Cold Fire

A song about the paradox of a relationship that's simultaneously passionate and frozen — a love that burns but provides no warmth. The oxymoron of the title captures the album's ongoing exploration of opposing forces.

The powerful chord transitions in the opening recall the hard-edged alternative rock of the era. It was released as a single, and its blend of heaviness and melody exemplifies the album's overall approach — accessible enough for radio, substantial enough for repeated listening.

It demonstrates Lifeson's rediscovered confidence as a guitarist. After years of being pushed behind synths, he's fully asserting himself here, and the result is some of his most satisfying playing since the early 1980s.