The world of music is an ever-evolving landscape, and the resurgence of nu metal is a prime example of this cyclical nature. In a recent interview, Slipknot's guitarist Jim Root delved into the band's creative process and their unique approach to music, offering a fascinating insight into their artistic journey.
The Nu Metal Revival
Nu metal, a genre that dominated the late 1990s and early 2000s, has found new life among young listeners, thanks to the Y2K revival and the power of TikTok. It's a trend that Root acknowledges, but one that Slipknot isn't directly tapping into with their new music.
"We're not regressing or de-evolving into that sort of sound," Root explains. "Our new stuff has elements of nu metal, but it's not a defining characteristic. We're just being true to our own sound."
The Slipknot Sound
What makes Slipknot unique, according to Root, is their diverse musical backgrounds. Each member brings their own influences, creating a sound that is distinctly their own. "We're uncategorizable," he says. "Our music has so many elements that it's hard to pin down."
Root compares Slipknot to bands like U2 and Muse, who have evolved into their own distinct entities. "When you hear U2, you know it's U2. They've created their own niche. That's what we strive for."
The Creative Process
The band's creative process is an organic and collaborative effort. Instead of relying solely on technology, they jam together, letting the music evolve naturally. "We set up in a church and just jam for hours," Root describes. "It's an honor to jam with Eloy [Delorian, the band's new drummer]."
During these jams, Clown, the band's percussionist, acts as a director, signaling when a part is worth pursuing. "He'll throw his arm up, and that's a cue to our producer," Root explains. "It's an honest and open approach to songwriting."
A Diverse Musical Landscape
Root hints at the diverse nature of their new material, mentioning fast grind-picking riffs, melodic heavy doom, beautiful clean interludes, and even experimental elements reminiscent of Pink Floyd. "It's the most honest way I can think to write music," he says.
The band has accumulated a vast amount of material, with at least 50 arrangements in various stages of development. They're taking a leapfrog approach, similar to their 'We Are Not Your Kind' process, letting the songs evolve naturally.
A Thoughtful Conclusion
Slipknot's approach to music is a testament to their creativity and respect for the artistic process. By embracing an organic, collaborative method, they've created a sound that is uniquely their own. As Root says, "It's just Slipknot music."
This band continues to push boundaries and evolve, offering a fresh take on heavy music. Their new material promises to be an exciting evolution of their signature sound.
