Review Summary: A strong recovery from Hope and Sorrow
Atlanta Georgia’s hard rockers Sevendust are back with their highly anticipated 8th studio album Cold Day Memory. Highly anticipated may be due to the fact that it’s the return of original guitarist Clint Lowery. Right before Seasons was released in 2005 Lowery left the band to join his brother’s band Dark New Day. Having the same lineup after 13 years is an incredible feat in a generation where band members come and go like new generations of I Phones. Upon the return of Lowery the band wasted no time getting back into the studio.
After so many years of playing, Sevendust has developed a signature combination of crushing riffs, infectious hooks, and commanding vocal work, as well as their memorable stage presence and huge following. With the help of Grammy award winning producer Johnny K. Sevendust returns to many of their staple sounds that you’ve listened to on previous albums.
Cold Day Memory contains a nice balance of soft and heavy songs. The opening track “Splinter” is a great example of the heavier side of the band. The harsh drum work and clean/scream vocal combination make it one of the strongest and well defined tracks on
the record. On the 5th track “Karma” lead vocalist Lajon Witherspoon shows once again his powerful combination of melodic and aggressive vocals. The band has definitely gone to a more melodic approach while still containing their heaviness in the process. But songs like “Here and Now”, “Nowhere”, and “Better Place” were a little boring and offered nothing new. I felt as if I was listening to songs I’ve already listened too.
It’s fairly generic and predictable but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the solid harmonies and vocal hooks. Although it won’t break any new ground or redefine genres, Cold Day Memory is still a deeply residing album.
