New Slipknot drummer Eloy Casagrande has embraced a striking masked persona akin to his fellow band members. In a recent discussion with Modern Drummer, he opened up about the significance behind some of the most eye-catching elements of his mask, shedding light on his unique contribution to the band’s iconic image.

For those who have yet to notice Casagrande’s impressive look, he dons a white mask featuring a bullet hole right in the center of the forehead. The mask is further characterized by furrowed brow wrinkles and dramatic black lines radiating from the eyes and nose, creating a bold contrast against the mask’s pristine white surface.

Unveiling the Creative Process Behind Eloy’s Mask Design

Although Eloy had some creative input in the mask’s design, he shared with Modern Drummer that one key request came from founding percussionist Shawn “Clown” Crahan to initiate the design journey. Eloy recalled, “The mask was something I did with Clown. The first thing he asked me at the beginning is like, ‘Can we have a white mask for you?’ This was intended to honor Joey Jordison and commemorate his legacy.”

Jordison’s mask, like many in the band, evolved over the years, yet it consistently featured a white base adorned with various black markings, symbolizing the evolution of Slipknot’s visual identity.

Eloy’s Personal Touch: Cultural Significance and Artistic Expression

While the mask pays homage to Slipknot’s history with Jordison, Eloy also infused his own cultural identity into its design. “I proposed the idea of incorporating these black lines to honor the Brazilian indigenous people. This connection brings forth my roots and the rich culture of Brazil,” he explained, showcasing his desire to merge personal heritage with the band’s legacy.

READ MORE: Jim Root Explains Why Slipknot Hired Eloy Casagrande

Additionally, Clown contributed to the mask’s expressive features. Eloy noted, “My expression, my face expression, this was designed by Clown. He observed me playing without the mask and said, ‘That?s the way you look when you?re playing Slipknot music. So we?re going to incorporate that into your mask.’” This collaboration emphasizes the blend of individual artistry and collective identity that defines the band.

One of the most striking aspects of the mask is the bullet hole in the forehead, which has a profound backstory. Eloy recounted a harrowing experience: “I came up with the idea of the bullet hole after a traumatic incident two years ago when I was robbed in S?o Paulo. While walking in my neighborhood at 9 AM, two men on motorcycles approached me with a gun and demanded my belongings. Fortunately, they decided not to pull the trigger, and that experience changed me significantly.?

He further elaborated, “This element symbolizes a philosophy that resonates deeply with me: whether you love or hate what I do, I have nothing to lose. It conveys a sense of freedom when I perform on stage, allowing me to express my art without fear. It?s a source of inspiration for my performances.” This narrative adds depth and meaning to his stage persona, reflecting a journey of resilience.

For those interested in a deeper dive, Casagrande’s full interview is available in the January 2025 issue of Modern Drummer, which is currently on sale, featuring him prominently on the cover.

Catch Eloy Casagrande, in all his masked glory, as he performs with Slipknot during their 2025 tour, kicking off on February 28 in Melbourne, Australia, as part of several Knotfest Australia shows. This summer, the band will embark on a European tour, with their only current U.S. performance scheduled for July 19 at the Inkcarceration Festival in Mansfield, Ohio. For a full list of tour dates and ticketing information, visit the band?s official website.