Album Review: "Year Of The Spider" (2003) - Date Unknown
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Most bands attempt to change their sound with every album that they put out. Cold, however, decided to continue to make music that works for themselves rather than what the current music trend is. Vocalist Scooter Ward, guitarist Kelly Hayes, drummer Sam McCandless, bassist Jeremy Marshall, and electric/acoustic guitarist Terry Balsamo confirm that they have the chemistry to last for the long haul.
The much anticipated Year Of The Spider is everything Cold fans can expect: Highly emotional lyrics threaded through an array of outstanding music. The lyrics hit a more emotional note than the two previous Cold albums. The melancholy atmosphere that Cold is known for is heightened on this album as a sign of serious growth over the years. Focusing more on the impact of a song is an important factor in the writing process rather than if they get a slot on MTV. Sad Happy is a song full of turmoil. It was written about a fan that was raped by her father. Scooter extrudes the pain in her life through his words and the chorus delivers his optimistic guidance to her.
Cure My Tragedy (A Letter To God) presents Cold's signature sound. The music creates a somber tone that helps to display the gloomy lyrics that accompany it. Having an almost surreal sound, this song stands out of Cold's impressive roster.
Kill The Music Industry is an almost rabid song about the monotony that is heard on the radio. The lyrics tell the tale of many bands that end up changing who they are to make it in the brutal music industry. This song sums up the message that meaningful songs should be more important than trying endlessly to make a radio hit. Cold proves on Year Of The Spider that writing lyrics with a message is should be the biggest focus rather then being played on the radio 500 times a day. The bonus DVD includes the video to their single Stupid Girl, the making of Year Of The Spider, behind the scenes of the video for Stupid Girl, and what it's like to be on the road with Cold.
Anyone who loved 13 Ways To Bleed Onstage and their self titled album is sure to add Year Of The Spider to their favorite album's list. It's perplexing to find a band that delivers both profound lyrics and original music these days, but Cold proves that it can be done and it can be done well.
8.5/10
- Lara E.