How a cocktail menu inspired an American rock band to sell millions of albums
In short: Founded in 1992 in Des Moines, Iowa, Stone Sour emerged from a local bar menu to become a powerhouse of alternative metal. Despite multiple lineup changes and the dual commitments of its members to Slipknot, the band navigated two decades of success, Grammy nominations, and ambitious concept albums before hitting pause.
Stone Sour was established in 1992 by Corey Taylor and Joel Ekman, drawing its name from a drink list. The group experienced a turbulent early history, disbanding in 1997 as Taylor and guitarist Jim Root pivoted toward the rising act Slipknot. However, the band reunited in 2000, eventually releasing six studio albums. By April 2017, the group had achieved 2.1 million album sales in the United States, anchored by hits like 'Through Glass' and 'Bother'.
The band's creative output was marked by stylistic evolution, ranging from hard rock to alternative metal. Their fourth and fifth records, the 'House of Gold & Bones' duology, represented a shift toward ambitious concept storytelling. While some critics drew comparisons to progressive rock, guitarist Josh Rand maintained that the band remained focused on accessible songwriting rather than becoming a prog-rock act. This period also saw the band experiment with covers through their 'Burbank' EP series, though plans for a third volume were eventually scrapped in favor of new material.
Internal dynamics and external pressures frequently shaped the band's trajectory. Jim Root departed in 2014, citing creative friction over the band's focus on commercial viability. Health challenges also impacted the group, notably when drummer Roy Mayorga suffered a stroke in 2011. By 2020, the band entered an indefinite hiatus. As Taylor explained, the project had simply run its course, allowing the members to pursue individual interests after nearly thirty years of intermittent activity.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Stone Sour
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