Cold (band)

Cold

Company type	Private
Industry	Music
Founded	1986 in Neptune Beach, Florida, United States
Founder	Scooter Ward, Sam McCandless, Jeremy Marshall, Matt Loughran
Headquarters	Neptune Beach, Florida , United States
Products	Music albums

Cold is a rock group from the United States, established in 1986 in Neptune Beach, Florida. The band was co-founded by lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Scooter Ward, drummer Sam McCandless, bassist Jeremy Marshall, and lead guitarist Matt Loughran. Over time, the lineup has frequently changed, with Ward remaining the only consistent member throughout.

In 1997, following encouragement from Fred Durst, Cold secured a deal with Flip Records/A&M Records. Their first album, Cold (1998), did not achieve strong sales due to A&M's shutdown shortly after its release, leading the band to sign with Geffen Records. Cold gained widespread recognition with their albums 13 Ways to Bleed on Stage (2000) and Year of the Spider (2003), which combined elements of post-grunge and alternative rock. Both records were certified Gold by the RIAA, with Year of the Spider peaking at number three on the Billboard 200 chart and featuring their sole entry on the Billboard Hot 100, "Stupid Girl". In March 2004, Cold parted ways with Geffen over disagreements regarding promotion, followed by several lineup changes that same year.

After signing with Lava Records in July 2004, Cold released their fourth studio effort, A Different Kind of Pain (2005). The album’s darker mood distanced some fans and did not reach the commercial heights of their earlier work. Following a period of instability, the band disbanded in November 2006. The original members reunited for a tour in 2009, which eventually led to a full reformation. Since then, Cold has released two additional albums: Superfiction (2011) and The Things We Can't Stop (2019).

Early years (1986–1998)

Initially called Grundig, Cold was formed in 1986 by Scooter Ward (vocals, rhythm guitar), Sam McCandless (drums), Jeremy Marshall (bass), and Matt Loughran (lead guitar) while attending Fletcher High School in Neptune Beach, Florida. Their first live performance took place in 1990, followed by the release of an eight-track EP titled Into Everything in 1992.

Originally operating out of Jacksonville, Florida, the band relocated to Atlanta, Georgia to pursue greater opportunities within the music industry. After several personnel changes—including Matt Loughran being replaced first by Sean Lay and later by Kelly Hayes—the group returned to Florida. Grundig dissolved in 1995; subsequently, Ward, McCandless, Hayes, and Pat Lally briefly formed Diablo before adopting the name Cold in 1996.

Debut album era (1998–2000)

Cold’s growing reputation attracted attention from Fred Durst, who invited Ward to record two acoustic songs that eventually reached producer Ross Robinson. Impressed by their sound, Robinson assisted Cold in recording their self-titled debut album in 1997.

The band signed with Flip Records, distributed by A&M Records, releasing Cold in 1998 to favorable critical reception. Unfortunately, A&M’s closure amid the Universal-PolyGram merger severely hindered promotion efforts and limited sales to fewer than 40,000 copies domestically. Jordan Schur, Flip’s founder, ensured Cold remained under Universal’s umbrella by transferring them to Geffen Records upon becoming its president in 1999. Despite minimal label backing at that time, Cold supported Limp Bizkit and Soulfly on a European tour during 1998.

That same year marked the release of the Oddity EP, which featured a cover image of drummer McCandless's pet tarantula named "Wednesday." This spider inspired Cold’s official logo—a symbol reflecting the band's creeping musical style.

13 Ways to Bleed on Stage (2000–2002)

Cold's sophomore album, 13 Ways to Bleed on Stage, was financed by Geffen and released on September 12, 2000. The lineup was strengthened in 1999 with the addition of guitarist Terry Balsamo, formerly of Limp Bizkit, which enabled frontman Ward to concentrate more fully on vocals and stage dynamics. This album represented Cold's commercial breakthrough, featuring singles such as "End of the World" and "No One" that received extensive airplay on hard rock radio stations. The single "No One" climbed to No. 17 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and No. 13 on the Modern Rock Tracks, accompanied by a heavily rotated video on MTV2. Notable guest appearances included Aaron Lewis from Staind and vocalist Sierra Swan from Dollshead. Additionally, the track "Just Got Wicked" gained popularity through its inclusion in the video game Jet Grind Radio, reaching No. 25 on Mainstream Rock Tracks.

In April 2002, Cold issued "Gone Away," a somber ballad featured on the WWF Tough Enough compilation, supported by a well-received music video.

Year of the Spider and departure from Geffen (2002–2004)

Following their earlier achievements, Geffen supported Cold’s third studio effort, Year of the Spider, which was released on May 13, 2003, after a delay from its original October 2002 date. This album stands as their most commercially successful project, debuting at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 with first-week sales exceeding 101,000 copies. The lead single "Stupid Girl" was Cold’s sole entry into the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 87. Plans for a music video to accompany the second single "Suffocate" were ultimately abandoned due to lack of label support, leading to internal dissatisfaction.

In January 2004, Balsamo exited to join Evanescence and was succeeded by Eddie Randini, formerly of Darwin's Waiting Room. By April, guitarist Kelly Hayes also left to become part of Jacksonville-based hard rock band Allele. Efforts to release another single from the album, titled "Wasted Years," were not backed by Geffen.

Cold officially severed ties with Geffen in March 2004. During this period, they contributed tracks including "With My Mind" and remixes for the soundtrack of the video game Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy, and embarked on a brief tour with Sevendust to promote the single. The band also performed at E3 for promotional purposes; however, these compositions were never incorporated into any studio albums.

Lava Records, A Different Kind of Pain and disbandment (2004–2006)

By May 2004, Cold entered talks with Lava Records, an Atlantic Records subsidiary, culminating in an official signing by July. Former member Matt Loughran rejoined in September as recording commenced for a new album with producer Elvis Baskette, initially targeted for release in December 2004. The departure of Eddie Rendini in November 2004 postponed production until spring 2005. The album’s title evolved through several iterations—from And a Sad Song Lives On to The Calm that Killed the Storm, before settling on A Different Kind of Pain in June 2005.

The lead single, "Happens All the Time," was accompanied by a music video featuring new guitarist Mike Booth, who toured briefly prior to being replaced by Zac Gilbert. Upon release, A Different Kind of Pain debuted at No. 26 on the Billboard Albums chart with sales surpassing 36,000 copies in its first week. Departing from their previous radio-friendly alternative metal sound, this album delved into deeply personal subject matter influenced by frontman Scooter Ward’s sister’s cancer battle, his broken engagement, as well as themes surrounding abuse and addiction. To date, it has sold over 160,000 copies within the United States.

On November 17, 2006, Cold announced their official dissolution via MySpace. Subsequently, Ward and Sam McCandless initiated a side project initially named The Witch, later rebranded as When November Falls and eventually known as The Killer and the Star. McCandless soon parted ways with this endeavor.

Reunion and Superfiction (2008–2012)

On July 25, 2008, Ward revealed through The Killer and the Star's MySpace page plans for a b-sides and rarities compilation alongside a new Cold album featuring the original members, targeted for release in Fall 2009.

In January 2009, Cold publicized reunion tour dates with a lineup consisting of Scooter Ward, Sam McCandless, Jeremy Marshall, Kelly Hayes, and Terry Balsamo. Shortly after, Joe Bennett replaced Hayes but departed in July 2009, with former guitarist Zac Gilbert stepping in. Michael Harris from Idiot Pilot, also affiliated with The Killer and the Star, temporarily substituted for Balsamo. The band embarked on tours during spring and summer of 2009.

Cold announced a mid-July 2011 release date for their album. Initially described as their "final album," Ward expressed intentions to keep recording and touring beyond its launch. The album’s lead single was "Wicked World."

Superfiction was released on July 18, 2011, under Eleven Seven and entered the Billboard 200 at No. 37 with first-week sales of 11,317 copies. Although a live rendition of "Snowblind" was referenced as a hidden track, it was ultimately excluded but later appeared on their sixth studio album, The Things That We Can't Stop. The second single, "American Dream," was released on January 1, 2012, with its music video premiering two weeks later on Eleven Seven’s YouTube channel.

COLD:LIVE and Jeremy Marshall’s Exit (2012–2016)

In November 2012, Scooter Ward announced intentions to produce an acoustic album in 2013 featuring popular songs, rarities, and new material. By April 2013, plans were underway to record a double live album in May in Jacksonville; however, the acoustic project experienced delays.

On February 7, 2014, Cold initiated an Indiegogo campaign to fund a double live album and DVD initially titled Live in Orlando, which was later renamed COLD:LIVE. The campaign surpassed its funding goal by 167%. On February 28, Cold performed their first concert in nearly three years in Central Florida alongside Saliva.

The live DVD recording took place on July 12, 2014, at Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Additionally, the band performed under their original name Grundig on July 11 to re-record a six-track live set from 1996 intended for digital release. On July 12, they captured a full concert featuring 27 songs at the University of North Florida Theater, which included special acoustic segments and guest appearances from Damien Starkey (Burn Season/Puddle of Mudd) and drummer Ethan York.

On November 11, 2014, Cold announced that Jeremy Marshall had left the band to focus on his other project Fall to June; Lindsay Manfredi took over bass duties. Former member Eddie Rendini passed away on January 30, 2015.

After several delays, COLD:LIVE, directed by ex-guitarist Drew Molleur, was independently released on January 27, 2016. It became available as a DVD, Blu-Ray, and double CD through the band’s official website.

Lineup alterations, The Things We Can't Stop, and the forthcoming seventh album (2016–present)

On March 13, 2015, Cold entered into a contract with Napalm Records to release a new album and embark on an international tour throughout 2016. By July 2016, Terry Balsamo had rejoined the group as they initiated recording sessions for their upcoming record. Shortly after, on January 1, 2017, Nick Coyle—formerly associated with Lifer, myDownfall, and The Drama Club—was confirmed as a guitarist addition. Recording officially began on January 11, 2017.

In January 2018, frontman Scooter Ward revealed that the album was nearing completion and introduced new members Ethan York and Jonny Nova. Both Balsamo and Sam McCandless were absent from the recording and touring phases, dedicating their time to other endeavors such as McCandless’s involvement with The Cocky Bitches and his comic book projects.

Cold announced on June 27, 2019, the release of The Things We Can't Stop, their first studio album in eight years, scheduled for September 13, 2019. To support this release, they launched the "Broken Human Tour," during which McCandless rejoined full-time to replace York on drums. Between September 2019 and April 2020, the band released music videos for the tracks "Without You," "Run," and "Quiet Now." Plans for the "A Different Kind of Tour" in 2020 were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Touring activities resumed in fall 2021 without McCandless; Tony Kruszka was brought in as the new drummer.

In early 2023, Cold announced a tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of Year of the Spider running from March through May. Prior to this tour, Coyle and Nova departed to focus on Death Valley Dreams, leading to Ed Cuozzo and Angelo Maruzzelli joining as guitarists. Additional dates along the East Coast extended the anniversary tour through September 2023. Meanwhile, the band has been actively writing material for their seventh studio album.

Looking forward, Cold revealed plans for a spring 2025 U.S. tour featuring full performances of 13 Ways to Bleed on Stage and A Different Kind of Pain. They also announced a fall 2025 series titled "Beneath The Low Hum Tour: A Special Evening Of Songs Reimagined," set to take place at City Winery venues with special guest Sierra Swan.

Musical style and influences

Cold is distinguished by its fusion of alternative rock, hard rock, nu metal, alternative metal, and post-grunge. Their musical identity has been shaped by a wide array of influential artists including AC/DC, U2, The Cure, Depeche Mode, Black Sabbath, Rush, Queensrÿche, Tool, Radiohead, Korn, and Deftones. This eclectic blend has contributed to Cold's unique position within both rock and metal genres.

Band members

Current lineup

• Scooter Ward – lead vocals, keyboards, rhythm guitar
• Lindsay Manfredi – bass
• Tony Kruszka – drums
• Ed Cuozzo – lead guitar, backing vocals
• Angelo Maruzzelli – rhythm guitar, backing vocals

Past members

• Matt Loughran – lead guitar
• Jeremy Marshall – bass, backing vocals
• Sam McCandless – drums
• Sean Lay – lead guitar
• Kelly Hayes – lead guitar
• Pat Lally – bass
• Terry Balsamo – rhythm guitar
• Eddie Rendini – rhythm guitar
• Mike Booth – rhythm guitar, keyboards
• Zac Gilbert – rhythm guitar , lead guitar
• Joe Bennett – lead guitar
• Michael Harris – rhythm guitar
• Drew Molleur – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
• Ethan York – drums
• Nick Coyle – lead guitar, backing vocals , keyboards
• Jonny Nova – rhythm guitar , programming

Timeline

Discography

• Cold (1998)
• 13 Ways to Bleed on Stage (2000)
• Year of the Spider (2003)
• A Different Kind of Pain (2005)
• Superfiction (2011)
• The Things We Can't Stop (2019)

References

Citations

Sources