Towards the end of 2023, Corey Taylor, the charismatic frontman of the immensely popular bands Slipknot and Stone Sour, unveiled his second solo album, the aptly titled CMFT2. While both bands showcase Taylor’s immense talent, I would argue that this album leans more towards the Stone Sour side, with its hard rock sound rather than heavy metal. Among the tracks on CMFT2, “Beyond” stands out as a top choice.
“Beyond” is predominantly melodic in terms of vocals, with occasional rare screams that add an extra layer of intensity. Personally, I admire the way they layered Taylor’s vocals in this track, gradually intensifying as the song progresses. It’s a dynamic piece that features a guitar part that draws you in from the start, not to mention a brilliant solo towards the end. The lively drums throughout the song maintain a consistent rhythm, reminiscent of early 2000s bands. While it may not showcase Taylor’s strongest vocal performance, I appreciate the angsty vibe it brings to what is essentially a love song.
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The music video for “Beyond” takes place in the Mojave Desert, with Taylor walking amidst his former selves, bandmates, and the Cherry Bombs (one of whom happens to be his wife). Later in the video, the band performs to a crowd of fans in the desert. I particularly enjoyed the video for its clever portrayal of Taylor’s past appearances, with everyone rallying behind him, marching towards the future.
Interestingly, “Beyond” has been a work in progress since 2006, undergoing four or five rewrites, and Taylor’s perspective on it has evolved. Initially conceived as an aggressive love song, he now sees it as a unifying anthem.
If it were an unreleased Stone Sour track, I would easily believe it, as it possesses a softer, melodic quality that resonates as an anthem. This starkly contrasts with the sheer epic chaos of Slipknot. Undoubtedly, “Beyond” is a song that will make people raise their fists in the air, making it a perfect choice to close a set.
Honestly, I’m always up for checking out anything Corey Taylor puts out. I’d however love to see him bring back Stone Sour from their hiatus instead of working on CMFT3. While I’m excited to catch his solo project in June, I feel like it’s the weakest of his musical endeavours.
6/10
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Review written by Fox Reviews Rock
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