Slipknot has always been a band that thrives on the interplay of music, identity, and raw emotion, and their newest drummer, Eloy Casagrande, has embraced this ethos with a powerful personal touch. Now clad in a mask that is as symbolic as it is striking, Casagrande has merged the band’s legacy with elements of his own story, crafting a visual representation that goes far beyond aesthetics.
Casagrande’s mask, with its white canvas and intricate details, immediately recalls the spirit of Joey Jordison, Slipknot’s original drummer. At Shawn “Clown” Crahan’s suggestion, the mask’s white base serves as a tribute to Jordison’s iconic imagery, bringing his legacy back into focus. This choice underscores a profound respect for the band’s history, allowing Casagrande to step into his new role with a deep acknowledgement of the foundations on which Slipknot’s sonic empire was built.
But Casagrande’s mask isn’t merely a nod to the past—it’s a canvas for his own narrative. The black lines extending from the eyes and nose are a homage to the indigenous culture of his homeland, Brazil. For the drummer, these markings are a way to carry a piece of his roots onto the world stage, intertwining his heritage with the larger-than-life persona of Slipknot. This fusion of personal identity with the band’s aesthetic creates a mask that is as much a statement of individuality as it is a fitting addition to Slipknot’s masked brotherhood.
Perhaps the most jarring feature of Casagrande’s mask is the bullet hole at its center—a detail that carries a chilling backstory. Casagrande shared that the inspiration came from a harrowing moment in São Paulo, where he was robbed at gunpoint. The near-death experience profoundly shaped his outlook, leaving him with a philosophy that now fuels his performances. The bullet hole symbolizes his defiance, a stark reminder of mortality that paradoxically brings freedom and fearlessness. On stage, this imagery translates into an energy that is unbound, visceral, and unapologetic.
The mask’s expression, shaped under Clown’s watchful eye, adds layers of meaning. Observing Casagrande’s intense focus while drumming, Clown captured the raw emotion of those moments and embedded them into the design. The furrowed brow and etched wrinkles speak to the power and passion Casagrande channels when performing Slipknot’s music, making the mask a mirror of his artistic presence.
Eloy Casagrande, mask and all, is set to take the stage as Slipknot begins its 2025 tour in Melbourne, Australia. The symbolism behind the mask is certain to resonate with fans, as it embodies not just the band’s storied past but also a fearless march toward the future. With every beat, Casagrande’s presence promises to honour legacy, celebrate heritage, and push the boundaries of what Slipknot continues to represent: an unrelenting, deeply personal connection between music, identity, and the human experience.