Stone Sour - House Of Gold And Bones: Part 1 (Album Review)
Wednesday, 24 October 2012
Written by Heather McDaid
Bold declarations can often oversell an album, but then again it's a pretty ballsy move when it's in the recording stages. But, Corey Taylor does not care to play it safe with his statements, and his comparison of this record to a cross between Alice In Chains' 'Dirt' and Punk Floyd's 'The Wall' at least proclaimed that the first instalment of their double record 'House of Gold and Bones' was to be different, for Stone Sour.
It's a dark tale detailing ones internal struggle, said by Taylor to be a morality play. "It's about a person trying to find himself or herself. You know, everyone in their lives finds themselves inevitably at a crossroads when it comes to personal evolution and whatnot, trying to figure out what they want to do with the rest of their lives."
Opener 'Gone Sovereign' boldly kicks off proceedings with a punchy offering, appearing fuelled by hate and anger, reflected in the pace and aggression - the roars are simply steeped in anger. Strong, demanding, this bleeds effortlessly into successor 'Absolute Zero', which possesses more of a groove to its riffs. The interlude pre-chorus sees very Slipknot, brooding and violent before leaping into the soaring chorus, a la Stone Sour.
'A Rumour Of Skin' retains this brooding atmosphere in its verse, remaining ever evident as the song progresses. The chorus is one of the most addictive of the offering, there's absolutely no denying that. 'Last Of The Real' concludes part one with a bass-heavy assault, leaving the listener avidly awaiting the second disc. Go out quietly? No, thank you. It's a massive number, possessing some of the heaviest elements on the record, and proving a dead cert to slay in a live setting.
And when it comes to numbers like this, it's great. This album has been played countless times and these numbers are yet to wear down in quality, but those that lacked something on a first listen are still lying in wait to shine. 'The Travelers, Part 1' seems designed to be the 'Bother' of this record, but it goes a little off the mark. It's okay, yet the soothing acoustics of the number don't grab you like the aforementioned track. It lacks that punch.
'Taciturn' is another that falls into this category. It's not bad - far from it - but it just sits in the middle ground, though this is the more grabbing of the two. It's not until the three minute mark that the song that the song hits the next level; had this occurred earlier, it would have been more appreciated. Having said that, in the emotional spectrum of this concept, these tracks work. There's an evident journey, from aggression to nostalgia and confusion, conveyed in the musicality and lyrical content, but as standalone songs they're taking time to be great in their own right.
Across the board 'House of Gold and Bones' is a great record, and it's difficult to pick fundamental flaws with. Moments steeped in aggression sometimes scream Slipknot, some songs are still needing time to grow and 'click', but there are some brilliant tracks on here and in terms of Stone Sour's concept, there is a definite sense of internal struggle, a clear journey conveyed through their music and it certainly amps up the excitement for the second instalment of this release.
Stone Sour are to return to the UK in December for a short tour supporting 'House Of Gold & Bones Part 1', which is available now.
Mon December 10th 2012 - O2 Academy Brixton, London
Tue December 11th 2012 - O2 Academy Brixton, London
Thu December 13th 2012 - O2 Apollo Manchester, Manchester
Fri December 14th 2012 - Wolverhampton Civic Hall, Wolverhampton
Sat December 15th 2012 - O2 Academy Bournemouth, Bournemouth
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It's a dark tale detailing ones internal struggle, said by Taylor to be a morality play. "It's about a person trying to find himself or herself. You know, everyone in their lives finds themselves inevitably at a crossroads when it comes to personal evolution and whatnot, trying to figure out what they want to do with the rest of their lives." 
