Release date: Aug. 1, 2006
12 tracks; 49:00

Stone Sour, the "don't call it a side project" for Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor, has released their sophomore album, "Come What(ever) May."

The first few notes of the first track, "30/30-150," may sound like Slipknot, but as the track and album goes on, the comparisons are harder to find.

Sure, Taylor is also the frontman for Slipknot, but his vocals with Stone Sour are much more melodic. The music isn't as layered, but no less complicated.

Taylor showed some of this side on the last Slipknot album, "Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses," with "Vermilion Pt. 2" and "Circle," but this is a different melodic side.

Taylor has said Stone Sour "gives me a chance to do the singing that I love to do, the type of singing that I do when I'm walking around my house."

"Hell & Consequences" brings in a double-bass drum beat and some growling vocals, but the chorus is pure melody.

"Sillyworld" is an acoustic track that fits in nicely with Taylor's previous acoustic songs. It picks up at the chorus and is a solid rock song.

"Made of Scars" has a chorus that's a little shaky, but is still not a bad song.

"Through Glass" is already making waves on the radio. It's a radio-friendly acoustic track that fits nicely beside the band's prevous radio success, "Bother."

"Zzyzx Rd." sounds like an 80s band power ballad, and the lone track that doesn't quite fit in with the rest of the album. While it showcases Taylor's vocals a little more, it's borderline cheesy.

This is the kind of rock album that's needed at this point in time.

Simply put, it's the anti-emo. It shows diversity, has an edge and rocks from start to finish.

Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at August 6, 2006 3:16 PM