World gone Cold Debut Review Posted March 01, 2023 By RyanAdams_NRT, Staff Reviewer
What You Need To Know:
It's not often that a supergroup forms in the Christian-based music community, let alone one composed of rock or metal musicians. World Gone Cold is just that, though. With a partnership with Rockfest Records, the band formed with members from P.O.D., The Letter Black, Demon Hunter, Disciple, and Inhale/Exhale. This is their debut, self-titled EP.
What It Sounds Like:
This self-titled EP takes the strengths from its members and forms a cohesive and well-mixed hard rock/metal sound. Blending elements from hard rock and metalcore genre, the result is a very enjoyable sound that does not remain stagnant. The bridges are the heaviest parts, with aggressive vocals and nasty breakdowns. The choruses showoff the vocalist Ryland Raus' range well - catchy melodies and powerful screams passionately on display.
Spiritual Highlights:
The lead single, "Opposites Attract" gives the listeners an accurate expectation of what the rest of the EP is about. The main focus here is on relationships in our lives. Each songs explores a different situation or perspective on a struggling relationship around or in us. Some of it is written introspectively, but most of it on the topic.
The songwriting is honest and mature, which is always welcome, nothing sounds cliché or forced, and as a result it is very relatable. However, in terms of spiritual depth, there is little. The EP overall sounds like a band on Fearless or Rise Records, which is not a bad thing. But in comparison to other, fellow Rockfest Records artists, the spiritual content seems lacking. There was little to have me consider my spiritual relationship with God or explore questions of my faith.
Best Song:
Besides the exemplary lead single, "Opposites Attract," I really enjoyed "Left To Save." It leaned more heavily into the metal side of the project with grittier vocals matched with noteworthy pounding drums from Yogi Watts. The bone-chilling chorus hit home the most, reaching out with "tell me I can walk away/from all this pain and misery/there's something I can say."
Spiritual Highlights:
Demon Hunter, Beartooth, Fit For A King
Bottom Line:
World Gone Cold's debut is a record that many listeners will find solace in with regards to their relationship struggles in life. There is evident synergy with every member involved in this supergroup and the result is an explosive debut that is sure to get the attention of the metal music scene. Given their home at Rockfest Records and most members' Christian band's roots, I was hoping for some deeper songwriting that touched on our spiritual journey. The result in undeniable talent and enjoyable heavy music that will find its place in many playlists this year.
