Slipknot guitarist Jim Root has said the band's newly released single, Arsenal, will not appear on their forthcoming eighth studio album, describing it as "not really representative" of the material being developed for the record. The surprise release has sparked lively debate among fans online, prompting Root to clarify the song's status directly in response to comments on social media.

Responding on a now-deleted Instagram post, Root explained that Arsenal was written and finished quickly so it could be released while the band continues working on the rest of the album, but confirmed it will not feature on the eventual record. The track marks Slipknot's first new music since the recent departure of DJ Sid Wilson. No release date has been confirmed for the eighth album, though Root has previously said the band is working with Faith No More producer Matt Wallace and has around 50 song ideas in progress.