CD Review: Cold - A Different Kind of Pain

Some bands rely on their angst to sustain them. Some bands can't bear the weight that it brings, the control it takes to harness that angst into productive music. Other bands thrive on their angst, they keep it focused, and are able to produce some excellent music that is creative and emotional. Cold is the second type, they have become some sort of angst machine as their sound has developed over the course of three, now four, albums.

I have yet to decide exactly where A Different Kind of Pain will end up in the inevitable ranking of their releases, but at the moment, I am finding it to be rather addictive. I haven't yet figured out which song is the catchiest either, but, again there is something that I find attractive in the music.

This album is considerably more mellow than their previous releases, but the sound is still distinctly Cold. They never have gone for the terribly aggressive guitar riffs, or nu-metal type nonsense. The music is a vehicle for Scooter Wards strong voice as he sings through, and in spite of, his pain and anguish. Despite the tendency for non-aggression, the music still retains a certain edge to it.

The guitars lay down a bed of distorted open chords, blending with a strong rhythm section, creating this wave of sound upon which for Scooter to sing. Cold is a band that is focused around the singing. Some bands are guitar bands, some are drum bands, Cold is squarely shouldered on the ability of the vocalist.

The album opens with "Back Home," a strong track which sets the tone for the rest of the album. Simultaneously morose and hopeful, it is alternatingly grinding and mellow, perfectly reflecting the band. Another standout track would be the title song, "A Different Kind of Pain." A strong ballad type song which digs itself into your head and holds your attention. "God's Song" is also notable, starting calm before the rhythm picks up, and Scooter comes up over it singing about how we all are a part of something bigger. The last song to mention is the sad "Tell Me Why," which was written for a fan who reached out to Scooter for consolation, connecting with a kindred spirit who was doing all they could to keep their head above water.

It may not be as strong as Year of the Spider, it still treads powerful emotional ground. Cold is a focused band, one that can take all that life throws at them. This is a good album, pure and simple. It is not perfect and it is not great. It is solid, well written, and hits all the right notes. It does come dangerously close to monotony, but it worked for me. I think it will work for others, too, those willing to take the time to listen to it. I guarantee that it will grow on you, and new Cold fans will be born.

Recommended.