House of Gold & Bones – Part 2

House of Gold & Bones – Part 2 is the fifth album, concluding the two-part concept work. As with the first part, David Bottrill produced, and both were recorded simultaneously. Aiming for a darker, heavier and more experimental sound than the first part, it drives toward the story's climax. Beginning with the piano-led "Red City," varied songs create a flow rich in dynamics. The lead single "Do Me a Favor" quotes "A Rumor of Skin" from the first part, vividly showing the connection between the two records. On songs like "Sadist" and "The Conflagration," Taylor's emotional singing and intricate construction stand out. The closer "The House of Gold & Bones" reaches a grand conclusion in both story and music. With shadings recalling Nine Inch Nails and Pink Floyd, the album reached number nine on the US Billboard 200. A dense record that completed an ambitious story.