Cold Celebrates Their Legacy at Madison Theater in Covington, KY at Their Tour Finale [Photos]

On the finale of their sprawling tour across the United States, Cold celebrated their legacy with two of their most influential albums. Their dedicated supporters showed up to numerous sold-out dates across the country. The final stop pulled up to Madison Theater in Covington, Kentucky, just across the river from Cincinnati, Ohio. Joining Cold on the tour were September Mourning and University Drive, and opening the show was Illshot. This tour marked the 20th anniversary of their fourth album A Different Kind of Pain, and the 25th anniversary of their breakthrough album 13 Ways to Bleed on Stage.

Illshot started the night with a nostalgic brand of nu metal infused with funk and groove elements. University Drive, from Scranton, Pennsylvania, had an emo/alt rock vibe. Each opening band complemented Cold’s sound, even though every act was very different from the next. Mixed genre shows are definitely where it’s at. After performing for 40-plus dates, vocalist/guitarist Angelo Maruzzelli remarked that he surprisingly hadn’t lost his voice yet. The audience gave them a warm reception as they played songs from three of their releases, including their latest EP, First Stage Separation.

September Mourning is an interesting mixed-media project that features the titular character as a human/grim reaper hybrid, who is also the lead vocalist of the band. The content of the music revolves around the storyline of the graphic novel series published by Image Comics. September and her fellow reapers performed with high energy to their blend of industrial and alternative metal. Assisted by an active stage show with their own light/monitor rigs and smoke columns. And initiated ways to get the crowd involved.

For the main event, Cold began the night with a full playthrough of A Different Kind of Pain. The album that vocalist and founding member Scooter Ward says saved his life. Ward took the time between songs to share stories behind the tracks and their inspirations. Before performing the title track, Ward told the story of how he planned to take his own life until the piano notes for this song came to him and he decided not to. The audience was captivated by each different story, some facts known and unknown. The fans sang along throughout the album, but anticipation was building for the 13 Ways to Bleed on Stage playthrough. The additional vocal arrangements and layers on both albums gave a refreshing take on the beloved songs.

While A Different Kind of Pain may be their most sentimental and emotional record, 13 Ways is clearly the fan favourite. And deservedly so, with four successful singles and launching their career in the 2000s rock scene. Cold always stood out with their mix of alternative rock, metal, and post-grunge. With this being the final show, the whole band was emptying the tank on stage as fans swayed and sang along with them. As the band members hugged before the last song of the night, Ward mentioned that it had been an emotional tour, and they aren’t just going through the motions.

Ward and guitarist Ed Cuozzo remained on stage to perform the album’s closer, “Bleed.” Ward requested to be lit only by the lights of the crowd’s cell phones. By the end of the song, the disco ball was illuminated as well, creating an ethereal atmosphere.

Cold’s legacy has garnered them loyal support from a fanbase that still shows up for them. Their timeless music helps, but the honesty and vulnerability of those records provide the connection. There are no signs of new music from the band at the moment, but there may be plans for another tour next year, as Ward left the crowd with a “See you next year” send-off.

Cold (w/ Illshot, University Drive, and September Mourning) @ Madison Theater (Covington, KY) on June 1st, 2025

35 photos