Slipknot Fans React to Band's New Song 'Arsenal'

Slipknot has introduced "Arsenal," the band's first fully new track in close to four years, marking a significant moment following notable personnel changes. Released on September 9, the song arrives after a period of transition, including the departure of three members—Craig Jones, Jay Weinberg, and Sid Wilson—and a shift from Roadrunner Records to their self-managed label, (sic)est Records.

Prior to "Arsenal," Slipknot’s recent output included the 2023 EP titled Adderall, which comprised instrumentals, interludes, and reinterpretations of their 2022 single "Adderall." However, "Arsenal" stands as their first genuine new composition since the 2022 album The End, So Far.

Accompanying the track’s release is a visually striking music video featuring an array of masked figures peeling away rubber masks to reveal darker visages beneath. The video also features actor Jackson White, known for his role in the Hulu series Tell Me Lies. This cinematic approach adds a layer of thematic depth to the song's unveiling.

Slipknot fans have voiced a spectrum of responses across platforms such as Reddit and X (formerly Twitter). Many expressed disappointment, critiquing the song’s production and lyrical content, and reflecting on the absence of former members. Some listeners described the new material as lacking innovation and energy compared to earlier works, while also acknowledging standout moments, such as drummer Eloy Casagrande’s performance.

Conversely, several fans welcomed the track, appreciating the band's apparent rekindling of intensity and expressing enthusiasm for forthcoming releases. This polarity in reception underscores the challenges Slipknot faces as they redefine their sound and identity.

The band’s lineup has evolved considerably since their last full album. In 2023, they parted ways with Craig Jones and Jay Weinberg, the latter replaced by Eloy Casagrande, previously of Sepultura. A new, undisclosed member stepped in where Jones had been. Most recently, Sid Wilson also departed in 2024, with no public confirmation regarding his involvement in the new recording.

Slipknot is currently engaged in a 25th anniversary tour celebrating their seminal self-titled album, spanning 2024 and 2025. This milestone tour occurs amid ongoing changes within the group, reflecting both a reverence for their legacy and a period of reinvention.

Details about the upcoming album, from which "Arsenal" is expected to be a lead single, remain limited. However, the fresh release and video signify an important chapter for Slipknot as they navigate internal shifts and fan expectations.

The band’s history of incorporating multiple musicians—now totaling 19 official members over time—and their willingness to adapt continues to shape their evolution. The reception to "Arsenal" illustrates the complexities of maintaining a dedicated fanbase while pursuing new artistic directions after substantial lineup turnover.

Slipknot’s decision to release "Arsenal" under their own label may also indicate a strategic move towards greater creative control and independence. As the band proceeds into this new era, the industry and fans alike will be watching closely how these changes influence their future musical trajectory.