Released: Apr 20, 2010
Genre: Alternative Metal
Label: 7 Bros/Asylum Records
Number Of Tracks: 12
Although Sevendust's eighth studio record doesn't venture too far out of the band's comfort zone, it's still full of single-worthy material.
Cold Day MemoryFeatured review by: UG Team, on april 23, 2010 0 of 7 people found this review helpful
Sound: Sevendust’s eighth studio album Cold Day Memory marks the return of guitarist Clint Lowery after a four-year break from the band, which had been trekking onward with Sonny Mayo during that time. Apparently Lowery felt the new record was “one of the most difficult” because there was more pressure to deliver quality material after being gone for an extended period. The resulting sound stays consistent with Sevendust’s musical history, but it’s true that the added guitar nuances did provide Cold Day Memory with its best moments. The album, which never ventures too far outside of the band’s comfort zone, still contains enough catchy, melodic hooks that it will undoubtedly still fare well on the Billboard alternative charts.
This time around Cold Day Memory worked with producer Johnny K, who in the past has aided bands like Disturbed and Staind obtain a commercially viable sound. He doesn’t disappoint with Cold Day Memory, which is chock-full of possible singles. There are quite a few tracks that follow a similar format, namely one with laid-back, smooth verses and exploding choruses that allow the “metal” to come through the mix. “Splinter,” “Unraveling,” and “Karma” are among the tracks that stick with this approach, and while predictable, you usually are guaranteed a nice crescendo. Plenty will feel the band has taken the safe path musically speaking, but the new album does have a slightly broader musical scope than some of Sevendust’s peers.
At times the band broaches the industrial genre, but those moments are extremely fleeting. In both “Splinter” and “Forever Dead,” the intros feature computer-like effects that could easily have led into NIN territory. But that big transition never happens, and Sevendust usually sticks with a fairly straightforward alternative metal sound. Through it all, vocalist Lajon Witherspoon is a powerhouse in the vocal department and easily bounces between beautiful crooning and demonic growls.
Lowery and fellow guitarist John Connolly are the individuals who deserve to be given the most credit on Cold Day Memory, however. When you think a particular song is going to revolve around the usual power chords, the guitar team whips out some intriguing effects and lead work. Whether it’s the whining guitar sound in “Karma,” the Perfect Circle-like intro in “Ride Insane,” or the sonic delivery in “Strong Arm Broken,” Lower and Connolly continue to pique one’s interest. // 7
Lyrics and Singing: The lyrical content on Cold Day Memory emphasizes inner personal conflict or general obstacles in life, and the subjects are a fitting match for the music usually. Whether in “Forever Dead” (“So go, now find yourself; You’re selfish, condescending”) or “Unraveling” (“I want the world to see; You sold a broken dream; You were not there for me; I was unraveling”), there is a general sense of overcoming hindrances. The lyrics are fairly commonplace for rock, with everyone from Disturbed to Killswitch Engage delivering similar themes. // 7
Impression: Sevendust hasn’t ventured too far out of its comfort zone this time around, although the creative effects and instances with computer-esque sounds (think Linkin Park) do add a bit more flavor. For the most part, Cold Day Memory does offer some satisfying alternative metal, even if it is slightly predicable. The arrangements are aided by Lowery and Connolly’s fresh choices in the guitar arena, and as always, Witherspoon has a much broader range of vocal versatility and that in itself can carry the album. // 7
Cold Day Memory
Reviewed by:
Snowman388, on june 14, 2010 4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Sound: Not many bands release eight albums. This is a fact. Fewer bands still have the same line-up from their first album as they do their eighth. This is also a fact. But, the saddest fact of all is that rarely do any of these bands still make good music, possibly their best music yet. Sevendust has risen against the odds for their most recent album and made music their most heavy, technically skilled and creative music yet.
"Cold Day Memory" sees the return of Clint Lowery on guitar and backing vocals, meaning Sevendust is back with their original line-up. This allowed them to explore into a region previously unknown to them- technical solos. Clint Lowery plays better than I have ever heard him on this album.
Sevendust has always had heavy groove as a foundation for their music, ever since their debut album. From the first track, "Splinter", they show they have maintained the same fast-paced syncopation. This track also sheds light on another Sevendust trademark-huge heavy groove breakdowns. They can also be found on "Ride Insane", my favorite track on the album.
The band sounds a lot like their 2001 album "Animosity", but they do venture into newer territory. They sound much more metal than ever before, with heavy riffs, yelling (good yelling) and much more impressive drumming. Check out the breakdown on "Ride Insane" and you will know what I mean.
Although Sevendust has worked with Disturbed's producer, they create (or maintain) their own, unique sound. They do not sound like Disturbed. Just thought I should throw that out there. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: Lajon Witherspoon sounds much more developed and his voice has more substance than before. He also has Morgan Rose and the aforementioned Clint Lowery backing him with whispers, yells and sung parts. Despite Lajon's clean, beautiful voice Sevendust sounds heavier than many bands out there.
However, the lyrics are lacking at times. The choruses are meaningful, but the verses are vague and unfocused. But, Lajon could be singing a menu from a Chinese restaurant and it would still sound phenomenal. Don't let the lyrics put you off this album. // 9
Impression: Sevendust still has the same sound they created in their debut album, but not in an AC/DC kind of way where their songs sound the same (I love AC/DC, so don't get mad at me for hating on them). However, they do vary their sound with more intense, heavier and technical guitar and much tighter and impressive drumming. They sound better than ever, and if their lyrics in the verses were as purposeful as in the choruses, this album would be near perfect. // 9
damn, love Sevendust, haven't heard them in ages, surprised they have a newey out at the moment, Hope and Sorrow was kick ass, definitely gonna check this out
Bah, am i the only one that doesn't compare Sevendust with Disturbed? They really sound nothing alike... Anyways, good album.
Thank you, I never thought they sounded similar and I've been a long time fan of both and have seen Sevendust and Disturbed live. They're both amazing, but I don't find them to be as similar as some say..
i think it's a good album overall and its good that original lineup kept there original sound, and lajon just has an amazing soulful voice especially on "Better Place" and there are several track where him and clint are harmonizing beautifully.
it goes to show that original lineup bands don't suck when they come back. atleast in the case of Sevendust.
Sick album, i did a preorder and got it almost a week before it came out, and it was signed. These guys put on the best live show, even better than Van Halen when i saw them
It sounds like a wierd mix between Trivium, Skindred and AHIG Slipknot.. Iunno. Its all can describe it as. But its not too bad. Better than Disturbed in any case.
It is definetly a welcome change back to the days of Seasons and Alpha. Hope and Sorrow didnt really do anything for me, especially with nine hour intros on each song.
"Sevendust hasn't ventured much out of their comfort zone?" Really?
Compare "Splinter" with "Denial" and repeat that comment. This is the most unabashedly metal album they've ever done, and is much heavier overall than any other album they've done. The drumming has stepped up a ton, the guitar work is tight and on point, and it's extremely aggressive. I've been a fan of this band since they were Crawlspace, and this album blew me away 100%.
Its an awesome album, it doesnt really do anything totally different from the last few albums but Clint def brings a new vibe to it. it has a little more of a "seasons" feel to it. The guitar work shines the most on Cold Day Memory. Good job guys
I think this album was more of a 8.5-9.. Definitely deserves better than 7.. And they're finally making the transition into better, more technical solos with the return of Lowrey.
I think this album was more of a 8.5-9.. Definitely deserves better than 7.. And they're finally making the transition into better, more technical solos with the return of Lowery.
They don't change anything really from their past albums, though you can definitely tell Lowery's progression from the early days through his time with Dark New Day, his guitar work seems a little cleaner this time around. That all said, the fact that they didn't experiment much as they already did with Hope & Sorrow, who says that's necessarily a bad thing. They've definitely found their niche in the Alt. Metal scene now that they've matured some. I think they can churn out some mainstream accessible yet decently heavy music for a couple albums until they get bored.
I think this album was more of a 8.5-9.. Definitely deserves better than 7.. And they're finally making the transition into better, more technical solos with the return of Lowrey.
Couldn't agree more. I was pretty impressed with the album as a whole. You can definately hear Clint's influence on the overall sound; it's more melodic like some of their earlier stuff. And Lajon's vocals are sick, per usual. For anyone who liked Breaking Benjamin's Dear Agony, you'll probably dig this too
I thought the album deserved a much higher rating than what it got. This was 100% better than the last three and I still find new stuff in it every time I listen to it. Clint and John did an awesome job with this, Morgan is more aggressive on the drums this time, and LJ just kicks ass on this one. This album is going to be tough to beat for years to come.
I'm with Stratoblaster. I've been dying for another incredible Sevendust album since Season.Morgan definitely stepped up the drumming. The guitar work is the most intense I've heard come from Sevendust yet. I like Disturbed as much as the next jackass but they don't even come close to Sevendust. Hell look at how long Clint has been writing music (Steel Rain).
How do you have Cold Day Memory as their worst rated album? I'm not saying its the best but its definitely not the worst. Only 3 song on the album dont really catch my ear but the rest are very solid. Best song on the album is Nowhere
First, why would you want Sevendust to experiment? The band has a trademark sound that is one of a kind. It doesn't make sense to me why anyone would want them to attempt to sound like other bands such as NIN.
Second, the album is one of there best efforts, probably second to animosity.
Third, i believe this is one of the very few times where a band actually did put out the heaviest album they have ever done and the most melodic they have ever done. Normally when band's state this is their goal it is rarely achieved.
As Lajon says on the dvd he feels that the heaviest music can still be accompanied/mixed with quality melodic singing.
In all the band has a signature sound, why should the stray from it? Its what makes them Sevendust.
anyone notice that we all think this album is killer? this is the first time i have been on a review on this site and everyone is pretty much agreeing that this album rocks.
Clint back makes such a difference. the songwriting on this album is tons better then what it was on the past 3. and they weren't terrible albums, but compared to this one and seasons, not even close.
good to see people appreciate how completely awesome sevendust is!
Sevendust are great! True they haven't strayed away from their other records but that's why i still listen to them! The alternate tunings and heaviness is awesome.
And no they don't sound like Disturbed. Ever.
sevendust is the best band live that i have ever seen and i have seen alot of bands! This is an awesome album ! Not only do they write great music but they are a very hard working band and tour a shitload! I have much respect for these guys. I have been a sevendust fan like stratoblaster since they were crawlspace .. and they just keep getting better! Morgan is one the the best drummers in the world that no one really knows about.. hands down!
i am huge fan of sevendust, and thought this was one of there best albums yet ... i havent quit listening to this album since i got it in the mail via the preorder thing they had going. they really stepped it up on this one
this album is amazing and really deserves more than a 7. They really stepped up to the plate here and having Clint back helped for sure. I still fail to see why this band is so underrated too. I've seen them live numerous times and they still are the greatest live show out there.
i love this album, it reignited my interest in this band that i havent had since i was like 17, damn that was 12 years ago. anyways between this album and a recent live show i caught in them all i can say i think they are underrated, and thats just sad.
Bought this album because I hadn't heard anything about these guys forever. Its pretty heavy but its a shame they have to be grouped with disturbed, three days grace, and other terrible bands. They seem different in a good way to me they do their own thing.
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..i expected something much better
