We're a unique band, so why have a generic producer lumping you in a box with other bands that sound the same?

I'm constantly writing, maybe a little more than other guys in the band. I find it a very therapeutic thing to do on the road, where you're estranged from your hobbies.

It's important to evolve without ever straying too far from your roots and what established you.

I don't consciously think of any certain direction when I'm writing. I only try not to be repetitive or redundant.

For Slipknot, I'd say drumming is only 50 or 60 percent of the job. The rest of it is who you are and what your personality is.

As a person, I think you're always kind of searching for something or going through a hardship, whether it's your parents splitting up or anything like that. I mean, my parents stuck together, for whatever reason, until I was about 23, and then they decided to call it quits.

Yes, it is extremely lucky to be doing what I'm doing, and I wouldn't change any of it for the world.

I feel weird talking about it, because how can I, as the guitar player of Slipknot, sit here and say, 'Oh, I have trouble.' You know what I mean?

I'm definitely a lot more reserved without the mask on. And with the mask on, all those inhibitions kinda go out the window. I can act like Keith Richards, I guess!

The masks, for us, are more of a way to present ourselves live, you know?