Following their highly successful sophomore release, 13 Ways To Bleed On Stage, Cold returns stronger than ever with Year Of The Spider. With the chart success of the first single, “Stupid Girl”, on which Weezer’s River Cuomo lends his post punk guitar work to, the bands’ third album sold over 101,000 copies within the first week of its release. Like Staind, Bush and Creed, Cold are technically complex with a brutal metal edge.
Discovered by a fellow Jacksonville, Florida band, Limp Bizkit, the group had a fairly easy time getting signed with A&M/Flip and their 1998 self-titled debut faired well with Critics and fans alike. Through relentless touring, Cold built a modest fan-base and by the time their 2nd record was released, the group was opening for such acclaimed acts as Marilyn Manson and Weezer.
Year Of The Spider is perhaps the most reflective Cold record to date as the band turns tragedy into art. Guitarist Kelly Hayes lost his brother in law and front man Scooter Ward’s sister was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. As if that weren’t enough, the singers’ girlfriend was diagnosed with cancer shortly after. Wards’ lyrics reflect on life, death and emotional turmoil. Songs such as “Cure My Tragedy (A Letter To God)”, “Wasted Years” and “Rain Song” mirror the fear and inner turmoil which Scooter and Kelley have experienced. While the entire disc is lyrically poignant and philosophical, the music is still intense with a menacing dual guitar attack, rapid fire bass and drums coupled with the signature brooding vocals of Scooter Ward. Unlike many of their contemporaries, Cold are not afraid to experiment by incorporating strings for a Zeppelin-ish effect.
Producer Howard Benson, who helped launch P.O.D.’s Satellite into triple platinum success, was careful to not allow Year Of The Spider to become as ominous as an early Black Sabbath record. At the same time, he did not stifle Cold’s current creative process. The result of the collaboration is a well balanced and insightful recording which exploits the positive while reflecting on the distressing circumstances not only of the band but the world we live in as well.