First, let me clarify that in my opinion “House of Gold and Bones part 1” was among the best albums of 2012 and I absolutely don't plan on comparing Stone Sour with any of the work of Corey Taylor's other band. - Stone Sour are a rock band and we discuss its merits as such, without comparing it to other genres.

Second, let's clarify that Corey Taylor apparently is a very talented bastard, who besides everything else, also writes books.

Third, all who care are already duly aware, that the two parts of “House of Gold and Bones” are something of a soundtrack to an eponymous comics. There will also be a movie. - Cross merchandising at its best.

After the crushing “House of Gold and Bones part 1”, which was full of glorious rock anthems (pardon the cliché), which grab you by the throat and make you scream with the chorus, to stomp your feet and to bang your head, it was only too logical to crave for more of the same. If you expect songs, which kick you out of the bed in the morning and play in your head all day, be advised, that the case with Part 2 is not exactly the same.

“House of Gold and Bones Part 2” is by no means bad, it is actually quite good, but after the first spin you remain with the impression that all really kickass songs have been put in Part 1 and all the rest were put in this one. Unlike the first part, the second requires a lot more spins to be fully appreciated. Understandably, this invoked initial whining and outright disappointment.

The suspicion that something is not quite right sets in with the first song “Red City”, which starts off in a minor key with a piano, instead of a meaningful guitar riff. Further in the song the situation improves somewhat with some dirty vocals and guitars. I personally prefer albums, which start with a massive guitar racket, instead of piano.

“Black John” is your typical radio-friendly Stone Sour, which we all know too well and “Sadist” turns out to be the first mandatory ballad. Granted, Corey is damn good in the modern ballads, without being too soppy and this is why the cool girls love him so much.

A quick check on the internet shows that “Peckinpah” is the name of an American director of Western movies who died in 1984 and of several restaurants in various parts of North America. Perhaps this is another enigma of the “30/30-150” kind or maybe we must buy the comics. The eponymous song starts off quite promising and doesn't let down very much.

The beginning of “Stalemate” misleadingly sounds like the expected “Ballad No. 2”, but the misconception lasts for about 20 seconds. Yes, it is more or less fit for radio play, but it is not a ballad and there is some screaming.

“Gravesend” is the second track, released in YouTube for and is, as a matter of fact, one of the coolest on the album, along with one or two more. It has a feisty start, mean panting screams and a rumbling bass.

I don't know what exactly happened in “'82”, looks like I would have to buy the comics after all, but the song is pleasant and a bit syrupy. I would not be surprised if it turns out to be the next radio song.

“The Uncanny Valley” is more or less in the same vein, however a bit more serious and in a slower tempo.

“Blue Smoke” is something like a prelude to “Do Me a Favor”, which was released for radio and on YouTube in March. This trick worked great for Stone Sour in „House of Gold and Bones part 1“ with “The Travellers” and I think that “Blue Smoke” and “Do Me a Favor” should have been released together. Just because they fit so well. Yes, I know about the length of songs on radio, but at least in YouTube they could have been released together, like they did with “Gone Sovereign” and “Absolute Zero”.

“Do Me a Favor” blends into “Ballad No. 2” - “The Conflagration”. There's a piano, there are violins, there's a touching guitar solo, all in all – a lege artis ballad. A quite pleasant song, as a matter of fact.

The title track “The House of Gold and Bones” should have been in the beginning of the album, not in the end, and to hell with the concept! It starts with some chanting, then there are guitar riffs and drums, fast tempo and not a bit of mushiness. No multiple layers, showy instrument bits, “look-how-good-we-are-at-arranging-music” and other stuff, which the upbrow critics like to discuss.

As a matter of fact, the chorus is just like “Oh-oh, I'm not afraid”... Hell, this song would have fit nicely in Part 1.

In the end of the day, “House of Gold and Bones Part 2” is not a bad album, it's just that it pales compared to the first part. I'd give it a 5 out of 6, with the stipulation that without a doubt Part 1 is a 6 of 6 and it was in my top 3 for 2012. As for Part 2, it's too early to tell – only one third of the year has passed and there are a lot more albums to come out yet. It will probably be in top 10, but hardly close to the top.