CD REVIEW: Day of Fire looks deep within flames

By Diana Nollen

Day of Fire's fans will be happy to hear Josh Brown can still growl.

The Nashville-based hard rockers have taken a more introspective turn on their latest CD, “Losing All.” But they haven't forgotten Brown's crunchy metal roots.

It's an interesting mix that serves the band well, once you get past the first cut, “Light 'em Up.” I almost didn't make it past that one. I like hard-edged instrumentals, but not growling, beastly vocals. They grate on my ears as badly as the singer's throat.

Brown's baptism in the hard rock realm in the '90s nearly killed him, feeding a drug habit that gripped him at age 15. Two years later, he was fronting Full Devil Jacket, touring with Creed and Nickelback and playing Woodstock '99.

After a heroin overdose sent him into rehab, he got his life back on track and formed his new band, which debuted in 2004.

Brown's arduous journey is reflected artfully through the lyrics winding through the latest disc.

After you get past the rough beginning, real musical skill begins to emerge on “Hello Heartache,” anchored by an utterly pleasant vocal line layered over a more subtle, yet driving, rhythm line. Chris Daughtry had a hand in writing and producing that one, as well as two others, which adds a level of sophistication to the disc.

The collection basically alternates between songs of intensity and reflection, including an all-out ballad in “Never Goodbye.”

Kudos to Brown and his band for exorcising their demons.

FAST TAKE

Title: “Losing All”

Artist: Day of Fire

Label: Razor & Tie

Performance: 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, at 1st Avenue Live, 3701 First Ave. SE, in Town & Country Shopping Center, Cedar Rapids

Admission: $10; ages 21 and older

Information: www.1stavelive.com and www.dayoffire.com