Album Review: Corey Taylor — CMF2

An explorative second solo album 

Corey Taylor, the lead singer of Slipknot, has traversed across a vast landscape of emotions, presenting listeners with CMF2. Released on September 15, his solo endeavor continues to triumph, offering fans an in-depth look into his multifaceted musical stylings. Take “The Box,” for instance. It paves the way for an album that explores a myriad of sensations, serving as the brooding precursor to an otherwise explosive collection of songs. 

“Post Traumatic Blues” immediately delivers the high-octane appeal that listeners came here for, the instrumentals perfectly matched with guttural vocals. Despite the feral, intimidating growls, Taylor knows when to throttle back, letting a highly impressive vocal range assume the heavy lifting. 

As quickly as the track ends, another eruptive song slices through the air; “Talk Sick” a punchy, fast-paced experience rife with the perfect blend of infectious guitar riffs and forceful vocals. But the album takes another unexpected turn, “Breath of Fresh Smoke” providing all the trappings of a power ballad. The music offers an easy listening experience, setting the stage for Taylor, the ultimate storyteller. 

The album progresses and each track continues to delve deeper and deeper into Taylor’s unparalleled talent, each song taking on a life of its own. Tracks such as “Starmate” provide fast-paced, animated melodies that take the listener on an unforgettable journey into Taylor’s mind. This album covers the full spectrum of emotions and no sooner than “Starmate” ends does “Sorry Me” invoke a completely different set of emotions. It’s pensive and offers a raw, candid glimpse into Taylor’s ethos. 

“Punchline” revisits a blend of screaming and singing, a few visceral howls conveying the song’s hidden emotion. Coupled with expertly crafted guitar riffs, “Punchline” has something for everyone. The entire album delivers an unforgettable experience, the music effortlessly tackling a myriad of sounds. Yes, the album has a gruff exterior, but as listeners peel back each individual layer, they’re bound to find a hidden treasure within. 

Kelly Catlin: Kelly is a writer, editor, journalist, musician, and lover of all things horror, fantasy, and sci-fi. She's featured on various websites for her entertainment contributions. When she’s not writing or playing music, she’s happily spending time with her family. Her book, "Kurt Cobain: Forever in Bloom", is slated for a 2025 release.
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