Slipknot Eye 2013 For New Album Sessions

Slipknot fans have been clamoring for a new album for a couple of years now but recent comments from drummer Shawn 'Clown' Crahan indicate that recording is not likely to begin before 2013.

Slipknot have been grieving the loss of bassist Paul Gray since his tragic passing 2010 and have been very vocal about the fact that they are not ready to record yet. It took the band a good amount of time to return to the stage after Gray's death -- they eventually reunited for a few shows overseas last summer. Despite their plans to tour North America this year, drummer Clown told Kerrang that they are still working through the grief:

"After [the tour], we'll probably take some time off. It could be a month, it could be a couple of months, maybe even a year. After that time, I'll be over the immediate grieving process for Paul. I'll never be alright with it, but that's going to be enough time to get focused."

Previous statements from both Clown and vocalist Corey Taylor have indicated that the new album will be in memory of the fallen bassist and will most likely be very dark. Taylor and Slipknot guitarist Jim Root are currently at work on a double concept album with Stone Sour. Slipknot is set as headliners for the Rockstar Mayhem Festival this year, which kicks off in June -- click here for tour dates.