SLIPKNOT drummer Joey Jordison is featured in a new interview with News.com.au. An excerpt from the story is available below:

Jordison, who has performed in MURDERDOLLS and with METALLICA, KORN and SATYRICON, says while the death of Slipknot bassist, founding member and his best friend Paul Gray in 2010 definitely changed the band, they wouldn't split up any time soon.

"It's so tragic and it's horrible, but life has to go on and the last thing (Paul) would ever want is for us to throw in the towel," he says. "I miss my friend very, very much and no matter what he'll still be on every Skipknot record, spiritually. And we have a lot that we've written together that hasn't seen the light of day yet, some monster riffs. I will miss him forever but you can't sit and wallow and make excuses for not continuing Slipknot."

Seems singer Corey Taylor hasn't always shared that sentiment, with rumours circulating he wanted to quit the band. Jordison is quick to hose that down that kind of talk, saying the band was working on new material with Taylor.

"I've been in and out of the studio for about six months now that's on the Slipknot record, and also on some solo stuff as well. He (Taylor) does want to keep doing it."

Whoa, wait, solo stuff? Way to change the subject ...

"Yeah, I'm gonna be forming a band in the near future with a lot of the material I've been writing lately,'' he says. "I don't want to release too much but I have been in the studio and I think people will be pretty surprised at what I come up with it's heavy! But (Slipknot) is all I care about right now. We are one of a kind, for sure. No one will ever be like us"

Click here for the complete story.

As previously reported, Slipknot have released a video promo for their appearance at the 2012 Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival featuring Clown. Check it out below:

Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival is back for its fifth year, assaulting the senses of United States heavy metal music fans.

According to a press release: "The Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival is proud to announce this summer’s artists. The main stage will be our strongest ever with the headlining slot occupied by multi-platinum Iowa legends Slipknot. Next up will be legendary thrash metal kings SLAYER (pictured at left) and then a major special guest will be playing in the third slot whom will be announced on March 5th. The main stage will also spotlight a ferocious mix of today’s best artists in a rotation, including THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, AS I LAY DYING and ASKING ALEXANDRIA. In 2012 the tour has upgraded the production on the festival stage and this year the Jagermeister Stage will feature a special headline set by metal masters ANTHRAX supported by a rotation of The Devil Wears Prada, As I Lay Dying and Asking Alexandria, along with WHITECHAPEL, HIGH ON FIRE and the Jagermeister opener. Please note that bands may vary per market."

The Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival will make a 26-date trek across the US beginning on June 30th at the San Manuel Amphitheater in San Bernardino, California. "Get Off Your Ass" pre-sale tickets go on sale Friday, April 6th. Tune in to www.rockstarmayhemfest.com and www.livenation.com for up-to-date ticketing information.

Slipknot’s Corey Taylor commented: “You knew we'd be back. Now, you know we're coming. This will be a tour people will scarcely want to miss. It will definitely be a show to remember. Can't wait to see the states again from behind a mask.”

Slipknot’s Clown states: “Slipknot is headlining this summer’s Mayhem festival and it’s going to be unlike anything you’ve ever felt, sensed, or seen. You miss this, you miss everything. Everyone seems to think that there’s a chance we’re gonna go away. This is the farthest thing from the truth. Stay sic and don’t ever judge us.”

“Mayhem 2012 might just be the last and greatest metal festival before the world ends!! So wreak havoc and go out in style!!”, adds Tom Araya of Slayer.

The 5th annual Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival will also feature ROCKSTAR METAL MULISHA JUMP TEAM, on select dates. See below for all current tour dates:

June

30 - San Bernardino, CA - San Manuel Amphitheater

July

1 - San Francisco, CA - Shoreline Amphitheater
3 - Seattle, WA - White River Amphitheater
4 - Boise, ID - Idaho Center Amphitheater
6 - Phoenix, AZ - Ashley Furniture Home Store Pavilion
7 - Albuquerque, NM - Hard Rock Casino Albuquerque Presents The Pavilion
8 - Denver, CO - Comfort Dental Amphitheatre
10 - Dallas, TX - Gexa Energy Pavilion
11 - Houston, TX - Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
13 - Tampa, FL - 1-800-Ask-Gary Amphitheatre
14 - Atlanta, GA - Aaron's Amphitheatre at Lakewood
15 - Indianapolis, IN - Klipsch Music Center
18 - Oklahoma City, OK - Zoo Amphitheatre
20 - St. Louis, MO - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
21 - Chicago, IL - First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
22 - Detroit, MI - DTE Energy Music Theatre
24 - Cincinnati, OH - Riverbend Music Center
25 - Cleveland, OH - Blossom Music Center
27 - Philadelphia, PA - Susquehanna Bank Center
28 - Pittsburgh, PA - First Niagara Pavilion
29 - Washington, DC - Jiffy Lube Live
31 - Saratoga Springs, NY - Saratoga Performing Arts Center

August

1 - Buffalo, NY - Darien Lake PAC
3 - Boston, MA - Comcast Center
4 - Scranton, PA - Toyota Pavilion
5 - Hartford, CT - The Comcast Theatre

For more information on the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, visit this location.