Released by: BMG

Release Date: Out Now!!!

Genre: Rock

Line Up:

Corey Taylor: vocals & guitar
Zach Throne: rhythm & lead guitars
Dustin Robert: drums
Christian Martucci: rhythm & lead guitars
Eliot Lorango: bass

Tracklist:

1. The Box
2. Post Traumatic Blues
3. Talk Sick
4. Breath Of Fresh Smoke
5. Beyond
6. We Are The Rest
7. Midnight
8. Starmate
9. Sorry Me
10. Punchline
11. Someday I’ll Change Your Mind
12. All I Want Is Hate
13. Dead Flies

Corey Taylor playing mandolin, did you think you started a record from Taylor’s very highly acclaimed solo work by saying that? Yea probably. As he has stated before “I have no fear when it comes to music. None”. That is the overall theme of his new solo record “CMF2”. There is so much to digest here from top to bottom you almost wonder how it all flows so well. The follow-up to CMF, again produced by Mr. Midas touched Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Steel Panther, Amon Amarth), who produced Stone Sour’s 2017 Hydrograd as well as CMFT. Taylor makes his triumphant return to his solo grounds where the singer has garnered many accolades for his versatility as well as his genuine and relatable lyrics. Will this one pass the bar? Let’s dig in, shall we?

The furious riff in “Post Traumatic Blues” is a banger for certain, Corey wails and goes from clean to ruff vocals with ease. It’s cool to hear Corey this way, but the underlying tone still sounds diverse and different from other stuff he is known for. The Thrash lead riffs are infectious. After another high-rising groove in “Talk Sick”, Corey comes in on the acoustic on “Breath of Fresh Smoke”, which features his terrific soft melodic vocals. The guitar lead is soulful and expertly crafted. A ballad with an addicting chorus.

Another memorable chorus comes in “Beyond”, at first it seems calm and lackluster, but once Taylor starts wailing spitfire, the pace picks up. Great drums and high pace impact this song immediately. One of the top cuts on the record. The haunting intro to “Midnight” is telling, Corey says he demoed this back in 2001 for Stonesour. The electric cello plays a big part in this one and will no doubt remind folks of past Stonesour material. Digging this tune, the animatic build-up is stylish and groovy leading to a super tight guitar solo. One of the many tunes Corey has written for his wife, “Someday I’ll Change Your Mind” delivers a heartfelt vibe and thoughtful lyrics. Taylor handles the piano with ease.

The overall collective of CMF2 and its main point is its diversity. You have a career span of Corey Taylor’s best moments all rolled into one. From past Stone Sour material to Corey’s impetuous lyrics revolving around dealing with PTSD in his own life, all the way to wearing many of his influences on his sleeve. Sure I realize the mixed bags of tunes may not be everybody’s cup of tea, but there is tons to digest here, and if you give it a chance you are bound to find some cool gems. Overall is a solid release with a heavy focus on Taylor’s versatility.

Written by: Shadow Editor