Album Review: Stone Sour - Come What(ever) May (2006) A

Sounds like: Stone Sour, Slipknot, 90s Metallica

Stone Sour's second release improves upon the already strong framework of their self-titled 2002 debut. The side project of Slipknot members Corey Taylor (vox) and Jim Root (guitar), Stone Sour is straight ahead, no nonsense metal for no-nonsense people.

In some ways Come What(ever) May compares to Metallica's self titled Black Album. While Stone Sour doesn't give us any arena-ready epics, there is a concerted effort to walk the tightrope between forceful heaviness and commercial sensibilities. It's a well-done balancing act. Taylor drops his semi-gutteral Slipknot growls for more traditional singing. The tracks manage to be sufficiently heavy and catchy at the same time. Guitar solos and tight arrangements are plentiful and welcome. There's a good variety of tracks, some fast, some mid-paced, and no matter what do not think that Nickelback-sounding first single "Through Glass" is indicative of the rest of the record. It's a one-off.

I was impresed although not blown away with Stone Sour's debut four years ago. There was a lot of promise there. Come What(ever) May is that promise kept.