With the long awaited release of their second album, it would appear that US metallers, Cold, have gathered their gear and climbed a notch on the ladder to musical magic. Yes, 13 Ways To Bleed On Stage is a collection of 13 (suprisingly enough) highly fuelled, diverse tracks, orbiting around the grunge/metal genre.

Slightly more progressive than its predecessor, 13 Ways... features plenty of alternative influences – piano tracks, harmony and a thicker, more laquered sound, without detracting from their characteristic distorted guitariness.

Of particular note, ‘Just Got Wicked’ is a thick, heavy, dark track; loads of fx, great licks, plenty of bass and scratchy vocals harmonised on top. ‘She Said’ opens with a deceptively tranquil piano intro, breaking into layer upon layer of guitar distortions and rhythm that merge to a powerful crescendo, then detangles back into solitary piano.

A great encapsulation of all things heavy and heady, 13 Ways... is a strong contender for my album of the year. This album is necessary.