COLD / UNIVERSITY DRIVE / THROWER – BRIGHTON MUSIC HALL

COLD / UNIVERSITY DRIVE / THROWER – BRIGHTON MUSIC HALL

By Kerri Nelson

Cold live at the Brighton Music Hall with University Drive and Thrower for support.

Cold delivered a powerful, sold-out performance at Brighton Music Hall in Brighton, MA, treating fans to not one, but two of their most cherished albums—A Different Kind of Pain and 13 Ways to Bleed On Stage—performed in full. The venue itself added to the emotional intensity of the night. Brighton Music Hall is a small, intimate space with a capacity of about 500, creating a tightly knit, immersive
environment where every note feels personal. With a curved rail that wraps around the stage and no obstructed views in sight, every fan had a unique, up-close vantage point. It was the ideal setting for a night steeped in nostalgia and raw emotion, perfectly complementing Cold’s cathartic set.

Opening the show was Thrower, a hard rock/grunge/metal band hailing from Houston, TX. Their sound is unapologetically rooted in the music they grew up on—anchored in the grit of ’90s grunge and heavy rock, with layered touches of ’70s classic rock. It’s a fusion that not only works, but elevates their sound into something both familiar and fresh.

Their 2024 release, Blink, is a sonic time capsule that travels through eras of rock evolution. Frontman Isaac Thrower’s vocals are especially compelling—evoking the soul of Chris Cornell and the chameleon-like tonality of Scott Weiland. On tracks like “Blink Dog,” the resemblance to STP’s Core era is impossible to ignore. Isaac channels the same dynamic range Weiland was known for, shifting effortlessly from gritty growls to smooth melodic passages.

Photos Kerri Nelson

The band’s chemistry is undeniable. Guitarists Cole Stratulate and August Galliano create a wall of textured, driving riffs, while bassist Paul Duty and drummer Rocky Conant lock in a rhythm section that hits hard and stays tight. Together, they’ve crafted a sound that will resonate deeply with fans of ’90s grunge and hard rock—yet it’s entirely their own. Thrower doesn’t just echo the past—they build on it with their own identity, energy, and edge.

One standout moment from their set—and a perfect example of their musical depth—was their cover of Blue Öyster Cult’s classic, “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper.” Their rendition slowed the tempo and delivered a deeper, more brooding vocal performance, transforming the track into something darker and more haunting. It not only showcased the band’s ability to reinterpret a legendary song with respect and originality, but also highlighted the full range of talent and artistry they bring to the stage.

Thrower is more than a throwback—they’re a force rising with purpose. With Blink already making waves and live shows that leave a lasting impression, they’re clearly here to stay and poised to make a serious mark on the modern rock scene.

Next up was University Drive, and if it was your first time catching them live, you might’ve been surprised to see Cold’s own Ed Cuozzo taking on vocal duties. He was joined by Tony Kruszka on drums, Angelo Maruzzelli on guitar and vocals, Ryan Grutt on bass and vocals, and Mark Naples rounding out the lineup on guitar.

The band wasted no time and kicked things off with their single “Hollow Sweetness,” making it clear from the start they were there to leave a lasting impression. I have to say, Ed Cuozzo channels a bit of Dustin Kensrue from Thrice—in the best way possible. His vocal range is strikingly close to Kensrue’s evolved style, and I’m absolutely here for it. The blend of gritty, raspy, moody vocals with melodic guitars and pounding drums is a formula that just works. It’s that perfect balance of raw emotion and tight musical execution that draws you in from the very first note.

Photos Kerri Nelson

But University Drive isn’t just about brooding, melodic tones—they bring an alt-rock and emo edge that hits just as hard. Their setlist pulled from all corners of their discography, including “Safe & Quiet” from their 2017 debut On/Off, “Almost Gone” from their 2019 follow-up Almost Gone, and “Residual Self Image” off their 2022 release Heal.

For many of the die-hard Cold fans in the room, University Drive was already a known force. These fans came prepared, singing along to every lyric and keeping the energy alive as the band powered through their nine-song set. It was clear this wasn’t just an opening act—it was a full-on experience. The connection between the band and the crowd was electric, built on shared passion and deep respect for the music.

They closed their set with “Decades Lost,” released on April 15, 2025—a perfect teaser for their upcoming EP First Stage Separation, dropping on streaming platforms May 2. If you’re catching one of the remaining shows on this tour with Cold, be sure to swing by the merch table and grab an early copy. Trust me—it’s a must-have.

As University Drive wrapped up their set, the crowd was primed and ready for Cold to take the stage. Everyone in that audience had spent years living with A Different Kind of Pain and 13 Ways to Bleed On Stage—albums we rushed to grab the moment they hit our local record stores. I still remember walking into mine back in 2000 to pick up 13 Ways to Bleed On Stage, not knowing how much that record would come to mean. It hit hard and stayed with us.

Photos Kerri Nelson

When A Different Kind of Pain arrived in 2005, it only deepened that connection—Cold put into words the emotions we couldn’t always explain, reminding us we weren’t alone. To this day, those albums have helped me through some of the hardest moments of my life.

The set opened with “Back Home” from A Different Kind of Pain, celebrating the album’s 20th anniversary in powerful form. As Scooter Ward stepped up to the mic, joined by Ed Cuozzo on guitar, Tony Kruszka on drums, Angelo Maruzzelli on guitar, and Lindsey Manfredi on bass, the atmosphere in the room shifted—full of weight, memory, and meaning.

Throughout the night, Ward shared stories behind the songs—how they came to be, what inspired them. He spoke candidly about his struggles with depression, recalling a moment on a Jacksonville beach watching a storm roll in, a memory that became symbolic of A Different Kind of Pain’s haunting cover. His vulnerability only deepened the connection, solidifying the band’s reputation for saying what so many of us have always felt but couldn’t express ourselves.

As “Ocean” came to a close, the band took a brief intermission before returning to the stage to dive into 13 Ways to Bleed On Stage, now celebrating its 25th anniversary. They kicked it off with “Just Got Wicked,” and the crowd erupted. Fans belted out the lyrics to every track—“She Said,” “No One,” “Send in the Clowns,” and finally, “Bleed.”

“Bleed” was especially intimate, with only Ward and Maruzzelli on stage, both on guitars. Ward took a moment to speak to the crowd, expressing his deep gratitude for the unwavering support over the years. As the first notes of “Bleed” echoed through the venue, the room fell silent, united in that shared emotional space. Everyone was singing, feeling every word. It was a moment that’ll stay with us.
The show closed with “Check Please,” a fan-favorite many were hoping to hear—and it did not disappoint. The entire night was something truly special for longtime Cold fans.

If you have a chance to catch this anniversary tour, don’t miss it. Grab your tickets early—most shows are nearing sold-out status. The tour continues through the end of spring, wrapping up in Covington, KY.

To learn more about Cold, check out their Website

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