When Eloy Casagrande auditioned for Slipknot, he faced an uncertainty that would define his entire approach to joining one of metal’s most iconic bands.
“When I was invited to do the audition for Slipknot, I didn’t know how the guys wanted the drums to sound like, what they were looking for, if they wanted just a replacement for Joey [Jordison], for Jay [Weinberg], or if they wanted a new, a different personality on the drums,” Casagrande said in an interview with Thomann’s Drum Bash.
“So that was my biggest concern at the beginning — how I’m gonna approach the songs. Can I put myself into the music, or I have to respect all the original recordings, the original drummers?”
This concern reflected a deeper anxiety about stepping into a role with significant historical weight. Slipknot had experienced two major drummer transitions in its history. The band needed to clarify whether they wanted a replica of past performances or a fresh creative voice behind the kit.
Casagrande’s audition began remotely from Brazil in early 2024, according to Blabbermouth. He recorded and sent videos of himself playing multiple Slipknot songs before traveling to Palm Springs for in-person rehearsals with the full band. The former Sepultura drummer initially played it safe during these sessions. He strictly respected the original drum arrangements rather than imposing his own style, uncertain about what direction the band wanted to take.
As the audition progressed, Casagrande’s conservative approach began to shift. The band actively encouraged him to express himself and add his own personality to the songs, as reported by Rock Sound. This encouragement proved to be the turning point. Casagrande gradually began infusing his unique style into Slipknot’s catalog, transforming from a cautious replacement into a creative collaborator.
The band’s intentions became crystal clear when guitarist Jim Root praised Casagrande’s approach. Root emphasized that Slipknot wanted “Eloy on the drums, not any previous member,” according to iHeart. This statement directly addressed Casagrande’s initial fears and validated his gradual shift toward bringing his own identity to the band’s sound. Root’s comments highlighted that the band valued Casagrande’s humility, passion, and unique approach rather than seeking a carbon copy of Joey Jordison or Jay Weinberg.
Slipknot confirmed Casagrande’s hiring in early February 2024 following group approval. This marked the beginning of a new chapter for the band. The Brazilian drummer’s appointment came ahead of Slipknot’s 25th-anniversary tour of their self-titled album, giving him the opportunity to prove himself on one of metal’s biggest stages while establishing his own legacy within the band.
