On September 9, 2026, Slipknot slipped a surprise into the night with the release of “Arsenal,” the first official track to feature drummer Eloy Casagrande. The single also marks the band’s first new material since long‑time turntablist Sid Wilson was dismissed on August 14, 2026.

The track hit streaming services worldwide at midnight local time, and an official music video produced by (sic)est Films in partnership with (sic)est Records premiered on YouTube the same day. Thousands of viewers have already watched the clip, and the band announced a limited‑edition 7‑inch vinyl edition that will ship from September 28. The vinyl includes a Tribal S etching on side B, a nod to Slipknot’s penchant for collectible releases.

“Arsenal” follows the 2023 stand‑alone single “Bone Church,” which was Slipknot’s last release before the 2026 off‑shoot album Look Outside Your Window. That album, issued earlier in 2026, features experimental tracks recorded during the 2008 All Hope Is Gone sessions. The group’s most recent full‑length LP, The End, So Far, came out in 2022.

Casagrande’s integration into Slipknot began in spring 2024 after he left Brazilian metal outfit Sepultura. During that period he worked with the band to shape both internal dynamics and the group’s aesthetic. Reports indicate that the band started writing a song titled “Long May You Die” during these sessions. While it is unclear whether “Arsenal” is a brand‑new composition or an evolution of that earlier track, Casagrande told Kerrang in 2024 that the band “threw new ideas at me to see what my songwriting was like.”

The single’s release also coincides with the presence of a masked percussionist who has been touring with Slipknot since 2023. The performer’s identity remains undisclosed, but the band’s live shows have incorporated the masked percussionist’s contributions.

Sid Wilson’s departure was confirmed by the band’s official channels on August 14, 2026. Wilson, who had served as the group’s turntablist and was designated #0, was dismissed after a long tenure that began in 1998. The band did not provide a detailed explanation for the decision.

By choosing a surprise single rather than a full album or EP, Slipknot continued a strategy used in the past, such as the 2023 release of “Bone Church.” The immediate availability on streaming platforms and the accompanying video suggest a focus on digital distribution.

Industry observers note that Slipknot’s lineup changes have historically coincided with shifts in musical direction. Casagrande’s background in Sepultura and his experience with complex rhythmic patterns may influence the band’s future sound, while the inclusion of a masked percussionist adds another layer of mystery to the group’s evolving lineup.

The 7‑inch vinyl will be distributed through Slipknot’s official online store and select record shops. The limited run is expected to appeal to collectors and long‑time fans who have followed the band’s history of unique physical releases.

As of now, Slipknot has not announced a full‑length album or tour dates following the release of “Arsenal.” The single’s performance on streaming charts and sales data will be monitored in the coming weeks. The band’s next public appearance is scheduled for a festival performance in late October, though details have not yet been released.

In summary, Slipknot’s surprise single “Arsenal” marks a new chapter for the band: it introduces drummer Eloy Casagrande, follows the departure of Sid Wilson, and continues the group’s tradition of releasing unexpected material. The track’s digital release, accompanying video, and limited‑edition vinyl edition underscore the band’s ongoing engagement with both streaming audiences and physical collectors.