Review Summary: Sevendust have come a long way from their self titled release in 1997, and somehow have managed to stay true to their roots. Cold Day Memory is a very solid release from solid song writers.
Combining intelligent song writing ability with a great mix of melody, tempo and aggression, Sevendust bring us
Cold Day Memory. Sevendust know they are not pushing any boundaries, or revolutionising the music industry, but what they are doing is releasing solid and catchy songs. As far as the “Sevendust standard” goes anyone who has listened to a previous Sevendust album knows what to expect. From Morgan Rose’s consistently interesting drum work, the plodding bass work from Vince Hornsby to Lajon Witherspoon’s crooning, somewhat diverse vocals, the solid guitar work of Clint Lowery and John Connolly make for an enjoyable listen and support each other sonically. Their music is built off the foundations of their own basic recipe that only changes slightly to ensure the same track is not being played over and over again.
Cold Day Memory opens with ‘Splinter’. Immediately listeners are exposed to Sevendust’s creative writing ability and a high level of catchiness. The riffs are full of groove and the music is heavy enough to appease those who like their music slightly heavier. For the most part this sets the theme for the rest of the album with most of the other tracks following this theme. Listeners will notice as the album progresses that some tracks stand out more than others i.e. ‘Splinter’, ‘Forever Dead’ and ‘Karma’. While these are all good tracks they unfortunately remain on the first half of the album and creates a drag for the rest of the album. The record may have been able to maintain a higher playback value as a whole if those tracks had been spread out.
There are no soaring moments to be had on
Cold Day Memory with the closest being ‘Forever Dead’. The album suffers from its high level of consistency. Sevendust play it
too safe over the length of the album and doesn’t push for the heights in any of their tracks. Simply, Sevendust don’t try to be anything they are not. They know it, their listeners know it and it shows in their music, though it cannot be helped but to think what would happen if they tried for that something different and push for that higher level.
Cold Day Memory displays much of Sevendust’s quality as an alternative metal group and higher level of consistency. Separately each member knows what they are doing and how to combine their skills collectively. During some points of this album listeners may feel that Sevendust need to break out of their cosy mould and push for the heights. For fans this should be a welcome addition to their library. For others who like their music a little safe, they should be urged to at least check out a couple of tracks.
Overall
Cold Day Memory plays a little
too safe on the ears of the listener. It’s quality music and catchy enough to maintain the listener but fails to hit the heights that would see Sevendust hit the top of the alternative metal genre. The music is safe, catchy, thoroughly enjoyable but unfortunately, it all stops there.
