SLIPKNOT bassist Alessandro “VMan” Venturella has revealed his latest mask, a collaboration with German visual artist, writer, and sculptor Hedi Xandt.
Xandt’s artistic portfolio spans from poetry and digital art to intricate visuals and monumental sculptures. His work explores classical themes such as vanity, physical tension, and the complexities of human existence. Known for blending traditional and digital techniques, Xandt often blurs the line between illusion and reality. Some of his works evoke a desire to possess them, yet remain immaterial, while others, seemingly confined to the digital realm, are, in fact, massive creations of stone and metal.
Discussing the collaboration, Venturella expressed his excitement: “I’ve been a huge fan of his work and felt it was time to ask him to create a piece of art for SLIPKNOT. I’m beyond thrilled!”
Xandt described the mask he crafted for Venturella: “Its design pays homage to earlier versions of VMan’s face and incorporates elements from Italian expressionist sculptures, reshaped and transformed into a mask through brute force. This ‘slashed’ look is one of three different designs.”
He added, “It’s been an absolute pleasure to work on these, and there’s much more to show you! Thanks to @vmanshreds for the trust he placed in me and my work.”
Venturella debuted the new mask during the first show of SLIPKNOT’s North American “Here Comes The Pain” tour on August 6 at the Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville, Indiana. This year marks the 25th anniversary of SLIPKNOT’s groundbreaking debut album, *Slipknot*, which launched the band into stardom in 1999.
Venturella joined SLIPKNOT during the recording of their 2014 album, *”.5: The Gray Chapter,”* contributing bass tracks alongside guitarists Jim Root, Mick Thomson, and former touring bassist Donnie Steele. He made his live debut with the band later that year at the first annual Knotfest.
In a 2019 interview with *Bass Guitar Magazine,* Venturella recounted how he joined SLIPKNOT after receiving a call from Jim Root while working as a guitar tech for Brent Hinds of MASTODON.
“Jim and I became friends while I was teching,” Venturella recalled. “He asked if I knew any bass players, and when I found out why, I immediately volunteered. He pointed out, ‘But you don’t play bass?’ and I told him I could do whatever he needed. Then I had to make sure it was true.”
Reflecting on his early role in SLIPKNOT, Venturella acknowledged the challenge of filling the shoes of original bassist Paul Gray, who passed away in 2010. “My approach isn’t the same as Paul’s. I can’t be him and never will be; every player is ultimately different. But after listening to his bass tracks, I gained a new understanding of how crucial the bass is as the backbone of the band. If you take the bass out of the mix, everything falls apart, but if it’s too dominant, you lose the balance. As the rhythm section, we’re here to hold the fort.”
Paul Gray tragically passed away from an accidental drug overdose.
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