.  They will replace their recently fallen bassist Paul Gray with original guitarist Donnie Steel. This comes on the heels of Slipknot's announcements of touring throughout Europe.  No word on any U.S. dates as of today. Here's what the band's official website had to say regarding the upcoming summer shows:

"For their upcoming shows in 2011, Slipknot has asked Donnie Steele to fill in for Paul Gray on bass. Donnie, as some may recall, was the original guitar player in Slipknot and had actually reconnected with Paul in recent years. Said the band on their decision, “Donnie was in the band at the very beginning, and rather than get an outsider, we thought it would be a fitting tribute to Paul to play with someone from within the family. Donnie was great friends with Paul and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate his memory than with someone who was there with us at the very beginning. The eight of us are looking forward to being onstage again and honoring Paul’s legacy with our families in Europe and Brazil this summer.”

Future of Slipknot Still Uncertain

Metals fans everywhere have been blowing up forums and discussion boards with speculation of whether or not  mighty Slipknot will return in 2011, either in the studio or on tour.  Drummer Joey Jordison (currently with Murderdolls) has been consistently optimistic about their return, while vocalist Corey Taylor and guitarist James Root (both currently touring with Stone Sour) have both been hesitant about commenting about their return after the tragic passing of beloved bassist Paul Gray.  The rumor mill was doused with gasoline when Jordison spoke with Billboard.com about the future of the band:

“It’s definitely exciting. It’s a little emotional, of course, but I think it’s going to be really, really cool and I think it’s gonna be a really, really great record because everyone’s really involved in the process. 

It’s going to be a little interesting, but I think it’s gonna be a healing process for all of us. Slipknot is not going anywhere. We’re a family, and losing a family member sucks. You can’t help that, but you need to move on, and I think that what we’re gonna do might be the most powerful thing that we’ve ever created.”

While this was music to fan's ears worldwide, Taylor was quick to respectfully refute Jordison's claims via his twitter page @coreytaylorrock stating:

"As for Joey's comments, he took that on himself to say that in print. I can think of 5 people in this band who haven't written/heard a thing.

Before anyone gets the wrong idea, let me be clear. I have NO PLANS to make a new Slipknot album anytime soon. Shows?   Maybe. Album? No."

Slipknot - (sic)nesses Live at Download Review

The greatest metal band of the 21st century is at it once again with their latest concert DVD release (sic)nesses Live at Download. Available since late September, this work of art is enthralling, brilliant and surreal. Percussionist Shawn “Clown” Crahan exemplifies the DVD in one simple line; “It’s an extreme gift to be able to give the world your pain.”

The multifaceted compilation starts with a live recording of the bands 2009 performance at the hallowed grounds of Donington Park. The band drew largely from their hardcore roots, playing tracks such as “Eyeless,” “Surfacing” and “Wait and Bleed.” If you’ve never had the honor of experiencing the chaos that is a Slipknot concert, feast your eyes on the tens of thousands who enjoyed the ass kicking the nine handed them on this momentus day.

Easily the most artistic and impeccably revealing part of (sic)nesses  is the look that Clown gives fans in what is called Audible Visions of: (sic)nesses, a feature film directed by Clown himself. It delves the viewer behind the scenes during the bands tour to promote All Hope is Gone. The footage gives you a look into the soul of the beast that is Slipknot.