New Knotfest

Knotfest took place at various venues in the American Midwest in 2012.

Before the announcement, the band’s website went dark. When it came back online it showed a single word, “Japan,” with links to the Knotfest Japan home page, including a video from the group talking about the festival promising “many, many, many bands,” both Japanese and international, without actually saying who any of those bands are.

Tickets go on sale April 11.

The local presenter is Hayashi International Promotion, which also presented the first-ever Ozzfest in Japan last year.

The success of that festival is likely what led to the import of this one. In any case, the nightmare carnival atmosphere that characterizes Knotfest seems almost custom-made for Japanese fans, and not just metal fans.

As Shawn “Clown” Chrahan of the band says in the video, “Knotfest … includes the culture of Slipknot and the culture of Japan and is a celebration of rock ‘n’ roll and everything it creates.”

H.I.P. CEO Kaori Hayashi adds that “this historic event [is] sure to become a staple in Japan for rock fans year after year.”