Recently Reviewed:

Magnetic
The Goo Goo Dolls

The Sun Comes Out Tonight
Filter

Grinning Streak
Barenaked Ladies

Sometimes you don't know just how influential a particular band member is, until they leave the band. Guitarist and co-writer Clint Lowery left Sevendust after their fourth album (2003's Seasons). Since his departure the band has released a trio of decent but largely unremarkable albums, which all seemed to hint that without Lowery's presence, their best days were behind them.

Cold Day Memory, however, sees Lowery back in the band, and things are immediately better and back on track. The usual appealing elements of Sevendust are present (in particular Morgan Rose's powerhouse drumming and singer Lajon Witherspoon's dynamic voice), but what Lowery seems to have brought back with him is his accomplished songwriting. The production (courtesy of Disturbed/Finger Eleven producer Johnny K) is suitably crisp and punchy, even if the occasional industrial and ambient sound effects sound a bit dated. Still, Cold Day Memory has all the ingredients to put Sevendust back on top.