If you're a 'Maggot' or avid Slipknot fan, you'll have followed the lore of the never released Look Outside Your Window record. The side project full length record of the Iowa originated nu metal band had this unique project come together during the recording sessions for their four studio album All Hope Is Gone. The record went on to be platinum certified despite the band's internal reservations on the album, with many of the members stating that it is their least favorite record of their discography. Jim Root had stated about the recording experience that, "It felt a little bit rushed. And it felt like we were trying to do things just to appease a schedule, which I didn't really like."
Evidently, this process led to different creative juices flowing among percussionist Clown, frontman Corey Taylor, guitarist Jim Root and turntablist Sid Wilson, who spent time working on this completely different project described as, "having a Radiohead vibe."
After years of anticipation, the ever elusive album has reached and almost mythical status among fans, largely due to its prolonged limbo and stated departure from Slipknot's core sound.
Since its recording, there have been multiple hints about its eventual release. A 2020 launch was scrapped, followed by unfulfilled hopes for a 2023 debut. Even recent claims that the album would "definitely" arrive this year now seem increasingly unlikely.
While Shawn "Clown" Crahan has made progress on the project—confirming it has been mixed, mastered, and even had its artwork finalized—a hesitation to release it persists.
Adding to the frustration, bandmate Jim Root recently voiced his impatience with the endless delays. Speaking to Metal Hammer, Root admitted he has joked about leaking the album himself, saying, “Man, I keep telling Clown that I’m just gonna throw it up on YouTube and share the link on my Instagram or something. He’s like, ‘Don’t dude, just don’t.’”
Root also speculated that Clown might still be "messing with mixes" or possibly "losing focus on it." For Root, the album feels like a relic of the past. “I don’t even remember what any of that stuff sounds like, because it’s been so long since we recorded it. I probably haven’t listened to it in 10 years," he admitted. He even jokingly suggested confronting Clown and saying, "Let’s listen to Look Outside Your Window, and let’s release it tonight.”
For now, however, the album remains shelved, caught between completed production and unresolved release plans. It feels like if it ever drops, we'll find out about it by seeing it pop up on Youtube or streaming services out of the blue. But hey, we can dream.
