Cold Day Memory
Cold Day Memory is the eighth studio album by the American alternative metal band Sevendust, released on April 20, 2010, through the band's own imprint 7Bros. Records in partnership with Asylum Records and the Independent Label Group.[1] The album features 12 tracks and runs for approximately 46 minutes, blending heavy riffs, melodic vocals, and nu-metal grooves characteristic of the band's sound.[2] Recorded at Groovemaster Studios in Chicago, Illinois, Cold Day Memory was produced by Johnny K (known for work with Disturbed and Staind), with co-production by the band and Corey Lowery.[3] It marks the return of founding guitarist Clint Lowery, who had departed in 2005 and was replaced by Sonny Mayo for three albums; his reunion with the band revitalized their creative direction.[2] Key tracks include the lead single "Unraveling," noted for its passionate vocals by frontman Lajon Witherspoon, and heavier cuts like "Splinter" and "Strong Arm Broken," which bookend the record with intense energy.[2] The album debuted at number 12 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling around 27,000 copies in its first week, and received generally positive reviews for its return to the band's aggressive roots while incorporating melodic elements.[1][4]Background
Sevendust's history leading to the album
Sevendust formed in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1994 when drummer Morgan Rose, bassist Vinnie Hornsby, and guitarist John Connolly, formerly of the band Snake Nation, recruited vocalist Lajon Witherspoon and guitarist Clint Lowery after initial lineup adjustments. The group adopted the name Sevendust, inspired by a pesticide canister, and quickly built a following in the local nu-metal scene. Their self-titled debut album, released in April 1997 via TVT Records, featured aggressive tracks like "Black" and "Bitch," achieving gold certification by May 1999 and charting for 16 weeks on the Billboard 200 after strong support from tours including Ozzfest 1998.[5][5] The band's momentum continued with their second album, Home, released in August 1999, which included hits such as "Denial" and "Waffle" and boasted guest appearances from Deftones' Chino Moreno and Skunk Anansie's Skin. Home solidified Sevendust's reputation for blending heavy riffs with Witherspoon's soulful vocals, earning critical praise and exposure through high-profile events like Woodstock '99 and the Tattoo the Earth tour. By 2001's Animosity and 2003's Seasons—the latter debuting at No. 14 on the Billboard 200 with singles "Enemy" and "Face to Face"—Sevendust had evolved their sound toward more melodic hard rock while maintaining commercial viability, though internal tensions began to surface.[5][5] In December 2004, following Seasons, founding guitarist Clint Lowery left Sevendust to focus on his new project Dark New Day, prompting the addition of guitarist Sonny Mayo and marking a pivotal lineup change. The band pressed on with their fifth album, Next, released in October 2005 on 7Bros. Records (distributed by Universal's WineDark imprint), which debuted at No. 20 on the Billboard 200 but faced promotional challenges after the label's collapse in 2006. Subsequent releases Alpha (March 2007, No. 14 on the Billboard 200) and Chapter VII: Hope and Sorrow (April 2008, No. 19) reflected a musical shift toward heavier, more aggressive rock elements, with tracks like "Clueless" from Alpha emphasizing raw intensity amid ongoing industry hurdles. Lowery's return in 2008 for Chapter VII restored the original lineup and reinvigorated the band's direction. In 2009, Sevendust signed with their independent label 7Bros. Records, providing stability and catalyzing efforts toward their next project.[5][6][7][5]Return of Clint Lowery
Clint Lowery left Sevendust in December 2004 amid personal struggles, including mental health challenges and a need to address substance abuse issues by seeking a change in environment and sobriety.[8][9] He soon formed the post-grunge supergroup Dark New Day alongside his brother Corey Lowery, Brett Hestla, Troy McLawhorn, and Will Homer, releasing their debut album Black and Blue Pearl in 2005.[10] During his five-year absence, Lowery pursued additional musical endeavors, including a stint as touring guitarist for Korn in early 2007 to replace Rob Patterson.[11] He also began developing his solo project, Hello Demons Meet Skeletons, entering the studio in September 2008 to record an EP that explored introspective themes tied to his personal recovery.[12] On March 26, 2008, Sevendust announced Lowery's return to the band, emphasizing the reunion of their original lineup to recapture the chemistry that defined their early success.[13] This came just before the release of Chapter VII: Hope & Sorrow and the start of its supporting tour on April 9, 2008, with Lowery rejoining for select performances.[13] His full commitment was solidified by early 2009, enabling active involvement in preparations for the band's next album. Lowery's reintegration injected renewed creative energy into Sevendust, fostering a period of rediscovery after his extended hiatus and the band's three prior albums without him.[14] For Cold Day Memory, he received expanded songwriting freedom, co-authoring tracks like the single "Unraveling" and delivering prominent guitar riffs that enhanced the album's aggressive yet melodic hard rock direction.[14] This collaboration revitalized the group's dynamic, contributing to Cold Day Memory's status as their highest-charting release at the time, debuting at No. 12 on the Billboard 200.Recording and production
Recording sessions
The recording sessions for Sevendust's Cold Day Memory began in October 2009 at Groovemaster Studios in Chicago, Illinois, marking the band's first full-length project with producer Johnny K.[15] The reunited lineup, including the return of guitarist Clint Lowery after a five-year absence, enabled the group to focus on recapturing their original chemistry during the process.[15] Over the approximately two-and-a-half-month period, the daily workflow centered on laying down basic instrument tracks, followed by vocal and guitar overdubs, with the band emphasizing a return to their core five-piece dynamic to drive the sessions forward.[15][16] The team wrapped principal recording on December 22, 2009, amid a tight timeline that left limited time for mixing before the album's scheduled April 2010 release, presenting logistical pressures on the production schedule.[15][17]Production and songwriting
The production of Cold Day Memory was led by Johnny K, who served as producer, engineer, and mixer, marking his first collaboration with Sevendust on a full-length album.[18] Johnny K's methodical approach emphasized achieving optimal results, though personal challenges such as studio renovations and an impending family addition required the band to co-produce significant portions of the record.[19] Corey Lowery, brother of guitarist Clint Lowery and a former member of Dark New Day, provided substantial assistance in pre-production and handled vocal recordings to support the overburdened process.[19] Songwriting for Cold Day Memory centered on a collaborative process involving riff-based development and group jams, with guitarists Clint Lowery and John Connolly contributing a total of around 30 to 40 initial ideas that were largely refined collectively in the studio.[20] This approach allowed for only one or two pre-written tracks to be used, fostering a natural, band-driven evolution of the material to compensate for Lowery's time away from the group.[20] The album title was officially announced on January 24, 2010, reflecting the thematic direction that emerged from these sessions.[21] Mixing was conducted by Johnny K at Groovemaster Studios, while mastering was handled by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound, resulting in the album's characteristic polished and balanced sonic clarity.[18][22]Composition
Musical style
Cold Day Memory embodies Sevendust's signature blend of alternative metal and heavy metal, incorporating nu-metal and industrial influences that define their post-reunion sound. The album features heavy, palm-muted riffs and groove-laden rhythms, often driven by syncopated patterns that create a propulsive energy throughout its 46:30 runtime.[23][2][24] Dynamic shifts are a core element, with aggressive verses built on intricate drum fills and down-tuned guitars transitioning into melodic, soaring choruses that emphasize Lajon Witherspoon's versatile vocals. Guitar work, enhanced by Clint Lowery's return, includes haunting background layers and occasional solos, adding depth without overpowering the rhythmic foundation. Tracks often follow mid-tempo structures, balancing intensity with accessibility, as seen in the wall-of-sound production that maintains clarity across heavy breakdowns and atmospheric builds.[25][26][24] Compared to prior efforts like Seasons (2003), which leaned softer and more melodic, Cold Day Memory is notably heavier and more energetic, echoing the raw aggression of Animosity (2001) while evolving the band's style with greater subtlety and organic flow. This positions the album firmly within the broader rock landscape, bridging nu-metal's heyday with modern alternative metal's emphasis on emotional dynamics and musicianship.[2][26][24]Lyrical themes
The lyrics of Cold Day Memory delve into deeply personal narratives, centering on themes of memory, loss, redemption, and introspection, often drawn from the band members' real-life experiences. All five members contributed to the songwriting, resulting in a collaborative process that infused the album with authentic emotional weight, as the tracks evolved until final recording. For instance, the title track evokes cold, distant recollections of past pain, symbolizing a reflective journey through emotional isolation and the lingering impact of hardship.[27] Loss and heartbreak emerge prominently, influenced by events such as drummer Morgan Rose's painful divorce and frontman Lajon Witherspoon's experiences with newfound fatherhood, which inspired lyrics on commitment and responsibility. Tracks like "Unraveling," co-written by guitarist Clint Lowery and producer Dave Bassett, explore the collapse of relationships and personal turmoil, capturing a sense of emotional disintegration without overt resolution. Similarly, "Confessions (Without Faith)" addresses Lowery's 2004 departure from the band and his 2008 return, framing themes of redemption and reconciliation within the group's dynamics, reflecting the pressure and growth from his hiatus.[27][19] Witherspoon's vocal delivery amplifies these introspective motifs, shifting fluidly between guttural screams and soaring clean singing to convey raw vulnerability and intensity. This range allows the lyrics to resonate as both cathartic outbursts and contemplative whispers, underscoring the album's focus on inner conflict and perseverance amid adversity. The overall lyrical content emphasizes overcoming personal obstacles, with no filler tracks, ensuring each song carries substantive meaning tied to the band's renewed cohesion.[27][19][26]Release and promotion
Album release and formats
Cold Day Memory was released on April 20, 2010, through the band's own imprint 7Bros. Records in partnership with Warner Music Group's Independent Label Group.[28][29] The album marked Sevendust's first release under this independent distribution model, allowing greater creative control while leveraging Warner's infrastructure for wider reach.[30] The album was made available in multiple formats to accommodate different fan preferences. Standard editions included a jewel case CD and digital download options through platforms like iTunes and Amazon MP3.[31] A limited edition CD/DVD bundle featured the full album on CD alongside a bonus DVD containing behind-the-scenes footage titled "Making the Record," which documented the recording process and band interactions.[32] Later reissues in 2018 and 2023 added vinyl formats, including a limited electric blue pressing and a black vinyl reissue, but these were not part of the initial 2010 rollout.[32] The album's title was officially announced in late January 2010, with drummer Morgan Rose confirming Cold Day Memory during promotional discussions, alongside the track listing.[30][33] This reveal built anticipation following the completion of recording sessions in late 2009. Initial marketing efforts tied the release to live performances, with tour announcements serving as key promotional vehicles. In February 2010, Sevendust revealed plans for a headlining tour with Drowning Pool supporting the album's launch, followed by additional dates announced in March including stops with Nonpoint, Saving Abel, and Day of Fire.[34][29] These outings, starting shortly after release, featured album tracks and a special acoustic set at Atlanta's Hard Rock Café to premiere DVD content.[35]Singles and music videos
To promote Cold Day Memory, Sevendust released three singles from the album. The lead single, "Unraveling", was issued on February 22, 2010.[36] An official music video for "Unraveling" followed on April 20, 2010, coinciding with the album's release through 7Bros. Records and Warner Music Group's Independent Label Group.[37] The second single, "Forever", arrived on July 26, 2010. No official music video was produced for this track. "Unraveling" served as the primary visual promotion, with the band delivering a straightforward performance in the video directed for the single's rollout.[37] The special edition of Cold Day Memory included a bonus DVD featuring over 30 minutes of behind-the-scenes footage documenting the making of the record.[38] The third single, "Last Breath", was released on January 24, 2011. Like "Forever", it did not receive an accompanying music video.Reception and legacy
Critical reception
Upon its release in 2010, Cold Day Memory received generally positive to mixed reviews from music critics, who praised the album's return to the band's heavier roots following the reunion of the original lineup, including guitarist Clint Lowery, while some noted its adherence to familiar formulas.[26] The album holds an aggregate critic score of 52 out of 100 on Album of the Year, based on a limited number of professional reviews.[39] Critics lauded the album's renewed energy and the revitalizing impact of Lowery's return, which infused the tracks with a sense of the band's early intensity and cohesion. PopMatters awarded it 8 out of 10, highlighting its organic flow and the improved vocal dynamics between Lajon Witherspoon's soulful leads and backing from Lowery and drummer Morgan Rose, describing it as "the album that longtime Sevendust fans have been waiting for."[26] Sea of Tranquility called it "the best album Sevendust have produced in years," commending the furious riffing, multi-layered melodies, and production by Johnny K that elevated tracks like "Splinter" and "Unraveling" with bombastic delivery.[40] Specific praise often centered on standout songs such as "Splinter," noted for its powerful riffs and melodic choruses, and "Unraveling," appreciated for its dramatic layering in positive takes.[26][40] However, some reviews pointed to repetitiveness and a safe, formulaic approach that limited innovation. Sputnikmusic gave it 3 out of 5, acknowledging the passionate vocals and strong drumming but criticizing the guitar sections as bland and tracks like "Ride Insane," "Nowhere," and "Here and Now" as standard and unremarkable, ultimately deeming the album "rather safe."[24] Schwegweb echoed concerns over structural repetition in the heavy drums-to-melodic choruses pattern across songs, while faulting "Unraveling" and "Ride Insane" for overcrowding instrumentation that obscured lyrical intent.[41] Consequence described it as a "take it or leave it" effort—cohesive but unspectacular, with missed opportunities for deeper exploration despite solid moments.[42] Common themes across 2010 critiques balanced the reunion's energizing effect, which restored the band's groove-laden heaviness, against perceptions of formulaic elements that made the album feel predictable rather than groundbreaking.[26][24][41]Commercial performance and reissues
Cold Day Memory achieved moderate commercial success upon its release, selling approximately 27,000 copies in its first week in the United States, which propelled it to debut at number 12 on the Billboard 200 chart.[4] The album also performed strongly on genre-specific charts, reaching number 4 on the Top Rock Albums chart, number 2 on the Alternative Albums chart, and number 3 on the Hard Rock Albums chart.[43] The album's singles contributed to its chart presence on rock radio formats. "Unraveling" peaked at number 7 on the Mainstream Rock chart, marking one of Sevendust's strongest showings in that category. "Forever" reached number 18 on the same chart, while "Last Breath" climbed to number 32. The album has seen several reissues in subsequent years, reflecting ongoing fan interest. In 2018, for the annual Rocktober event, it was released on limited-edition colored vinyl featuring an electric blue base with silver and white splatter, limited to 1,000 copies. Rise Records issued a black vinyl reissue in 2023. Additionally, Cold Day Memory was included in the 2023 box set Seven of Sevendust, a nine-LP collection spanning the band's discography, released on October 13.[44]Album credits
Track listing
All songs on Cold Day Memory were written by the members of Sevendust, with "Unraveling" and "Confessions (Without Faith)" co-written by Dave Bassett.[32] The standard edition features 12 tracks with a total runtime of 46:54.| No. | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Splinter" | 3:54 |
| 2 | "Forever" (also known as "Forever Dead") | 3:26 |
| 3 | "Unraveling" | 3:59 |
| 4 | "Last Breath" | 3:48 |
| 5 | "Karma" | 3:52 |
| 6 | "Ride Insane" | 3:15 |
| 7 | "Confessions (Without Faith)" | 4:07 |
| 8 | "Nowhere" | 3:30 |
| 9 | "Here and Now" | 4:08 |
| 10 | "Southside" | 4:04 |
| 11 | "Cold Day Memory" | 4:40 |
| 12 | "The End Is Coming" | 4:17 |
Personnel
Sevendust- Lajon Witherspoon – lead vocals[46]
- Clint Lowery – guitar, backing vocals[46][22]
- John Connolly – guitar, backing vocals[46][22]
- Vince Hornsby – bass, backing vocals[46][18]
- Morgan Rose – drums, backing vocals[46][22]
- Johnny K – producer, recording engineer, mixing[18][17]
- Corey Lowery – co-producer[18][32]
- Justin Walden – programming[18][47]
- Ted Jensen – mastering[48][49]