Slipknot's new drummer, Eloy Casagrande, shares his side of how he came to be in the band

In a recent interview, Slipknot's newly revealed drummer Eloy Casagrande shed light on how he joined the band, addressing some of the controversy surrounding his addition. Following his departure from Sepultura, where he had been playing since 2011, Casagrande faced criticism from both Slipknot fans upset about Jay Weinberg's departure and from Sepultura themselves, who accused him of abandoning them just before their farewell tour. Casagrande discussed the transition in an interview with Veja São Paulo, offering insights into his journey into his new band.

In the interview Casagrande shared how he was approached by Slipknot and on how he found out he made the cut:

The invitation came in December, through (their) manager. He asked if I was interested in auditioning first. I accepted. They asked me to record and send them some videos from right here in Brazil. Initially there were 3 songs, then they asked me for 3 more, and asked if I had any plans to go to the United States, and I was scheduled to perform there in January with my instrumental music project, Casagrande & Hanysz.

So they moved my flight up a bit, and I spent 5 days in Palm Springs, rehearsing with the full band. Then they asked me to extend my stay by another 5 days, so we could record some things. I think that was also part of the audition, they threw new ideas at me to see what my songwriting was like. They wanted to test me in every way.

Slipknot is made up of 9 musicians, so there are many spheres and layers, and they needed everyone's approval before they gave me the OK. I think it was on February 5, 6 that I received confirmation that I had passed the test.

He also shred light on how auditioning for the band went:

At first, they didn't explain what we were going to do. It was all kind of in the dark. The first thing they sent was a NDA document, so I couldn't discuss it with anyone. I learned the setlist, prepared myself and, 4 days before the trip, they sent me a list of 32 songs that it would be important for me to know. Many of the songs I was learning weren't on that list, so I started looking for sheet music.

When I got there (in the United States), they gave me a setlist on the first day, which had some songs I didn't know either, but we went out playing. On the first day, I was very nervous, because the band was complete, and it's quite an impact to see the guys there in front of you. It's a band I've been listening to since I was a teenager, and followed on TV.

On the first day I was terrible, I didn't like my performance, but from the second day on I improved. Each day they played a different setlist in the morning, so I had a few hours to learn a song or two that was missing. Overall, it was very smooth. I had everyone's support.

Even though Sepultura has poised to break up following their announced "farewell" World Tour, however Casagrande said it was complicated and a individual decision to leave the group early:

I received the invitation to audition after the tour was announced. The big thing, the reason I agreed to audition, was the end of Sepultura. The band was going to break up, and I didn't want to stop playing drums at the age of 33. I had a chat with Slipknot, asked about their schedule and if it would be possible to juggle the two bands, but they said no, it wouldn't be possible, I'd be exclusive.

So it was my decision to leave Sepultura. It was complicated, I told them when I had closed the deal on February 5 or 6. That very day I called a meeting and explained the situation. That was it, an individual decision.

On wearing a mask in his new role:

The first big change when wearing a mask is mental. It's another persona in there. The mask has life. If someone else puts it on, it won't be the same. I created it together with Shawn, we worked out the design together, so it's a combination of Slipknot and my personality. But when you put the mask on, something different happens. I can't explain it yet.

And the physical aspect of playing is calm, I thought it would be worse. Of course it gets hot, because it's full of foam, so I get very sweaty. But there's a good space to breathe. Before the first performance, I was rehearsing with a mask made for athletes, which simulates altitude. It has several valves and covers the nose and mouth, restricting breathing. This helped me play more calmly.

[via ThePRP]