Stone Sour - Hydrograd (2017)

Some time ago, Nickelback singer Chad Kroeger (or as I like to call him, the distant brother of Nicolas Cage), called out fellow hard rockers Stone Sour for being a light version of themselves, but not being able to write a hit song. Of course, this sparked a beef between the bands, especially the lead singers Chad and Corey Taylor, and while the beef itself is something I could not care less about, I just laughed my ass off of the original comment. First off, Nickelback sucks, and if there was a light version of the band, they would not last very long. Second, Stone Sour is nothing like them, they are heavier, and have more context behind their craft. Third, they do know how to write hit songs, just not for the everyman crowd, with some evidence being "30/30-150", "Through Glass", and "Do Me A Favor".

Ultimately, I think the music should do the talking, and with both bands releasing new material pretty close to each other, it is safe to say that Stone Sour won with a huge margin. It should not come as a surprise, but the new Nickelback album is more of the same, very simple, but hollow, songs that just does not leave any impact at all, and with one, maybe two songs that show some decent musicality, but those are always buried underneath a pile of unoriginal shit and pointless ballads.

Now, Stone Sour has not struck pure gold either with their 6th album "Hydrograd", but it is an album that has a lot of good music in it. While it mostly is not something new we are hearing from the band, it is still good quality to the craft that is presented, and a surprisingly steady flow of it as well. Even though it is not another concept album, like the two parter "House of Gold & Bones", it still has a lot of interesting stuff to say and mention (like in "Fabuless", where both Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones are referenced).

We do have a newcomer in the band, Christian Martucci who replaces Jim Root as the lead guitarist, and he does a really nice job actually, delivering some great riffs and solos (like the "La Grange" like solo in "Rose Red Violent Blue (This Song Is Dumb & So Am I)"). But as always, it is Corey who steals the show with his vocals, whether he channels a lighter Slipknot version of himself, or shows off his softer side, he delivers just as good no matter what.

However, it does not seem like the band has learned anything from their last two outings, because just like both "House of Gold & Bones" albums, "Hydrograd" is just too big, containing way too many songs. The album is just over an hour, and if the band would have trimmed it down to around 40-45 minutes, we would have a really awesome hard rock album. Now, it just drags out and does not seem to end anytime soon, over staying its welcome. Some time, Stone Sour need to realize that they play hard rock, not progressive rock.

At the end of the day though, I do enjoy "Hydrograd" a lot, and there are several songs in here that are great. Such songs as "Song #3", "Fabuless", "Whiplash Pants", "Thank God It's Over", and "Taipei Person/Allah Tea" are clear proofs that Stone Sour is not a Nickelback light, they are their own thing and they are pretty damn good at it. Now, if they only could learn how to constrict their material to bite size portions, the albums would be even better.

Songs worthy of recognition: Fabuless, Taipei Person/Allah Tea, Thank God It's Over, Whiplash Pants

Rating: 7,5/10 Friday Knights

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More reviews of Stone Sour
House of Gold & Bones Part 1
House of Gold & Bones Part 2

Stone Sour - House of Gold & Bones Part 2 (2013)

About a half year ago, Corey Taylor and the rest of the crew in Stone Sour released the first part of the two album long concept "House of Gold & Bones". The first part had some exciting music and it showed that the band had taken their music to a new level. However, the concept itself was very hazy and pale, which made the album weaker then what it could have been. So when I pressed play on "House of Gold & Bones Part 2", I was expecting a much clearer story in the lyrics and a further development on the musicality, two elements that could transfer Stone Sour from a mediocre band to a really interesting and deep band.

When it comes to the concept, I am still very unsure of what Stone Sour is trying to tell me. It really sucks that the biggest piece in this puzzle of an album is very rough around the edges, 'cause if you cannot tell a story, then you should not do a concept album. However, there is some light in this darkness. The band is releasing a comic series with the same name so, if you are like me and is unsure of the concept, then the comic should answer all your questions. But that does not mean that it will neutralize the fact that the concept is still hazy in the two albums.

The main difference from the first part is that part 2 is heavier and more theatrical. Just as Corey tells, Part 2 is more of a soundtrack album than a regular album with its theatrical references, which is in one way good for the concept. I can definitely see songs like "Gravesend" and "'82" in the big screen with their easy approach. And with that, I mean that they are easily put in the background, but that does not have to mean a bad thing. These kinds of songs gives the album a stable ground to stand on so the best songs can stand out even more.

Just like any other Stone Sour record, the band is trying with this and that, but this time it feels like they are going in one direction instead of multiple ones. There is a red line through every track. From the strong emotional "Sadist" to the fighting spirit in "Do Me A Favor", you will find a determined band that may have found their particular style. Yeah, I know that Stone Sour have had that sound almost from the start, but it is now that the sound feels somewhat complete.

It is a little sad though that the album does not really lift until the end when "Blue Smoke" stops playing (great Buckethead esque ending there by the way) and "Do Me A Favor" starts. "Do Me A Favor" shows a determination and attitude that the band shows very rarely. The drum beat is great and the groovy chorus is sure to be a fan favourite in future gigs. Then we have the respectful "The Conflagration" that is some of the band's better ballads (but it is not the best in this album, that award goes to "Sadist"). And finally we have the title track that wraps up the package perfectly. It is very similar to "Gone Sovereign" and "Absolute Zero", the songs that started "House of Gold & Bones Part 1", with its cool riff and enjoyable tempo. A very pleasant way to end the whole concept.

The "House of Gold & Bones" series will not be going in the history books for being one of the greatest concept albums in metal, but they raise the credibility on Stone Sour quite a lot. The second part is the superior of the two albums  mostly since the standard is higher and it is not trying to go in several directions at the same time. It feels like Stone Sour is finally home and can now look forward to a brighter future. But they are still a band that is just below the best in the business even with the improvements.

Songs worthy of recognition: Do Me A Favor, The House of Gold & Bones, Sadist

Rating: 7,5/10 Stalemates

Stone Sour - House of Gold & Bones Part 1 (2012)

It seems like 2012 is the year for making concept albums. Several bands has followed that line this year. Some of these are Rush, Between The Buried And Me, Grave Digger and Accept. Now the turn has come to Stone Sour who have decided to split their concept up in two individual albums (the second album is set to be released in early 2013). The band has certainly set the bar very high for themselves. The band has compared this concept series as a mix between Pink Floyd's "The Wall" and Alice In Chain's "Dirt". Have the band gone out in water that is way too deep or do they rise to the ocasion?

Just as the previous releases from Stone Sour, the songs are pretty much hit or miss. Some hard songs, some mid-tempo and some really slow, and boring, songs. I mean come on, go big with one type or song or go home. It is fine that all of your albums has some variation but learn to master all (or at least most) of the elements. Then, and only then, will the band create a masterpiece. But that does not mean that the band still can create a great album.

As I said before, some songs are spot on while some are way off. Some songs that I really enjoy on this album is "Gone Sovereign" with it's great guitar work, "A Rumor of Skin" that is straight on and "Tired", a strong and powerful rock ballad.  Two tracks that sadly fit in the miss area is "The Travelers" (both part 1 and 2). A sad pair of tracks that is just lefting me untouched. Wait... it left me with one feeling. Pain. God damn those songs are painful to listen to. Fortunately, there are more good songs than bad songs on this album.

As far as the concept goes, it is pretty hazy. It is not a dazzling story Stone Sour is presenting, which is one of the most important parts of a concept album. I like more of a epic story that developes for each and every tracks. Stone Sour's story does not have that kind of quality. It is an okay concept overall but not a fantastic concept.

I would consider the first part of House of Gold & Bones a step forward from the bands last record (Audio Secrecy) and I am looking forward to what Corey Taylar and co. got in store for the second part of this concept. But as a concept album, House of Gold & Bones Part 1 does not cut it against the other concept albums that has been released in 2012. Nice try guys but it can be better.

Songs worthy of recognition: Tired, Gone Sovereign, A Rumor of Skin

Rating: 6,5/10 Drowsy Gods