Cold Day Memory

Last updated

Cold Day Memory
Cold Day Memory album cover.jpg
Studio album by
ReleasedApril 20, 2010 (2010-04-20) [1]
RecordedOctober 13 – December 18, 2009
StudioGroovemaster Studios in Chicago, Illinois [2]
Genre Alternative metal
Length46:30
Label Asylum
Producer
Sevendust chronology
Chapter VII: Hope & Sorrow
(2008)
Cold Day Memory
(2010)
Black Out the Sun
(2013)
Singles from Cold Day Memory
  1. "Unraveling"
    Released: February 22, 2010
  2. "Forever"
    Released: July 26, 2010 [3]
  3. "Last Breath"
    Released: January 24, 2011
  4. "Ride Insane"
    Released: September 2011

Cold Day Memory is the eighth studio album by American rock band Sevendust, released on April 20, 2010. The album marks the return of guitarist Clint Lowery who previously left Sevendust in 2004 to work with Dark New Day. The album debuted at No. 12 on the Billboard 200, selling about 27,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release, marking the band's highest debut ever. [4]

Contents

Recording and production

In October 2009, Sevendust began recording a new album at Groovemaster Studios in Chicago, Illinois with producer Johnny K. Clint Lowery's brother, Corey Lowery who had previously worked with Clint Lowery in the band Dark New Day, also aided the band in their recording process. Stepping out of the box from regular recording sessions the band showed the fans how the album was created, with virtually every step of the process being chronicled through a series of video blogs, which were posted on the revamped official site and accompanying YouTube channel.[ citation needed ] These near-daily "vlogs" that the band posted on the site consisted of updates on the progress of the new album, as well as footage of the band mates living in the new "house" in which they were recording from. On January 20, 2010, drummer Morgan Rose revealed that the album title was Cold Day Memory. [5]

Guitarist Clint Lowery, who rejoined Sevendust in March 2008, commented, "This record personally has been one of the most difficult, but most rewarding records I've ever worked on. I put a lot of pressure on myself to contribute good material to the guys after being gone for last three records and that helped me focus more than I ever had." Added Witherspoon, "I feel this album shows new growth for the band. We're very happy to have Clint back and are looking forward for everyone hearing the magic that's made when we're all together!" [6]

Lyrical themes

Rose described the writing process for the album as "a more personal experience to him", and said that due to the events that transpired in the prior year, he would sometimes have trouble coming up with words, and would often write gibberish as a temporary filler. [7] While Rose would be the primary writer, all five members of the band would contribute. Rose focused on more distressing themes, while Witherspoon, who had just become a father, focused his lyrics on responsibility and commitment. [8] The album's first single, "Unraveling", was co-written by Lowery and is about the collapse of a relationship, while "Confession" indirectly addresses Lowery quitting and returning to the band. On Lowery's return, Rose spoke "Since we all write, it's hard to tell exactly what each song is about, but we like to leave it up to the listeners to decide for themselves," Rose says. "It's funny because in the end you almost don't know what you wrote. I remember telling John one time, 'Dude, that was an amazing line you wrote,' and he went, 'What are you talking about? You wrote that.' We wanted to change the template completely from what we did with our last album, 'Hope And Sorrow'. We were going, 'Let's bring back those other elements Clint brought in that made us what we were.' So we sort of made a silent agreement that we were going to let Clint run wild. We said we'll jump in when it's time, but if you've got an idea let's go with it." [9]

During the recording process, the band would leave the studio to perform several shows, and then return afterwards; a process that Lowery was initially against at first. Witherspoon commented it was "a tedious process." [10]

Release

On December 22, 2009, the band announced that the tracking for the album was complete, and was in the mixing process for an April 2010 release. In between and after this, they performed a few shows over December and early January.

On January 31, 2010, Sevendust posted this on their official website: "It's getting close to time to previewing a new song for all of you. Keep an eye out this week and next for a new song that we will post for everyone that has been waiting. We wanted to release a preview to the hardcore fans that have been with us, and give you a taste of what's to come. Still putting together the final touches, but the second the song is ready we'll have it up for all to hear. We want you to have something fresh to listen to gear up for the new tour coming in February."

The second single "Forever" (then titled "Forever Dead") was made available for streaming on the band's official MySpace page and YouTube account on February 5, 2010. That same day, "Unraveling" made its debut on Sirius XM's Octane station. The track "Forever" was made available for purchase on the iTunes Store on March 30, 2010.

It wasn't until recently that Sevendust began streaming their entire album over the radio. With the exception of "Better Place", every other song received some playing time on local rock stations. On April 18, 2010, the album was leaked on various P2P networks and file sharing sites.

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
411maniaStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [11]
Allmusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [1]
Live-MetalStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [12]
MetalundergroundStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svg [13]
PopMatters Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [14]
SputnikmusicStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [15]
TuneLab MusicStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [16]

Reception to Cold Day Memory was quite positive. 411mania.com stated "What you'll find here is the best Sevendust album since Seasons in terms of lyrics, emotion, guitarwork and drums." ultimate-guitar.com stated "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." [17] Chris Colgan of PopMatters focused on the significance of Clint Lowery's return to the band, saying that "...the reunion with Lowery immediately proves to be a huge step forward for the veteran quintet." Colgan goes on to say that the album "...has the energy and vitality of the band's older work, but it also has exponentially greater musicianship and subtlety, the kind that only a veteran band can achieve." [18]

The album did receive some level of criticism, though. thenewreview.net stated "With songs like 'Ride Insane' 'Here and Now' and 'Nowhere', I became a little bored. I felt as if I were listening to songs I had already heard before by the band, or perhaps even elsewhere, and wasn't completely blown away by what was there." Guitarinternational.com stated "Cold Day Memory is a killer release, and one that should act to propel the band into the new decade with a renewed sense of confidence, hopefully forgetting, at least somewhat, the events that haunted them for the majority of the past decade. If this record is any indication of things to come, then we could be hearing great things from a band that has more than paid their dues, and come screaming back onto the scene, leaving no doubt that they deserve to be included next to the biggest names in Metal today." [19]

Track listing

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Splinter" Clint Lowery, Morgan Rose, Lajon Witherspoon 3:54
2."Forever"Lowery, Rose3:26
3."Unraveling"Lowery, Dave Bassett 3:58
4."Last Breath"Lowery, Rose3:48
5."Karma"Lowery, Rose3:52
6."Ride Insane"Lowery, Rose, Witherspoon3:15
7."Confessions (Without Faith)"Lowery, Bassett4:06
8."Nowhere"Lowery3:29
9."Here and Now"Lowery, Witherspoon4:07
10."The End Is Coming"Lowery, Rose4:34
11."Better Place"Lowery4:21
12."Strong Arm Broken"Lowery, Rose, Witherspoon3:39
Total length:46:30

Personnel

Sevendust
Production

Charts

Album
YearChartPositionRef.
2010The Billboard 20012 [20]
Rock Albums4 [20]
Digital Albums6 [20]
Alternative Albums2 [20]
Hard Rock Albums3 [20]
Singles
YearSongChartPositionRef.
2010"Unraveling"Rock Songs29 [21]
Mainstream Rock7
"Forever"Mainstream Rock18
2011"Last Breath"Mainstream Rock32

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sevendust</span> American rock band

Sevendust is an American rock band from Atlanta, Georgia, formed in 1994 by bassist Vince Hornsby, drummer Morgan Rose and rhythm guitarist John Connolly. After their first demo, lead vocalist Lajon Witherspoon and lead guitarist Clint Lowery joined the group. Following a few name changes, the members settled on the name Sevendust and released their self-titled debut album on April 15, 1997, which sold only 310 copies in its first week but ultimately achieved gold certification through touring and support from their label, TVT Records.

Dark New Day was an American hard rock supergroup formed in 2004 featuring Brett Hestla of Virgos Merlot, Clint Lowery of Sevendust, Troy McLawhorn of DoubleDrive, Corey Lowery of Stereomud and Stuck Mojo, and Will Hunt of Skrape. Their debut album, Twelve Year Silence, was released in 2005, followed by the EP Black Porch in 2006. Though still inactive, Dark New Day released their second album, titled New Tradition, in 2012. On February 19, 2013, the band released their third album, titled Hail Mary.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Morgan Rose</span> American drummer

Morgan Jay Rose is an American drummer and a founding member of Atlanta-based rock band Sevendust. He is also responsible for much of the background vocals. He has also played drums for Call Me No One and Methods of Mayhem. Rose is vice president of Imagen Records.

<i>Sevendust</i> (album) 1997 studio album by Sevendust

Sevendust is the debut studio album by the American rock band Sevendust, released on April 15, 1997, through TVT Records.

<i>Seasons</i> (Sevendust album) 2003 studio album by Sevendust

Seasons is the fourth studio album by American rock band Sevendust. It would be the band's final album with TVT Records and was dedicated to the memory to both Dave Williams who died of cardiomyopathy in August 2002, and Reginald Witherspoon who was murdered in November 2002.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clint Lowery</span> American musician

Clint Lowery is an American musician, songwriter and producer, best known as the lead guitarist and backing vocalist of the rock band Sevendust. He has also played in Dark New Day and Still Rain, and served as the touring guitarist for Korn and Seether through most of 2007 and 2017, respectively. In 2008, he decided to work on new music as a solo artist, and the name of the project was titled Hello Demons Meet Skeletons. Lowery wrote and recorded a six-song EP while off the road with Sevendust, just for a week. He played every instrument on the CD, which was produced by his brother Corey Lowery. The EP, Chills, was released in October, followed by a tour at the same month. He would also later release two more EPs with HDMS. Also his fourth and last EP, Choices, was released in 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lajon Witherspoon</span> Musical artist

Lajon Witherspoon is an American singer and songwriter who is the lead vocalist of Atlanta-based rock band Sevendust.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vinnie Hornsby</span> Musical artist

Vince Hornsby is the bassist and one of the founding members of American rock band Sevendust.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Angel's Son</span>

"Angel's Son" is a song written by Clint Lowery and Lajon Witherspoon of Sevendust and performed by Witherspoon, fellow Sevendust members and ex-Snot band member Sonny Mayo, for the post-mortem compilation CD in honor of Snot founding vocalist James Lynn Strait known as Strait Up.

<i>Chapter VII: Hope & Sorrow</i> 2008 studio album by Sevendust

Chapter VII: Hope & Sorrow is the seventh studio album by American rock band Sevendust, and the last to feature guitarist Sonny Mayo who was replaced by original guitarist Clint Lowery before the release of the album. It was released on April 1, 2008, through the band's own 7 Bros. Records, in conjunction with Warner Music Group's Independent Label Group. The album features guest appearances by Chris Daughtry (Daughtry), Myles Kennedy, and Mark Tremonti.

Eye Empire was an American rock band formed in 2009, consisting of Corey Lowery and B.C. Kochmit, Donald Carpenter, Garrett Whitlock and Dixie Duncan. Will Hunt joined the band in 2010 before departing in 2011, replaced by Ryan Bennett.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Unraveling (song)</span> 2010 single by Sevendust

"Unraveling" is the official first single off album Cold Day Memory by American rock band Sevendust. On February 5, 2010, the song made its debut on Sirius XM's Octane station. "Unraveling" is the highest charting single of the band's career to date.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Last Breath (Sevendust song)</span> 2011 single by Sevendust

"Last Breath" is the fourth track from Sevendust's 2010 eighth studio album Cold Day Memory. It was released as the album's third single on January 24, 2011 via 7 Bros. The band streamed "Last Breath" for the first time on the radio on March 17, 2010.

<i>New Tradition</i> 2012 studio album by Dark New Day

New Tradition is the second album by American hard rock supergroup Dark New Day, released on February 28, 2012. It is their third release in six years after Black Porch and their second album since Twelve Year Silence. Originally due to be released in 2006 under the title of "Hail Mary", the band faced troubles due to their contract with Warner, forcing them to shelve the album altogether. In late 2011, the band decided to get back together and release the material through their new record company, Goomba Music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Call Me No One</span> American rock band

Call Me No One was an American hard rock band founded by Sevendust members Clint Lowery and Morgan Rose in 2012. It was later extended with Rek Mohr (Leo/Hurt) on bass and Souls Harbor guitarist/bassist and Shinedown touring guitarist Alan Price on guitar.

<i>Last Parade</i> (album) 2012 studio album by Call Me No One

Last Parade is the only studio album by American hard rock band Call Me No One. The album was recorded and mixed at Architekt Music in Butler, New Jersey and it was released on June 5, 2012. The album is to be on 7Bros. record company, with Asylum as a distributor.

<i>Black Out the Sun</i> (album) 2013 studio album by Sevendust

Black Out the Sun is the ninth studio album by American rock band Sevendust, released on March 26, 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Decay (Sevendust song)</span> 2013 single by Sevendust

"Decay" is a song by American rock band Sevendust. It's from the band's ninth studio album Black Out the Sun.

<i>Time Travelers & Bonfires</i> 2014 studio album by Sevendust

Time Travelers & Bonfires is the tenth studio album by American rock band Sevendust, released on April 15, 2014. It includes several previously released songs re-recorded as acoustic versions, as well as six new acoustic tracks. Although the band released their critically acclaimed Southside Double-Wide: Acoustic Live in 2004, Time Travelers & Bonfires is their first acoustic studio album. The album sold around 15,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 19 on The Billboard 200 chart.

<i>All I See Is War</i> 2018 studio album by Sevendust

All I See Is War is the twelfth studio album by Sevendust. It was released on May 11, 2018. Three songs were showcased from the album ahead of its full release; the first single, "Dirty", along with two other promotional songs, "Not Original", and "Medicated". "Unforgiven" and "Risen" followed as further singles.

References

  1. 1 2 Freeman, Phil. "Cold Day Memory> Overview". Allmusic. Retrieved April 29, 2010.
  2. "Sevendust: 'Cold Day Memory' Release Date Announced". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. February 11, 2010. Archived from the original on February 12, 2010. Retrieved April 29, 2010.
  3. "Radio Industry News". FMQB. Archived from the original on July 11, 2011. Retrieved July 23, 2010.
  4. "Sevendust's 'Cold Day Memory' Cracks U.S. Top 15". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. April 28, 2010. Archived from the original on May 2, 2010. Retrieved April 28, 2010.
  5. "Sevendust: New Album Title Revealed". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. January 20, 2010. Archived from the original on January 24, 2010. Retrieved April 29, 2010.
  6. "Sevendust: 'Cold Day Memory' Artwork Unveiled". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. March 2, 2010. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved April 29, 2010.
  7. Sevendust's Clint Lowery and Morgan Rose discuss their new album. Revolver Magazine. Archived from the original on April 25, 2010. Retrieved April 20, 2010.
  8. "Sevendust: 'Cold Day Memory' DVD Preview Available". Blabbermouth.com. Roadrunner. April 20, 2010. Archived from the original on September 1, 2010. Retrieved April 29, 2010.
  9. "Sevendust Drummer Interviewed By The Musician's Voice". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. March 29, 2010. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved April 29, 2010.
  10. Guitarworld (April 20, 2010). Sevendust Discuss the Making of Their New Album: Cold Day Memory. Youtube. Archived from the original on December 15, 2021. Retrieved April 29, 2010.
  11. Czajkowski, Ben (April 20, 2010). "Sevendust - Cold Day Memory Review". 411mania. Archived from the original on May 28, 2010. Retrieved April 29, 2010.
  12. "Sevendust: Cold Day Memory". Live-Metal. June 1, 2010. Retrieved January 8, 2016.
  13. "Sevendust: Cold Day Memory". Metalunderground. June 1, 2010. Retrieved January 8, 2016.
  14. Colgan, Chris (June 1, 2010). "Sevendust: Cold Day Memory". PopMatters . Retrieved December 23, 2010.
  15. "Sevendust: Cold Day Memory". Sputnikmusic. April 21, 2010. Retrieved January 8, 2016.
  16. Review: Sevendust – Cold Day Memory, TuneLab Music, June 20, 2010, archived from the original on June 23, 2010, retrieved April 25, 2010
  17. "Music - Sevendust - Cold Day Memory Review". 411mania.com. Archived from the original on October 3, 2012. Retrieved February 9, 2012.
  18. Colgan, Chris. "Sevendust: Cold Day Memory < PopMatters". Popmatters.com. Retrieved February 9, 2012.
  19. "Sevendust Cold Day Memory Review". Guitarinternational.com. Retrieved February 9, 2012.
  20. 1 2 3 4 5 "Cold Day Memory - Sevendust". Billboard. Retrieved June 22, 2010.
  21. "Unraveling - Sevendust". Billboard.com. Retrieved June 22, 2010.