Come What(ever) May explained

Italic Title:force
Come What(ever) May
Type:studio
Artist:Stone Sour
Cover:Come What(ever) May.jpg
Recorded:2006
Studio:Studio 606 Northridge, Los Angeles, California
Length:48:54
Label:Roadrunner
Producer:Nick Raskulinecz
Prev Title:Stone Sour
Prev Year:2002
Next Title:Live in Moscow
Next Year:2007

Come What(ever) May is the second studio album by American rock band Stone Sour, released on August 1, 2006, by Roadrunner Records. It was recorded and produced by Nick Raskulinecz and the band at Studio 606 in Los Angeles, California.

Writing for the album began as early as 2003 when vocalist Corey Taylor and guitarist James Root were writing material for their other band, Slipknot. In January 2006, Stone Sour began recording their second album, during which time drummer Joel Ekman left the band because of family constraints. He was eventually replaced by ex-Soulfly drummer Roy Mayorga who played on all but two tracks on the album.

Following the release of the album, Stone Sour promoted it for over a year, releasing five singles and touring in the United States, Canada, Japan and several countries in Europe. The album received generally positive reviews. It was praised for showing a progression in the band's songwriting ability and musical style. It was also certified Platinum in the United States and the single "30/30-150" was nominated for Best Metal Performance at the 49th Grammy Awards. On June 26, 2007, Stone Sour released a special edition version of the album; it included six previously unreleased tracks and a bonus DVD with three music videos and a complete live performance by the band in Moscow. It remains their best-selling album to date, mostly due to the success of the single "Through Glass". The album became their first to be certified Platinum by the RIAA which occurred on July 21, 2017.[1]

Production

In September 2005, lead singer Corey Taylor announced that Stone Sour would return with a second album.[2] He said that they had written over 30 songs, some during the writing process of , the third album by vocalist Taylor and guitarist James Root's other band Slipknot, and that they were working on demoing the tracks before entering the studio.[2] Dave Fortman was originally scheduled to produce the album, but on January 22, 2006, Stone Sour began working on the album with producer Nick Raskulinecz at Dave Grohl's personal studio (Studio 606), in Los Angeles.[2] [3] Time in the studio began with a week of pre-production, during which the guitarist Josh Rand said that Raskulinecz "pushed [the band] to the brink and back" to help fine-tune the songs they had previously written.[4] first album, writing for Come What(ever) May was by all members.[5]

Following this, the band set out to record 18 tracks and work began on recording Joel Ekman's drum tracks. However, Ekman was forced to leave the studio after four weeks because of his young son's diagnosis of a brainstem glioma.[4] With the fate of the album in jeopardy, Stone Sour recruited Mayorga, ex-Soulfly, as a session drummer.[4] Mayorga recorded drums for all but two tracks on the album, Godsmack drummer Shannon Larkin performed on the track "30/30-150" and guitarist Root performed drums on the bonus track "The Day I Let Go".[6] In an interview with Revolver during the recording process, the vocalist Taylor talked about the differences between this album and their previous album, Stone Sour.[7] He said that pressures from fans and record labels were much larger, also noting that he "thrives on the pressure, because it gets [him] going". While promising, "The album's gonna be miles above the first one," Taylor explained that it is "more melodic and darker".[7] In late March 2006, drummer Joel Ekman officially left Stone Sour and the band was talking with a few drummers who could replace him.[8] On April 7, 2006, the recording sessions for Come What(ever) May concluded.[9] A month later, Mayorga joined Stone Sour full-time .[10]

Promotion

In March 2006, it was announced that "Come What May," would be released on July 18, 2006.[8] However, the release date for the album was pushed back until August 22. Because of the delay, Stone Sour released a music video for the track "Reborn", which had footage of the band working on the album in the studio.[11] [12] The album's cover artwork was released online on May 20, 2006.[13] Shortly after, it was confirmed by a representative from the band's record label, Roadrunner, that the release date had been brought forward, and the official release date would be August 1, 2006.[14] On July 31, 2006, the day before its release the album was made available online for streaming in its entirety through AOL.[15]

On May 22, 2006, the first single from the album, "30/30-150", was made available online as a free MP3 download.[13] A music video for the single was shot with director P.R. Brown in Los Angeles and received a premier on MTV's Headbangers Ball on June 3, 2006.[16] Prior to the release of the second single from the album, "Through Glass", radio stations throughout the US showed high support for the song.[17] A music video for the single was shot with director Tony Petrossian and was released online on June 9, 2006, through Yahoo!.[18] The third single from the album, "Sillyworld", began receiving radio airplay in November 2006.[19] A music video for the single was shot in January 2007 and was released online on March 8, 2007.[20] [21] The fourth single from the album, "Made of Scars", had a music video which was recorded live on April 7, 2007, and was posted online on June 5, 2007.[22] [23] The fifth and final single from the album, "Zzyzx Rd.", started receiving radio airplay in fall 2007; no music video was made for the single.[24]

The band began touring in support of the album before its release, starting with several free shows in the US,[25] followed by appearances at festivals in Europe.[11] They then joined Korn for their 2006 edition of Family Values Tour across the US, with 33 dates across 3 months.[26] On August 8, 2006, Stone Sour made a special guest appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno to promote and perform the second single, "Through Glass."[27] They also performed at the Japanese Summer Sonic Festival midway through the Family Values Tour.[28] In November and December 2006, Stone Sour joined Disturbed for their Music as a Weapon Tour.[29] In January 2007, Stone Sour joined Evanescence for a Canadian tour,[30] followed by a headlining tour of Europe.[31] They then headlined the spring 2007 Jägermeister Music Tour across the US,[32] followed by headlining tours in Australia and Japan.[33] They then started a tour in Europe playing at festivals and selected headline shows.[34] They finished touring in support of the album with a headlining tour in the US in August and September in 2007.[35]

Special edition

On June 26, 2007, Stone Sour released a special edition version of the album with six previously unreleased tracks and a bonus DVD. The DVD included a full concert performance by the band from October 2006 in Moscow and the music videos for "30/30-150", "Through Glass",and "Sillyworld".[36] When talking about the special edition, vocalist Taylor said, "We really wanted to do something which was really cool," saying that it shows the band's different musical elements and them in their live element, which he says "people really gravitate towards".[37] In addition to this, Stone Sour released a live album of their concert in Moscow exclusively on iTunes, entitled Live in Moscow.[38]

Musical style

In an interview with MTV in 2006, vocalist Taylor said that Come What(ever) May was a return to the roots of the band, stating it is "a lot more from the spirit of what the band started with in 1992".[3] He noted that some songs were "very atmospheric" while others maintained "the hard rock and the heavy stuff".[3] Jon Wiederhorn of MTV said that "for every thrash riff there's a tunefully grungy passage, for every flailing guitar line there's a rock-radio hook." When talking about the track "30/30-150", he said parts are "bludgeoning, barbed and heavy" while others are "soaring and triumphant" with the production of Raskulinecz helping to balance the album's heaviness with its radio-accessibility. Come What(ever) Mays lyrics include themes of "pain, pleasure, happiness, and grief".[7] The diversity in subjects is evident throughout the album; songs including "Come What(ever) May" were politically influenced while the track "Socio" is about "social anxiety attacks" that Taylor suffered.[7] "Zzyzx Rd" is a love song written to Taylor's wife for helping him in his struggles against alcoholism and contemplation of suicide.[3] [39] "I've never written anything like that before, but it was very important for me to tell the world not only how much she saved me, but how much she means to me," said Taylor.[7] Taylor said there is a common thread with the lyrics throughout the album, saying that they are "about never forgetting where you came from, who you are and why you do this."[39]

Reception

Come What(ever) May was met with generally positive critical reviews. Several reviewers noted how it helped to further establish Stone Sour. Chad Bower of About.com stated that the band had "progressed a lot since their debut", noting that the album was "very diverse and [allows] the band to show many different sides of their musical personality".[40] Megan Frye of Allmusic opened her review of the album by distinguishing what sets Stone Sour apart musically, writing "[it's their] ability to create smooth, radio-friendly alternative metal songs while simultaneously not boring the people who have heard way too much from post-grunge groups." On a similar note, Michael Melchor of 411mania said, "The band is much better at the craft of songwriting than many of their peers."[41] In contrast, reviewer William Fry of IGN criticized the album, writing, "Stone Sour doesn't do anything inspired, original, or fresh here," even calling the album "completely misdirected, and stonewalled".[42] A particular point of interest for reviewers was how Come What(ever) May is more melodic than the band's previous album Stone Sour. Melchor of 411mania said the album is "much more liberal with the balladry and acoustic sounds than its predecessor"; of the track "Sillyworld" he said, "It sounds like what Nickelback could be if Chad Kroeger could write a good melody."[41] In his review, Chad Bower labeled Come What(ever) May as a "very melodic and accessible album" writing that "it has a little something for everyone".[40] Similarly, Megan Frye praised the album as an "unyielding effort from a promising talent".

Come What(ever) May sold over 80,000 copies in its first week and entered the Billboard 200 chart in the United Statesat at #4,[43] and went on to be certified gold in the UK, Canada and the United States.[44] In 2007, the single "30/30-150" was nominated for Best Metal Performance at the 49th Grammy Awards.[45]

Track listing

All lyrics written by Corey Taylor and composed by Stone Sour (Except "Wicked Game" and "Wild Horses").

Ten Year Anniversary Edition

Personnel

Stone Sour

Additional personnel

Technical personnel

Bonus DVD credits

Charts

Year-end charts

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Stone Sour's 'Come What(ever) May' Certified Platinum By RIAA. Blabbermouth. August 2017 . 2017-08-01.
  2. News: Stone Sour: Producer Announced; Recording To Begin In January . . September 20, 2005 . July 6, 2009 .
  3. News: Harris . Chris . Slipknot's Taylor Gearing Up For Stone Sour LP — And Tenacious D Tribute . . January 26, 2006 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080219073308/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1520740/20060113/stone_sour.jhtml . dead . February 19, 2008 . July 6, 2009.
  4. News: Stone Sour: Ex-Soulfly Drummer Mayorga To Play On New Album . Blabbermouth.net . February 16, 2006 . July 6, 2009 .
  5. Web site: MorleyView: Stone Sour Interview. Morley Seaver. antiMusic.com. December 26, 2009.
  6. Come What(ever) May. Come What(ever) May. Stone Sour. 2006. Roadrunner Records. booklet.
  7. News: Slipknot Singer Says New Stone Sour Album Will Be 'Miles Above The First One' . Blabbermouth.net . March 23, 2006 . July 6, 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20070321064346/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=50034 . March 21, 2007 .
  8. News: Stone Sour Part Ways With Drummer . Blabbermouth.net . March 24, 2006 . July 6, 2009 .
  9. News: Stone Sour Finish Recording New Album . Blabbermouth.net . April 7, 2006 . July 6, 2009 .
  10. News: Stone Sour Comment On New Drummer Roy Mayorga . Blabbermouth.net . May 11, 2006 . July 6, 2009 .
  11. News: Stone Sour To Film 'Through Glass' Video . Blabbermouth.net . May 3, 2006 . July 6, 2009 .
  12. News: Stone Sour: Video For New Song 'Reborn' Posted Online . Blabbermouth.net . April 28, 2006 . July 6, 2009 .
  13. News: Stone Sour: New Album Artwork Posted Online . Blabbermouth.net . May 20, 2006 . https://archive.today/20130201085445/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=52563 . dead . February 1, 2013 . July 6, 2009 .
  14. News: Stone Sour: New Album Release Date Officially Moved Forward . Blabbermouth.net . May 24, 2006 . https://archive.today/20120630105521/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=52765 . dead . June 30, 2012 . July 6, 2009 .
  15. News: Stone Sour: Entire New Album Available For Streaming . Blabbermouth.net . July 31, 2006 . July 6, 2009 .
  16. News: Stone Sour: '30/30-150' Video To Receive 'Headbanger's Ball' Premiere This Weekend . Blabbermouth.net . June 1, 2006 . July 6, 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20090820021744/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=53112 . August 20, 2009 .
  17. News: Stone Sour Making 'Huge Impact' With New Single 'Through Glass' . Blabbermouth.net . June 6, 2006 . July 6, 2009 .
  18. News: Stone Sour: 'Through Glass' Video Posted Online . Blabbermouth.net . July 9, 2006 . July 6, 2009.
  19. News: Stone Sour Sending 'Sillyworld' To Radio . Blabbermouth.net . November 20, 2006 . July 6, 2009 .
  20. News: Stone Sour To Film 'Sillyworld' Video Next Week . Blabbermouth.net . January 6, 2007 . July 6, 2009 .
  21. News: Stone Sour: 'Sillyworld' Video Posted Online . Blabbermouth.net . March 8, 2007 . July 6, 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20070313034936/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=68411 . March 13, 2007 .
  22. News: Stone Sour Films 'Made Of Scars' Video In Philadelphia . Blabbermouth.net . April 18, 2007 . July 6, 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20070711165810/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=70786 . July 11, 2007 .
  23. News: Stone Sour: 'Made Of Scars' Video Posted Online . Blabbermouth.net . June 5, 2007 . July 6, 2009 .
  24. News: Corey Taylor On Tattoos, 'The Wagon', Divorce And Losing Your Trousers At Festivals . Blabbermouth.net . September 25, 2007 . July 6, 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20080518000126/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=81472 . May 18, 2008 .
  25. News: Stone Sour To Play Free Concert In Kansas City This Thursday . Blabbermouth.net . May 15, 2006 . July 6, 2009 .
    - News: Stone Sour To Play Free Show In Des Moines This Weekend . Blabbermouth.net . May 16, 2006 . July 6, 2009 .
  26. News: Korn, Deftones, Stone Sour: 'Family Values' Tour Dates Announced . Blabbermouth.net . May 16, 2006 . July 6, 2009.
  27. News: Stone Sour To Perform On 'The Tonight Show With Jay Leno' . Blabbermouth.net . July 26, 2006 . July 6, 2009 .
  28. News: Linkin Park Join Metallica As Co-Headliners Of Japan's Summer Sonic Festival . Blabbermouth.net . March 7, 2006 . July 6, 2009.
  29. News: Harris . Chris . Disturbed Revive Music As A Weapon Tour With Stone Sour, Flyleaf . MTV . October 5, 2006 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070604155247/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1542447/20061005/disturbed.jhtml . dead . June 4, 2007 . July 6, 2009.
  30. News: Evanescence And Stone Sour To Team Up For Canadian Tour . Blabbermouth.net . October 31, 2006 . July 6, 2009.
  31. News: Stone Sour: European Tour Dates Announced . Blabbermouth.net . December 15, 2006 . July 6, 2009.
  32. News: Stone Sour, Lacuna Coil, Shadows Fall To Team Up For Jägermeister Music Tour . Blabbermouth.net . January 10, 2007 . July 6, 2009 .
  33. News: Stone Sour: New Corey Taylor Audio Interview Available . Blabbermouth.net . May 10, 2007 . July 6, 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20091108234453/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=72233 . November 8, 2009 .
  34. News: Stone Sour: Previously Unreleased Song Available For Download . Blabbermouth.net . June 9, 2007 . June 9, 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20070621233642/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=74297 . June 21, 2007 .
  35. News: Stone Sour: New U.S. Tour Dates Announced . Blabbermouth.net . June 1, 2007 . July 6, 2009 .
  36. News: Stone Sour: More Details Revealed About 'Come What(ever) May' Special-Edition Reissue . Blabbermouth.netuth.net . May 7, 2007 . July 6, 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20070711171210/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=72150 . July 11, 2007 .
  37. Web site: ArtisanNewsService . Stone Sour ready Special Edition of Come What(ever) May . . June 19, 2007 . November 23, 2008.
  38. News: Stone Sour Makes Live 'Album' Available Online . Blabbermouth.net . August 21, 2007 . July 6, 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20081212020801/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=79199 . December 12, 2008 .
  39. Web site: Corey Taylor Hits Rock Bottom On Way To New Stone Sour LP. https://web.archive.org/web/20060908204539/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1534381/20060615/stone_sour.jhtml. dead. September 8, 2006. Jon Wiederhorn. June 15, 2006. MTV. December 26, 2009.
  40. Web site: Bower . Chad . Stone Sour - Come What(ever)May Review . . December 29, 2009 . October 7, 2008 . https://web.archive.org/web/20081007115137/http://heavymetal.about.com/od/cdreviews/fr/stonesour.htm . dead .
  41. Web site: Melchor . Michael . Stone Sour – Come What(ever) May Review . 411mania . August 3, 2006 . https://web.archive.org/web/20081123055808/http://www.411mania.com/music/album_reviews/43555/Stone-Sour-%E2%80%93-Come-What(ever)-May-Review.htm . 23 November 2008 . December 29, 2009.
  42. Web site: Fry . William . Stone Sour - Come What(ever) May Review . . July 31, 2006 . December 29, 2009 . dead . https://archive.today/20130103140137/http://uk.music.ign.com/articles/722/722021p1.html . January 3, 2013 .
  43. Web site: Stone Sour: 'Come What(ever) May' Passes Half-Million Mark In U.S.. December 8, 2006. Blabbermouth.net. December 26, 2009.
  44. Web site: Stone Sour: 'Come What(ever) May' Certified Gold In Canada . November 21, 2006 . Blabbermouth.net . December 26, 2009 .
    - Web site: RIAA Searchable Database . December 11, 2006 . Search: "Stone Sour" . . December 26, 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20070626050454/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH . June 26, 2007 .
  45. Web site: Slayer, Lamb of God, Stone Sour Among Grammy Nominees . December 7, 2006 . Blabbermouth.net . December 26, 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20070916162618/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=63432 . September 16, 2007 .
  46. Web site: ストーン・サワーのCDアルバムランキング、ストーン・サワーのプロフィールならオリコン芸能人事典 – Oricon Style . Oricon.co.jp . April 26, 2013.
  47. Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2006. Billboard. June 28, 2021.