May 22, 2009 13:36

Slipknot's Corey Taylor denies encouraging children to self-harm

Frontman has offered new advice to fans

Photo Gallery: Slipknot

Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor has denied that his band's music and lyrics encourage children to self-harm.

The masked rockers have faced criticism over the years about the nature of their lyrics and the resulting influence on young fans.

Speaking to NME.COM, Taylor said that he does not believe that Slipknot can be blamed for any of the problems.

"If you're setting out to hurt yourself, it's not the music that's causing it," he said. "There's something else wrong. We get a lot of kids that cut themselves but I go out of my way to try and stop it."

The star went on to warn fans against self-harming.

"It may feel artistic to carve our names in your arm but to us, it's just hurting yourself," he said. "As bleak as Slipknot can be, it's supposed to be positive in the long term and the last thing we want is for anyone to hurt themselves."

Taylor also revealed that he battled depression as a youth.

"I used to be one of those kids and I always try to explain to them that I know what it's like to feel like you're the last person on Earth," he said. "All you have to do is reach out and someone will be there."

To read the full interview with Taylor get the new issue of NME, out now.