What makes Cold Like War by We Came as Romans notable?

Upon its release, 'Cold Like War' debuted at number 28 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking a solid commercial performance for the band. The album's raw exploration of themes like loss and perseverance resonated with fans and critics alike, leading to notable reviews from platforms like Alternative Press and Loudwire. Released on October 20, 2017, 'Cold Like War' is We Came as Romans' fourth studio album, following their self-titled release in 2015. At this point in their career, the band had experienced significant lineup changes, including the tragic loss of guitarist Kyle Pavone, which profoundly influenced their songwriting and thematic direction.

Who is Cold Like War for?

Cold Like War works well if you're into steady mid-tempo emotional release, cathartic reflections on resilience and for focused listening.

How many songs are on Cold Like War?

Cold Like War has 10 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Released 9 years ago this October

Cold Like War

We Came as Romans · 2017

39 min · 10 tracks · metalcore

A blend of soaring melodies and aggressive riffs that encapsulates the struggle between despair and resilience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Cold Like War — This title track embodies the album's central theme of conflict and emotional turmoil, blending melodic hooks with heavy instrumentals to great effect.
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Two Hands — The song captures a sense of urgency through its dynamic shifts and introspective lyrics, reflecting a personal struggle that many listeners can relate to.
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Promise Me — With its poignant lyrics and anthemic chorus, this track serves as a heartfelt tribute to resilience in the face of adversity, showcasing the band's emotional depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album balances aggressive and melodic elements but lacks strong cohesion and depth for lasting appeal.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track that features rapid guitar riffs and aggressive drumming, setting a fast pace for the first half.
Several tracks incorporate melodic choruses that contrast with the heavier verses, creating a dynamic interplay between aggression and melody.
The last three tracks slow down in tempo, allowing for more introspective lyrics and a reflective mood as the album concludes.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo emotional release
cathartic reflections on resilience
for focused listening
connective themes of personal struggle

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
avoid emotional depth and introspection

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on October 20, 2017, 'Cold Like War' is We Came as Romans' fourth studio album, following their self-titled release in 2015. At this point in their career, the band had experienced significant lineup changes, including the tragic loss of guitarist Kyle Pavone, which profoundly influenced their songwriting and thematic direction.
Stylistic neighbors: The Word Alive· Of Mice & Men· August Burns Red