Cold’s latest album, Year of the Spider, is a follow up to their 2000 commercial debut, and second full album 13 Ways to Bleed on Stage. With a break out single in the form of “Just Got Wicked” the Florida based band broke into the music scene with a dark, brooding motive to tell the world about the sorrows it creates. All this under Fred Durst’s wing.
Year of the Spider is a much more mainstream album than 13 Ways but that doesn’t mean the group has lost the dark edge they had. With newly emerging bands like Seether and veterans Staind also filling up the dark recess pool would there be enough room in depression for a few more?
Breaking out of the sophomore curse seemed to be the biggest objective for the band as not many are able to top the success they had with their debut album. No Doubt’s Return of Saturn was a disappointment as was Linkin Park’s Meteora when compared to the CDs that preceded them. Luckily Cold’s slight alteration to a more accepted melody plays well in the hands and voice talents of lead man Scooter Ward who’s voice is getting a fair amount of airplay on local radio stations.
The band’s first single, “Stupid Girl” is the most commercially acceptable song on the disc, but not certainly the best. “Don’t Belong” unravels a tale of exile in society for the value of keeping your personal beliefs intact “Well I won’t ever change my ways / and I can’t be strong / That I don’t belong.” “Suffocate” is the albums breakup song and acknowledges the fake facade people display in relationships, “This cloud will always hover over me / I’m leaving you today / ’cause now I see.”
The highlight of the disc is the final track entitled “Kill The Music Industry” which details a general disgust for the big name companies who release CDs. “It’s gone to far to name / the way you see / The things they’ll change / Your life and control / your mind / I can’t relate to it.” It mainly shows that artists can be just a frustrated with the lawsuits, bullying tactics, and general disregard for the public that the record companies are imposing on all patrons because they fail to embrace the digital age. Some people are on the little guy’s side and it’s nice to see bands lining up to support a cause.
As stated earlier Cold’s dark, niche sound on 13 Ways to Bleed on Stage may have kept them from the lime-life early in their commercial career, but that disc didn’t lack polish. As with 13 Ways, Year of the Spider is packaged wonderfully with great artwork including an oriental feel with kanji characters on the cover and throughout the accompanying booklet.
The only downfall to the album is a lack of good singles, as “Stupid Girl” is the only “catchy” tune that may make it on the radio besides the possible track “Suffocate.” Even if they don’t experience another single form this disc Cold should be proud of the accomplishment that is Year of the Spider. Any fan of Cold’s or complimentary bands like Deftones, Seether, or Staind should pick up this disc if they wish to hear a band they have become accustom to with a new edge that only further illustrates their musical talent.