Cold and Orgy ignite a sold-out Brighton Music Hall with electrifying performances, blending brooding melodies and industrial beats for an unforgettable night.
Brighton Music Hall in Allston, MA, was buzzing with excitement for the sold-out show featuring Cold and Orgy. The crowd was a healthy mix of fans who grew up on Cold’s self-titled debut album Cold and Orgy’s Candyass, both released in 1998, along with a new generation of younger fans. The opening acts, I Ya Toyah and Horizon Theory, were perfect choices to bridge the dark, melodic tones of Cold with the industrial, electronic beats of Orgy.
I Ya Toyah, whose name translates from Polish to “It’s just me,” is a fitting representation of her artistic identity. She is a multifaceted musician, seamlessly combining roles as a singer, composer, guitarist, and keyboardist. Her dark electronic industrial beats blend beautifully with elements of pop and alternative rock. Her voice, capable of both ethereal melodies and gritty screams, adds depth to her music. Songs like “I Am the Fire” and “Panic Room” explore relatable anxieties of modern life, resonating deeply with anyone who takes a moment to listen.
One song that truly stood out in her set was “Dream Not to Dream.” This track encapsulates elements reminiscent of bands like Orgy, Stabbing Westward, and Depeche Mode, showcasing her ability to merge diverse influences into a cohesive sound. I Ya Toyah is undeniably an artist who embodies her vision of being a “one-woman show,” seamlessly integrating all aspects of her creative self into her performances.
The next band up was Horizon Theory. Fairly new to the music scene, this Michigan-based band seamlessly bridged the transition from the brooding intensity of Cold to the high-energy beats of Orgy. Their unique blend of alternative rock, melodic metal, and nu-metal style added to the night’s growing intensity and grittiness with songs like “Astronomer.” They tackled real-world issues such as social anxieties, addiction, and depression in tracks like “December” and “Nowhere to Go” from their EP The Astronomer. Infusing elements of nu-metal rap reminiscent of artists like Nonpoint, Linkin Park, and Papa Roach, they complemented their music and heightened the emotional impact and intensity of their performance. Horizon Theory is well on their way to building a dedicated fan base, one that is sure to grow even more when they begin touring alongside Sevendust this fall in support of the Seasons 21st Anniversary Tour. Sevendust fans will undoubtedly welcome them with open arms. As the night progressed, the lighting shifted from typical reds, greens, and yellows to a wash of blue across the stage. Tube lights were strategically set up around the stage, enhancing the depth of the blue tones and casting a cold, atmospheric glow. This change in lighting added a new dimension to the performance, perfectly complementing the mood and intensity of the band Cold.As the opening riffs of “Back Home” from their 2005 album A Different Kind of Pain rang through the hall, Cold took the stage, and the crowd erupted in cheers. Scooter Ward (lead vocals), Tony Kruszka (drums), Lindsay Manfredi (bass), Ed Cuozzo (guitar), and Angelo Maruzzelli (guitar) combine to create a perfect balance of beautiful, dark melodic tones that define Cold’s signature sound. The energy and heartbeat of Cold lie in the harmony between their lyrics and music, interwoven to resonate deeply with their listeners. Many of Cold’s songs touch on the pain and heartache that people experience in their lives, making their music a sanctuary for fans seeking solace and connection in their haunting melodies and poignant words.
The night continued with a mix of tracks from their catalog of albums, from “Everyone Dies” from their self-titled debut album, to “No One” and “End of the World” from 13 Ways to Bleed on Stage, and “Suffocate” from Year of the Spider, to name a few.
A highlight of the night was when Ward handed his microphone to the crowd as he left the stage and entered the audience to sing “Happens All the Time” and “Wasted Years.” It was a great moment for everyone in the crowd to sing their hearts out inches from Ward, creating an unforgettable experience.
As the clock struck 10 PM, the opening notes of “Suckerface” from Orgy’s 2000 album Vapor Transmission filled the venue, signaling a shift in the tone and energy of the night. The thunderous electronic beats contrasted with the melodic tones of Cold. Jay Gordon (vocals) took the stage with a ferocious amount of energy, backed by Carlton Bost (guitar), Ty Oliver (guitar), Nic Spec (bass), Wade Murff (drums), and Joey Hollearn (vocals).Orgy is known for their unique blend of industrial rock, electronic beats, and alternative metal, creating a distinctive and futuristic sound. Formed in Los Angeles in the late 1990s, Orgy quickly gained a reputation for their stylish aesthetic and innovative music. Their debut album, Candyass (1998), catapulted them to fame with hits like “Stitches” and their iconic cover of New Order’s “Blue Monday.” Twenty-five years later, they still harness that same aesthetic.
Joey Hollearn blends the original sounds of Orgy with infused industrial, rap/rock elements on tracks like “Army to Your Party” and “Ghost.” This evolution adds a whole new layer to their music, enhancing their signature sound with fresh influences. Hollearn and Gordon’s voices complement each other remarkably well.
The night showcased many hits, including “Slept So Long” from the Queen of the Damned soundtrack and a cover of The Prodigy’s “Smack My Bitch Up.” I Ya Toyah joined the stage for “Perfect Weapon.” The night ended on a massive high-energy note with Gordon moving into the middle of the crowd to sing a mashup of “Blue Monday” and “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)” by Dead or Alive, leaving the audience electrified.
As the final notes of the mashup echoed through the hall, the night drew to a close, leaving the audience exhilarated and buzzing with energy. Orgy’s performance was a testament to their enduring appeal and ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. From the dark, melodic tones of Cold to the industrial, high-energy beats of Orgy, the concert showcased a perfect blend of styles that captivated fans old and new. The seamless transitions between acts, combined with powerful performances and emotional resonance, made for an unforgettable night.
Cold and Orgy wrap up their tour on May 25th, in Saint Paul, MN.
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