Slipknot vocalist Corey Taylor has shared his first comments regarding the band’s surprise new single, “Arsenal,” which has received mixed reactions from fans. His remarks were shared via BBC Radio 1.
Taylor described the intensity of the new track and how it compares to their previous work.
“It pummels,” Taylor said. “I mean, it is absolutely a pummeling experience. Like, it’s got these great moments of hyperactivity and then complete flex. Like, we’ve got everyone by the hair and we’re just going, Go! Go! You know?”
He also discussed the band’s musical direction on the track, noting that they are experimenting with new sounds.
“We’re definitely exploring the realm that we’ve kind of been in for a long time and bringing in elements that we have never done before,” he added.
Taylor concluded by addressing how fans might react to the unexpected style of the song.
“People, when they hear it, they’re gonna be like, ‘There’s no way that that is Slipknot. There is no actual way that that is Slipknot.’ I’m here to tell you 100%, you damn right it is. Get ready for this.”
“Arsenal” marks the band’s first new song in over three years. The surprise release also introduces a new chapter for Slipknot, both musically and within the band’s wider creative direction.
“Arsenal” arrived on September 9, 2026. The song was released as Slipknot’s first new material in more than three years and marks the debut release on the band’s new (sic)est Records imprint.
The single has already divided listeners. Gans began reacting online immediately after the song’s release, with many focusing on how far its sound appears to move from some of Slipknot’s earlier material.
“Arsenal” also reflects recent changes to the band’s lineup. The track is Slipknot’s first new song featuring drummer Eloy Casagrande, following the departures of Craig Jones, Jay Weinberg, and Sid Wilson.
The release follows Slipknot’s 2022 album The End, So Far and the standalone 2023 single “Bone Church.” The band has not announced a new album or additional release plans alongside “Arsenal,” although the single could signal that more music is on the way.
Slipknot also released an official music video for the song, directed by percussionist M. Shawn “Clown” Crahan and starring actor Jackson White.
