Four years after the passing of former Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison, his unreleased album, "Open Your Omen," from his band Vimic, is scheduled for release. This project was made possible through a successful Kickstarter campaign initiated by his sisters, Annie Gaster and Katie Riekena, under the Jordison Family Foundation. The album will debut on October 3, marking a significant moment for fans and preserving Jordison's musical legacy.
Key Takeaways
- Joey Jordison's unreleased Vimic album, "Open Your Omen," will be released on October 3.
- The release was funded by a Kickstarter campaign led by his sisters, raising over $100,000.
- Vimic, formed after Jordison's departure from Slipknot, recorded the album in 2017.
- A tribute show featuring surviving Vimic members and Wednesday 13 will coincide with the album launch.
- The Jordison Family Foundation aims to continue honoring Joey's musical contributions.
Vimic's Journey and the Album's Revival
Vimic emerged from the remnants of Joey Jordison's earlier side project, Scar the Martyr. It represented his first new band after his departure from Slipknot in December 2013. The band's debut album, "Open Your Omen," faced multiple delays. These issues stemmed from various label challenges and changes in personnel. By 2018, Joey Jordison put Vimic on hold, and the album was shelved indefinitely.
The album's fate changed in April 2024. The Jordison Family Foundation, managed by his sisters Annie and Katie, launched a Kickstarter campaign. Their goal was to secure funding to finally release the completed album. The foundation's mission is to honor Joey's musical contributions and ensure his work remains accessible to his fans.
Annie Gaster stated, "When we lost Joey, he still had a lot of projects going on. It made sense to pick Vimic up because it was basically completed. We knew the most important thing in terms of honoring Joey and his music was making sure his music was always out there and it would always be available."
Quick Fact
The Kickstarter campaign reached its initial target of $25,000 within just 24 hours. It ultimately quadrupled this goal, raising over $100,000 from global fan support.
Fan Dedication and Emotional Connections
The overwhelming success of the Kickstarter campaign highlighted the strong bond between Joey Jordison and his fanbase. Fans from around the world contributed to the project, demonstrating their loyalty and affection for the late musician. This level of support moved his sisters deeply.
Katie Riekena expressed her gratitude, saying, "We managed to raise over $100,000 purely from fan support, and it’s just so touching. Joey’s fans are so dedicated, so loyal and the coolest group of people. They really love Joey and we really felt that, putting this whole thing together."
The connection with fans extends beyond financial support. Annie Gaster recounted emotional encounters with fans. She described an experience at a festival where fans, upon receiving t-shirts with Joey's image, became visibly emotional. This interaction provided insight into Joey's own dedication to his audience.
Annie explained, "There were these huge, tattooed, bearded men, but they’d start crying when they talked to us. Doing that, I understood why Joey never went through the backdoor of a venue after a show, why he’d stay after shows and meet his fans. It means a lot." This interaction underscored the profound impact Joey had on his listeners.
Joey's Work Ethic and Family Insights
Growing up, Joey's sisters witnessed his passion for music firsthand. While aware of his fame, they gained a deeper appreciation for his craft by observing him in the studio. Annie shared an experience when family members joined Joey during the recording of a Puscifer album, "V" is For Viagra – The Remixes. This allowed them to see his leadership and musical direction.
"Katie and I definitely became used to seeing people in awe of Joey when we were growing up, but watching him actually work, it became apparent just how big a part of him this was," Annie noted. "It was one thing knowing he was famous, but seeing him directing and leading all these instruments… it was a totally different experience." This close-up view revealed the depth of his commitment to his art.
Background Information
Joey Jordison was a co-founder and the drummer for the heavy metal band Slipknot from 1995 to 2013. He was widely regarded as one of metal's most influential drummers. His death in July 2021 at the age of 46 left a significant void in the music community.
Upcoming Tribute and Future Projects
The release of "Open Your Omen" will be celebrated with a special tribute show. On October 3, the surviving members of Vimic will reunite to perform at the Teragram Ballroom in Los Angeles. They will be joined by Joey's former Murderdolls bandmate, Wednesday 13, as a supporting act. This event aims to honor Joey's legacy and provide fans with a live experience of his music.
Katie Riekena emphasized the collaborative spirit with the remaining Vimic members. "The thing with the Vimic guys is, it’s basically like working with four versions of Joey. They’re amazing people and we have meetings weekly to come up with new ideas to make sure this feels really special." This suggests a strong commitment to delivering an authentic experience.
Annie Gaster added, "We’re doing this for the fans and we want to give them what Joey would give them, and Joey never did anything small!" This statement reinforces the intention to create a memorable and impactful event for the fanbase.
Exploring More Unreleased Material
Joey Jordison was known for his prolific creative output. His sisters confirmed that Vimic's album was just one of many projects he had underway. The relative completion of "Open Your Omen" made its release a more straightforward process compared to other works.
- Vimic's Album: "Open Your Omen" was largely recorded and finished.
- Other Projects: There are numerous other unreleased materials.
- Future Plans: The Jordison Family Foundation will evaluate these projects on a case-by-case basis.
Katie stated, "Vimic was kind of easy because it was recorded and pretty much finished with a bow on. All we had to do was get the rights and put it out, right? From here on out, we’ll play it by ear, but there’s a lot of stuff – some of it we’ve been through and some of it we haven’t." This indicates a careful and thoughtful approach to managing Joey's extensive musical archive.
The release of "Open Your Omen" serves as a testament to Joey Jordison's enduring influence and the dedication of his family and fans. It ensures that his musical voice continues to resonate, even years after his passing.