Hydrograd

Hydrograd is the sixth album, on which Stone Sour blends punk's urgency, hard rock's big riffs and metal's weight. It is the first record by a new lineup, after guitarist Jim Root left in 2014 and Christian Martucci joined, with Johny Chow on bass. Jay Ruston produced. Even when songs start roughly, they soon land on memorable melodies and choruses. Rough energy and skillful songwriting coexist. "Fabuless" and "Song #3" drive the album with powerful riffs and catchy choruses. On songs like "Rose Red Violent Blue" and "Knievel Has Landed," the vitality of classic rock and roll stands out. Its charm is in keeping a slightly dirty rock-and-roll feel rather than being too polished. In contrast to the two weighty concept albums before it, this freer, more lively record reached number eight on the US Billboard 200. A record that answers ears wanting firmness and accessibility at once.