Review: Sevendust – ‘Cold Day Memory’

Posted: June 20th, 2010
Contributed By: Andrew

Release Date: April 20th, 2010 via 7Bros/Asylum Sevendust is: Lajon Witherspoon (Vocals) Clint Lowery (Guitar) John Connoly (Guitar) Vinnie Hornsby (Bass) Morgan Rose (Drums)

Clint Lowery is back. Sevendust fans know the name well, and should be excited. Having departed the hard-rocking Atlanta quintet for Dark New Day in 2004, fans of the band have lamented the loss of his influence and notable shredding ability. No fear though, 2010’s ‘Cold Day Memory’ highlights the return of the acclaimed guitarist, and just in time to give Sevendust the necessary inspiration to return to their hard rock roots. After a far mellower experiment in the form of 2008’s ‘Chapter VII: Hope and Sorrow,’ ‘Cold Day Memory’ is an exciting return to form, as Lowery’s influence on the record appears to have brought forth one of the most explosive records of the year.

Leadoff hitter “Splinter” takes its sweet time getting the listener’s attention, choosing to stall for 20 seconds or so with some white noise-esque clatter before reintroducing Lowery to the world. One absolutely blistering, guitar-driven intro later, and “Splinter” demolishes any idea that the laid-back Sevendust is going to be a permanent change. Indeed, Lajon Witherspoon’s intense vocals of old make their return quickly and the hook in the chorus is one of the strongest on the album. If Sevendust was attempting to show off their ability to still rock, “Splinter” was the perfect way to kick off ‘Cold Day Memory.’ Don’t get to thinking that’s the only trick up their sleeve though; Sevendust still has plenty of bombs to set off.

“Unraveling” is the perfect first single for a band still looking for that elusive megahit. Setting up as the third track, “Unraveling” has some of the best vocal work on the album, highlighted by a chorus among the catchiest in the band’s catalog. Perhaps knowing it’ll get heard a lot, there are plenty of rewards for repeat listening on the album. Tracks like “Unraveling” have great guitar riffs that don’t necessarily stand out on the first go-around, but are sure to attract attention as your ears put together all of the nuances of the track. Other album standouts include the fast-paced, breath-taking “Ride Insane,” a song that seems designed to cater to the MMA crowd, and “Confessions (Without Faith)” which is one of the few songs with traces of ‘Chapter VII’ era Sevendust.

However, the influence from the last album may have been better off staying somewhat intact. As different as ‘Chapter VII: Hope and Sorrow’ was for this band, it was also one of their most diverse efforts of all time. As far as variety goes, ‘Cold Day Memory’ should not be your one-stop shop. The entire album is just sweltering solos and relentless hard rock. It’s all very well done, and enthusiasts of straight up rock and roll will certainly have a good time, but it’s easy for the album to grate after a few listens and may have the listener skipping a few tracks. A few slower songs, or even just one that breaks the mold just a bit, would have helped ‘Cold Day Memory’ become an even greater record than it already is.

At this point however, that is straight up nitpicking. Rabid Sevendust faithful who may have been disappointed or at least taken aback by the band’s recent efforts can breathe a sigh of relief. With the return of Clint Lowery, it would appear Sevendust itself is also back, with some of its best hard rock tunes yet. It’s not quite as accessible as most radio rock, but in the end it’s far more rewarding, providing listeners with gems like “Last Breath” that will be stuck in their heads for ages to come. ‘Cold Day Memory’ is not to be missed.

TuneLab Rating: 9 out of 10