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

After a busy week gigging and finishing coursework I can finally bring you a new review from Aaron and later a gig review or two from me. This time Aaron's keeping it short and sweet with his review of part 1 of Stone Sour's double album House Of Gold & Bones. Enjoy :)

1. Gone Sovereign
2. Absolute Zero
3. A Rumour Of Skin
4. The Travellers (Part 1)
5. Tired
6. RU486
7. My Name Is Allen
8. Taciturn
9. Influence Of A Drowsy God
10. The Travellers (Part 2)
11. Last Of The Real

Not many people are fortunate enough to be in two hugely successful bands at the same time, this is not the case for Slipknot/Stone Sour men Corey Taylor and Jim Root who juggle their responsibilities with both bands with apparent ease, producing sublime albums under both monikers. Stone Sour’s last offering Audio Secrecy was smothered by the tragic passing of beloved Slipknot bassist Paul Gray witch mired the release of a rather exceptional album, this album does not suffer as the last one did so you feel the full effect of this musical masterpiece. 

This first part of a double concept album sees an invigorated, self-reflective Corey Taylor take you on an amazing journey with his astounding vocals (which I genuinely think are the best in the business at the moment) through a semi-autobiographical tale of tear jerking beauty and serenity at times. 

The band completed by Josh Rand on Guitar and Roy Mayorga on Drums have a superb legacy of albums such as their dark, moody self-titled debut (2002), sophomore success Come What(ever) May (2006) and Audio Secrecy (2010) which set the bar high for this record from the start, and as per usual Taylor and co bitchslapped it.

Album opener “Gone Sovereign” sets the mood with a pulse raising rhythm and monumental sing along factor which leads in perfectly to “Absolute Zero” which is equipped with a chanted intro which continues off the opener’s outro and is every bit as infectious as a particularly aggressive strain of chlamydia. Every song is as noteworthy as the other, a vital component of an epic musical chapter, to take tracks out would be akin to ripping out chapters of Lord of the Rings and just as blasphemous. This absence of generic filler material makes this a sublime record to listen too. “Travellers part 1&2” are some of the best songs I’ve heard this year, the same joyous feeling comes from these songs and others as reading the nostalgic books of your childhood. 

I’m often known to write criticism’s about albums roughly this time, however their simply is none to be made. This album is quite frankly a modern day masterpiece… Perfect, like a classic work of literature… a beautiful work of art. The musicianship is incredible with Jim Root & Josh Rand’s guitar mastery prevalent throughout, arming Corey’s mythical vocal range and lyrical genius to the cheap.

By my standards this is a candidate for album of the year. The beautiful voice of Taylor, the searing guitar, infectious drum beats making this another epic chapter in a superb bands legacy. Viva Stone Sour. Now if only after this double concept album business is through, they can treat us to another Slipknot album! I’m awaiting Part two of this double concept album and hopefully some new Knot’ material with equal, almost sexual anticipation. 

9.9/10

Check this out if: You've been craving a new hit of Stone Sour for 2 years like we have!

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For fans of: Stone Sour, Papa Roach
House Of Gold & Bones Part 1 is out now on Roadrunner Records