In the world of modern heavy metal drumming, Eloy Casagrande’s name stands out. With his powerful, energetic style and technical precision, he’s made a lasting impact on the global music scene. From his early days as a child prodigy to his current role as the drummer of Slipknot, Eloy’s journey is one of dedication, innovation, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
In an exclusive interview with Moises, Eloy shares insights into his career, influences, and approach to mastering the drums. He also offers pro tips for musicians looking to elevate their skills, providing a glimpse into the mindset of one of metal’s most respected drummers.
Read on and learn from Eloy Casagrande!
Who is Eloy Casagrande?
Eloy Casagrande is a Brazilian drummer known for his powerful playing style and technical mastery, captivating audiences worldwide with his energetic performances.
Born on January 29, 1991, in Santo André, São Paulo, Eloy showed exceptional talent from a young age. He began playing drums at just seven years old and quickly gained recognition as a child prodigy, winning the prestigious Batuka International Drummer Fest in 2004 at the age of 13. This early success set the stage for a career that would see him become one of the most respected drummers in the metal scene.
“I started to play the drums at the age of 7 years old. At 13 years old, I decided to become a professional drummer. So since then, I think that I have been playing the drums every day. ”
Eloy’s career took a significant leap forward in 2011 when he joined the legendary Brazilian metal band Sepultura. His addition to the lineup brought a fresh, aggressive energy to the band’s sound, and he was instrumental in revitalizing their music for a new generation of fans.
Over the next decade, he established himself as a force to be reckoned with, blending technical precision with raw power to create a style uniquely his own. His contributions helped cement Sepultura’s legacy as one of the most influential bands in heavy metal history.
But Eloy’s journey didn’t stop there. In 2024, he made headlines again when he joined Slipknot, one of the world’s biggest and most influential metal bands. This move not only marked a new chapter in Eloy’s career but showcased his versatility and ability to adapt to different musical environments.
As Slipknot’s new drummer, Eloy has continued to push the boundaries of his craft, impressing both fans and critics with his intense performances and undeniable talent. His story is one of dedication, skill, and relentless pursuit of excellence, making him an inspiration for musicians everywhere.
Musical background and influences
Eloy Casagrande’s drumming style is a dynamic fusion of his Brazilian roots and passion for metal, creating a unique sound that has captivated audiences worldwide. While he is celebrated for his powerful and precise playing in the metal genre, his musical foundation is deeply rooted in the rich and diverse rhythms of Brazilian music.
Growing up in Brazil, Eloy immersed himself in various traditional styles such as samba, baião, and maracatu, which he considers a core part of his musical DNA.
“I am considered a metal rock drummer, but in the past, I used to study all the Brazilian culture of rhythms. So I have a lot of that in my DNA.”
These early influences have profoundly shaped Eloy’s approach to drumming, providing him with a rhythmic vocabulary that goes beyond the conventions of metal.
His ability to blend these contrasting elements is what sets Eloy apart from other drummers. He often incorporates complex Brazilian patterns into his metal performances, adding layers of rhythmic intricacy and depth. This mindset has expanded his creative boundaries and redefined the possibilities within the genre.
His innovative approach is evident in his work with Sepultura, where he infused traditional Brazilian rhythms into the band’s heavy, aggressive sound. It continues with Slipknot, where he brings his signature blend of precision and creativity.
How did Eloy Casagrande join Slipknot?
Eloy Casagrande’s journey to joining Slipknot is a story of talent, preparation, and seizing the right opportunity. In January 2021, Eloy released a powerful drum cover of Slipknot’s “The Heretic Anthem,” using the Moises App to create a custom backing track by isolating and muting the original drum parts.
“Back in 2021, I recorded a song using the Moises app … I did a Slipknot song.”
This innovative approach allowed him to showcase his skills in a way that stood out, putting his unique spin on one of Slipknot’s most challenging songs.
Eloy created a video that didn’t just highlight his drumming expertise but demonstrated his attention to detail and dedication to the craft. The original song, recorded without a metronome, posed a significant challenge with its natural tempo variations.
Eloy meticulously practiced for weeks, perfecting every beat and nuance to ensure his cover was as authentic as possible. His dedication paid off, catching the eye of Slipknot’s co-founder and percussionist Shawn Crahan, who was impressed by the drummer’s ability to capture even the subtlest elements of the track.
Eloy’s performance led to an invitation to audition for Slipknot in December 2023—almost three years later. The audition process began with a series of video submissions recorded in Brazil, where Eloy once again turned to Moises as his practice partner.
“When I was getting prepared for the audition, I was using the app Moises. I was slowing down some songs to make the learning process easier and more accurate. And I was, like, truly prepared to play with them.”
After proving himself with the initial video submissions, Eloy was invited to Palm Springs for an in-person audition with the band. Over several intense days, he not only displayed his technical prowess, but his ability to collaborate creatively and adapt to new ideas.
His commitment, versatility, and passion for the music made a lasting impression on the band members. By the end of the audition process, Eloy had secured his place as Slipknot’s new drummer, marking a monumental moment in his career.
Pro tips from a drumming pro: What Eloy Casagrande has to say to you
Eloy Casagrande has carved out a unique space for himself in the world of drumming, not only because of his extraordinary technical skills, but due to his innovative approach to the instrument.
In this section, Eloy shares invaluable tips that have helped him become the powerhouse drummer he is today. From mastering technique to overcoming creative blocks, these insights will inspire musicians at any stage of their journey.
Mastering timing and technique
For Eloy, developing a strong sense of timing is fundamental to becoming a great musician. He emphasizes that having control over tempo and rhythm is crucial, not just for drummers but all musicians.
In our interview, he points out how timing exercises are crucial to any musician, considering that no one wants to play with someone who can’t maintain consistent timing. Therefore, developing your inner tempo is key.
Eloy uses the Moises app to enhance his practice sessions, creating custom tracks where he can manipulate the tempo.
“Most of my life, I was just using a metronome to master my inner tempo. But since I discovered the app Moises, it’s way more fun to do it—and it’s, like, much more interesting.”
This allows him to play songs at slower speeds, focusing on precision and control.
“I can change the beat, the tempo, so I can slow down or speed it up. So, if I want to play very slow, I can start … at 50 or 60 bpm.”
Eloy believes that, by practicing at slower tempos, musicians can build more solid timing skills and ultimately play faster and with greater accuracy.
“The slower that you can play, the faster you’re going to master your inner tempo.”
Perfecting your double bass technique
Mastering the double bass pedal is one of the most challenging aspects of drumming, requiring both physical endurance and technical precision. Eloy’s approach involves using the Moises App to practice different speeds and patterns, gradually increasing the tempo to build strength and speed.
During our interview, Eloy Casagrande reveals how he has evolved his practice routine for the double bass. Previously, he would use a metronome and manually change the tempo every five minutes to increase speed. Now, he uses the Moises app to make his practice sessions more engaging and efficient.
With Moises, Eloy’s current approach involves:
- Choosing a song and uploading it to the app;
- Adjusting the tempo to a medium speed;
- Gradually increasing the tempo and pushing himself to his limits.
Eloy believes this method is the most effective way to improve and master double bass technique. By using Moises, he can create a more dynamic and enjoyable practice environment while still focusing on building speed and endurance.
Using Moises for creative drumming exercises
When it comes to drumming, Eloy believes that creativity is as important as technical skill. He uses Moises to explore different rhythmic patterns and experiment with blending genres, such as incorporating traditional Brazilian rhythms into metal. “Imagine if I bring the samba pattern to a rock or metal song,” he suggests. By manipulating the tempo and isolating different instruments, Eloy can experiment with complex patterns and create unique drum compositions.
This creative freedom allows him to keep his practice sessions fresh and engaging, pushing the boundaries of conventional drumming. It’s not just about technique; it’s about bringing those opposite elements together when playing.
Overcoming creative blocks
Even the most accomplished musicians face creative blocks. When Eloy finds himself struggling with new compositions or recording sessions, he takes a step back.
“Sometimes I also feel like I have a creative block …, especially when I have to record a new album, or I have to compose new grooves …. So what I like to do is to stop for a while—maybe give it a break … of, like, one day, or two days, so you can refresh your mind; listen to different types of music ….”
According to the Slipknot drummer, this should make room for creativity to flow again. By allowing himself time to recharge, Eloy creates space for new ideas and inspiration, making it easier to return to the task at hand with a fresh perspective.
Finding your unique voice as a musician
Developing a personal style is essential for any musician, and Eloy believes that authenticity is key. He advises against imitating others, urging musicians to let their own voice shine through in their playing.
“Since the beginning, I wasn't trying to copy anyone else. I was just trying to play my music, and I was trying to … be as natural as I could.”
For Eloy, it’s about expressing oneself honestly through the instrument, even as tastes and styles evolve.
“To develop your way of playing, a unique way of playing, I can give you advice to play every day—that’s the most important thing, to stay always connected to your instrument and to listen to your inner voice. You have to be yourself on the instrument.”
Drawing inspiration from different art forms
Eloy’s creativity is not limited to music. He draws inspiration from various art forms, including cinema, literature, and visual arts. This diverse artistic exposure enriches his drumming, providing him with new ideas and perspectives that he can bring back to his music.
He encourages musicians to explore different forms of expression and be open to learning from the world around them. “Just stay open to the world so you can learn more,” he advises. By broadening their artistic horizons, musicians can deepen their creativity and develop a more nuanced voice.
Staying true to your artistic journey
For Eloy, music is a deeply personal and expressive art form. He believes that staying true to oneself is essential, even when faced with external pressures to conform. His energetic drumming style is not something he consciously chose, but an authentic expression of how he feels and interprets music.
Eloy’s advice to musicians is to respect their own artistic journey by embracing their unique voice and experiences. “You have to respect your life, you have to respect your needs,” he says. By doing so, musicians can create art that is truly their own, resonating with authenticity and passion.
Final notes
In closing, Eloy Casagrande’s journey is one that exemplifies passion, dedication, and an unrelenting commitment to his craft. From his early days as a prodigy in Brazil to his pivotal roles in iconic bands like Sepultura and Slipknot, his path is both inspiring and instructive.
Throughout our exclusive interview, Eloy shares valuable insights that go beyond drumming technique—he speaks to the importance of staying true to oneself, embracing creativity, and continuously evolving as a musician.
Whether you’re an experienced musician or just starting out, Eloy’s story and advice serve as a reminder that mastery comes from both practice and pushing boundaries.
As you move forward in your own musical journey, take these lessons to heart: play every day, listen to your inner voice, and never stop exploring the vast possibilities that music offers.
Ways to Learn, by Apple: Click here for more about Eloy Casagrande’s success story!
