Joey Jordison, one of metal’s most influential drummers, is being remembered not just through memory or legacy, but through music. Four years after his passing, his final album with VIMIC, Open Your Omen, is finally being prepared for release. The project had been stalled for years, caught between tragedy, logistics, and the weight of creative expectation. Now, it’s being brought to the surface with care, determination, and a deep sense of reverence.
Originally, this record was supposed to come out in 2018. The band had momentum, early singles were well received, and fans expected a new chapter in Joey Jordison’s career following his departure from Slipknot. But plans changed. The death of producer Kato Khandwala hit the band hard, not just because of the technical challenges that followed, but because he was central to the project’s direction. His passing shook everyone involved. Then, like it often does, life pulled the remaining members in different directions. Other bands, other commitments, time passing without answers.
When Joey Jordison died in July 2021, many assumed the record would be shelved indefinitely. In truth, it might have remained incomplete if not for the quiet but determined efforts of his family. They took up the mantle—not just to preserve the music, but to honor how personal this work was to him. From drum parts to the cover design, this wasn’t just another album; it was something he’d poured himself into.
The final push came not from a label, but from fans. A grassroots funding campaign was launched to support the production of vinyl, CDs, and merchandise. The response was immediate. Within days, fans from around the world had backed the project beyond its original goal. For many, it wasn’t just about buying music, it was about being part of something Joey started.
What makes Open Your Omen different is that it carries his signature in every detail. This isn’t posthumous work stitched together by others. It was nearly finished while he was still here, and his direction remained the guiding voice. Songs like “Simple Skeletons” and “Fail Me (My Temple)” are gritty and complex, a reminder of Jordison’s unmatched ability to shift between chaos and control on the drums. Each track feels deliberately built: tight, loud, yet meticulously crafted.
To celebrate the release, a VIMIC tribute show is being organized in Los Angeles. It won’t just be about performance; it’ll be a moment of collective reflection. Musicians who knew him, worked with him, or were shaped by his style will gather to play, speak, and remember.
For fans, this record might be the closest thing to hearing Joey speak again. It’s not just about rhythm or riffs. It’s the work of an artist who spent decades driving metal forward, who built foundations with blast beats and breakdowns. Now, the world gets to hear how he wanted to close the chapter: with power, precision, and unmistakable heart.