Cold WorldWilkes-Barre, PA (I live in PA and still don't know how to pronounce that shit) natives Cold World have been one of the most hyped and talked about bands since 2005 when "Ice Grillz" CD/7" EP was released on Lockin' Out Records. I fell victim to the hype and purchased the album off of Very.com. What can I say, I am a sucker for hardcore/hip hop influenced stuff (Biohazard, E-Town Concrete, etc,.). After listening to the CD I was disappointed with the lack of hip hop. However, they were able to craft some pretty good songs but with that said I still don't get why these guys got so hyped up, especially with "Ice Grillz", a very formulaic album.
Since I got that CD a few years back I have barely played it again. Shit I can't even remember the last time I listened to it until I broke it out a couple weeks ago to revisit it for this review. I think all the internet hype made me real annoyed with the band. They definitely didn't help their cause with the amount of ultra limited shirts that they put out. The band seemed really gimmicky to me and hellbent on "cashing in".
When I initially got this CD I really wasn't expecting much. However, the first couple of listens I was really digging it. I was pleased with how they started to incorporate more hip hop shit in the album, even though I would still like to hear more. On top of adding more hip hop into the album the band has also added a bit more variety into their song writing. There is definitely a bigger presence of metallic influence which helps spice up the steady barrage of mid-tempo riffing that can at times hinder the momentum of the album. The lead guitar work is also much better on "Dedicated..." than "Ice Grillz". A really pleasant surprise were the back up vocals, both by the guitarist Alex, who does more of the shout/scream stuff and the drummer Nick who does some tastefully done clean singing that can be compared to Keith of Life of Agony.
Many people have voiced their complaints about the lead vocalist, calling his vocals the weakest aspect of the record. While at times his delivery does become a bit mundane, his voice still works well within the confines of what the band does. It just so happens he has two other guys in the band that can do what he does better. Also, having George of Blacklisted on the title track doesn't help because there aren't many vocalist in hardcore that he doesn't outshine.
I would say Dan makes his keep by the lyrics that he supplies but I have no knowledge of whether or not he writes the lyrics all himself or if there are others in the band that contribute. But regardless the lyrics are a highlight of the album, though there are some weak tracks such as "The Games That People Play".
The grayscale picture of kids playing under a bridge in an urban setting with Cold World written in graffiti looks like it could easily be mistaken for a hip hop album. The booklet is four panels and the first fold presents the total lyrics on two pages on a black background. The next fold of the booklet reveals a four panel spread with all of the members of the band pictured behind a white backdrop with the title of the record in orange in front of them. Shit looks like it should've have been a Gap ad. Kind of stupid but whatever.
Rating: 3/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: "Dedicated To Babies Who Came Feet First (ft. George of Blacklisted)", "Roaches and Rats" & "Time To Break Down"
Synopsis: An album that will no doubt be plagued by the amount of "hype" that these guys have gotten over the years. Many people will dismiss this release on that alone, and also because a lot of people have just plain gotten sick of their merchandising tactics. But if I can get past the hype and the merch gimmicks I'm sure many others can. And yes, mixing hip hop and hardcore isn't new but since E-Town Concrete (fuck the haters) called it quits and Biohazard hasn't meant anything to me since "Urban Discipline" someone has to carry the torch. These guys still have a long way to go though.
Check these links out and decide for yourself