Slipknot fans have begun referring to the mystery member who replaced keyboardist and sampler Craig Jones last year as ‘Samples’ following the reveal of the band’s new masks this week.
Jones’ departure was announced almost a year ago with his replacement introduced almost immediately after, just prior to The Nine’s headline slot at that year’s Download Festival.
Impressively, Mr Samples’ identity still remains unknown. At the time of them being brought into the band, they were christened ‘Greg Bones’, ‘The Gimp’, ‘Leatherface’, ‘Zipper Dude’ and ‘Hoodie Guy’ by fans.
The new nickname came about, however, when Slipknot posted photos of each member’s new mask to Instagram. Samples’ name was not listed alongside their instrument and the caption simply reads ‘Samples/Media’ instead, leading people to refer to them as Samples or Samples Media.
Before his identity was revealed, percussionist Michael Pfaff was lovingly referred to as ‘Tortilla Guy’ in reference to the texture of his mask. Pfaff joined the band in 2019, replacing Chris Fehn.
Meanwhile, Slipknot recently confirmed that, as heavily rumoured, their new drummer was former Sepultura sticksman Eloy Casagrande. He took over the role from Jay Weinberg, who was let go late last year.
Since then, Casagrande has opened up about the “complicated” choice he had to make in leaving Brazilian metal legends to join Slipknot.
Before his placement in the Iowa group was confirmed, fans were speculating about who the new drummer would be – and many were certain that it was Casagrande long before the official announcement came.
They have also confirmed that they have already written a song with him, ‘Long May You Die’.
News of new music also comes after founding member Shawn ‘Clown’ Crahan spoke to NME about what Slipknot have planned for 2024 at the end of last year.
“I’m ready to move on from what has been, and move onto a world that I know needs to be. For instance, normally we’d have about two years on and one-and-a-half years off – we’re not doing that anymore,” he said.
“We’re going back to basics. I’m ready to kick everybody in the face again! I’m ready to do a 100-person venue again! I’m ready to do a 500-person venue…”
More recently, guitarist Jim Root revealed how Casagrande came to be the band’s new drummer – saying that the band didn’t consider auditioning anyone else for the role – and the band announced their ‘Here Comes The Pain’ 25th anniversary US tour with Knocked Loose and more.
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