The new Sevendust album is finally here! The moment the band announced that founding member/guitarist Clint Lowery was back for good I automatically added this to my list of most anticipated rock albums.
The band has been pumping out albums since 1997 with albums such as HOME and ANIMOSITY becoming modern classics. But the band has never managed to rise to the stratospheric heights visited by their brethren. Some might say that the band is comfortable living under the radar. Purists might even argue that it protects the band and keeps them “real”. I could care less because I’ve always enjoyed the band’s music. However, losing Clint after SEASONS, for me at least, was the equivalent of losing an arm and a leg. This doesn’t mean that the band lost focus on the post-Clint albums. Instead, they hired Sonny Mayo and explored different concoctions of their brand of rock on ALPHA and CHAPTER 7. As good, or bad, as those albums were I found them severely lacking. The band didn’t sound like a cohesive unit and seemed lost in experimentation. But that was then. The announcement of Clint’s return was a sign of good things to come. I just didn’t expect them to be this good. COLD DAY MEMORY takes everything about Sevendust, turns it up to 11, and then smacks it across your head. The focus, the passion, the intensity, the emotion, and, most importantly, the music is back. Let’s explore it track by track:
1) SPLINTER
The band takes no prisoners here. They’re letting you know that they’re back with a kick to the nuts. Lajon has never sounded so good. Clint and John’s partnership looks untarnished, and they pick up right where they left off at the end of SEASONS. The palm-muting is unyielding. At the same time, Morgan and Vince hold everything together. Listen, for the sweet breakdown and solo.
2) FOREVER DEAD
This song is positively brutal. This is the moshpit song of the year right here and people will get hurt. Memories of Praise and Denial are revisited as Clint, Morgan, and Lajon exchange vocals over the intense wall of sound. The double bass drumming is the driving force behind this song and Morgan’s talent shines through. Try not to headbang and sing-along to the addictive chorus. And what’s that? Sevendust are pulling off solos left and right. The climax of the song is one angry hellfire of screaming and soulful lyrics. When Lajon shouts “Forever…” you know it’s a promise this band intends to keep.
3) UNRAVELING
Classic Sevendust. The band has always known how to write a scorching single and this one doesn’t disappoint. On this track, Lajon wants you to know that he belongs in the upper echelon of rock singers. His voice reaches new levels as it soars through the song and makes you hang on every word. It’s beautifully cathartic, especially the part right after the second chorus. Through it all, the rest of the band has Lajon’s back. But this is his song and you should listen closely.
4) LAST BREATH
A song that wouldn’t sound out of place on SEASONS. It’s very melodic and slower than the last three tracks. Nothing special, but by no means a filler track.
5) KARMA
The way this track started I thought it would be a slow acoustic type song. But, after the short build up, Morgan screams to let you know this is a very different song. The guitars add a neat layer of texture and harmonize with the drums and vocals well. It’s an interesting song because it’s a unique song in the band’s catalogue. However, the song’s chorus is probably the weakest point. The lyrics seem amateur at best but they fit with the tone of the song.
6) RIDE INSANE
Back to the heavy after a brief respite. Good lyrics, singing, screaming and musicality in general. Sounds like the type of song you would play if you were driving fast towards an apocalypse. It has a fantastic breakdown. Almost sounds like Morgan and Clint were screaming at each other in the vocal booth. In any case, it sets up the end of the song well.
7) CONFESSIONS
A song for Clint. It’s been said this was written about his departure. Whatever the case may be, it is a stellar track. There’s a lot of emotion in this song. It’s similar in tone to Unraveling, but this has a more positive outlook. You wouldn’t be wrong if you thought of it as a sequel to the former song. It’s addictive and expertly written. One of the album’s best.
8) NOWHERE + 9) HERE AND NOW
These two tracks are very similar so I grouped them together. They’re standard Sevendust songs and don’t take any risks. Heavy melodic guitars? Check. Soft to screaming vocals? Check. Affinity for solos? Check. They’re not terrible songs but they’re just not as adventurous as the rest of the album.
10) THE END IS COMING
This is one hell of an angry song. Lajon starts things off nice and slow to get into your head. Once he’s in there, Morgan kicks the door in and present you with the end of the world. Meanwhile, Clint and John are grinding their axes on your brain with their constant riffing. Vince keeps the low end rumbling. The shining star of this track is the SUPERB solo by Clint. This is when you smile and say “Welcome back buddy.”
11) BETTER PLACE
This is probably the best track of the bunch. It shows what the band is capable of. If you enjoyed Burn off of Alpha then you will love this. The deceptive prog-rock beginning turns into a heavy chugging machine of guitars and drums. Lajon and Clint keep things on track with an optimistic chorus built on the foundation of despair painted by the guitars. It’s definitely a special track on the album.
12) STRONG ARM BROKEN
The closing track is a relentless barrage on your sense. Solos, screaming, heavy riffs, and double bass keep this one short and simple. However, it’s a horrible choice for a closing track. I personally think that the previous track would have made for a better closer. In short, I’m not too impressed with it and would label it the weakest track on the album.
Overall, this is a welcome return to form for the band. It’s a striking tapestry of aural brutality and euphonics burning in a fire that refuses to go out. Personally, I think that’s an apt description for the band. This might not be the album of their careers but that shouldn’t matter. The band is aware of their strengths and remains dedicated to their trade and each other. I, for one, am always impressed. I’m sure you will be to.
Overall: 8/10
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