Drummer Eloy Casagrande departed from SEPULTURA to pursue involvement in “another project,” sparking speculation among fans that he may join SLIPKNOT as their new drummer.
Eloy‘s departure from SEPULTURA comes merely two months following the band’s announcement of a global “farewell tour” to commemorate its 40th anniversary in 2024.
SEPULTURA issued the following statement earlier today: “The ‘Celebrating Life Through Death’ tour, a farewell tour over the next 18 months that will celebrate the band’s 40th anniversary and also its farewell to the stage.
“Beginning of December the group clearly defined the intention at the announcement, it is a ‘conscious and planned death’. As poetic as it sounds, a tour of this magnitude took nearly of year of preparing and planning which would require a lot commitment, ethics and loyalty to their fans, as well as respecting for the band’s history — something that is a clear priority to Andreas Kisser, Derrick Green and Paulo Xisto.
“However, on February 6th a few days prior to the first rehearsal, drummer Eloy Casagrande informed the band that he was leaving SEPULTURA to pursue a career in another project. The band were taken by surprise, without prior warning, he immediately left the band, abandoning everything related to SEPULTURA. Luckily American virtuoso Greyson Nekrutman will take the position of Eloy Casagrande and is welcomed as the band’s new drummer for the ‘celebrating life through death’ farewell tour.”
Greyson commented: “Today I express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible opportunity to join the legendary ranks of SEPULTURA for their farewell tour. To contribute to this legacy is a privilege that fills me with both honor and excitement. SEPULTURA‘s fearless approach to exploring new territories in the metal sphere is something that I have always admired and strived to emulate in my own musical endeavors. I am eagerly looking forward to adding my own spirit and passion to the mix, to connecting with the fans who have supported the band through its evolution, and to the electrifying experiences we’ll create together on stage. Here’s to the new chapters we’ll write together, to the stages we’ll conquer, and to the powerful music we’ll unleash upon the world.”
It was previously reported that Casagrande had been in talks with SLIPKNOT, and had already recorded some demos with them. He was reportedly the top choice of the band, who are impressed by his talent, versatility, and personality.
If Casagrande does join SLIPKNOT, he would be the youngest and the first non-American member of the band. He would also face the challenge of filling the shoes of Joey Jordison and Jay Weinberg, who are both revered by the SLIPKNOT fans. However, Casagrande has proven himself to be a formidable drummer, and a worthy successor of the SLIPKNOT legacy.
