I understand why they’re continuing under that name, but I think everyone knows it’s essentially over. Scott Weiland was one of the greatest and most versatile frontmen ever and isn’t exactly replaceable. The four of them together had a very unique musical chemistry and really elevated each other songwriting-wise - remove any from the mix and something immediately gets lost.
I loved everything from Core through Shangri-La Dee Da but remember the reunion album being very off-putting. I never returned to it so this could be way off base, but my first impression was “Why are Stone Temple Pilots trying to be Buckcherry?” It’s very strange that they’re releasing a second album with the same name. I should give it a shot but I’m not feeling excited about it.
I’ve said it before in other threads, but I don’t understand why they’re regarded so lowly and I don’t understand why people still claim that they ripped off Pearl Jam, whom they’ve never sounded similar to whatsoever. They were a great, great band.