ELOY CASAGRANDE has opened up about his experience auditioning for SLIPKNOT, revealing that he initially had no idea what the band was looking for when they began searching for a new drummer in early 2024. The Brazilian musician, who made his name as the drummer for SEPULTURA for over a decade, joined SLIPKNOT ahead of their touring cycle later that year.
In an interview, Casagrande described spending ten days with the band learning their catalog and jamming together. He admitted being visibly nervous on the first day, making mistakes due to the overwhelming experience of meeting the musicians in person. "I didn't know what the guys were looking for," he explained, noting he was unsure whether SLIPKNOT wanted someone to replicate previous drummers or bring their own musical personality.
As rehearsals progressed, the band's supportive approach helped him settle in and perform with greater confidence. Casagrande emphasized that he values creative freedom when joining an established act: "I feel a lot more comfortable if I have my freedom of speech, my freedom of musicality."
Guitarist Jim Root praised Casagrande's humility and passion for drumming, and confirmed that no other candidates were auditioned. Root also noted that South American promoters expressed pride in having a Brazilian drummer in SLIPKNOT's lineup.
Casagrande had departed SEPULTURA before the band announced their own final tour and dissolution in 2023, making his transition to one of metal's biggest modern acts a significant career move and a point of national pride in Brazil.