coldrain: OPTIMIZE
Japanese rock band coldrain return with ‘OPTIMIZE’, a five-track EP that hits hard and fast. Out on October 24th via Century Media Records, it captures everything that makes the band special — heavy riffs, soaring vocals and pure emotion. After a packed festival summer and two standout singles, ‘OPTIMIZE’ feels like the perfect next step.
Japanese rock band coldrain return with ‘OPTIMIZE’, a five-track EP that hits hard and fast. Out on October 24th via Century Media Records, it captures everything that makes the band special — heavy riffs, soaring vocals and pure emotion. After a packed festival summer and two standout singles, ‘OPTIMIZE’ feels like the perfect next step.
The opening track, ‘OPTIMIZE’, sets the tone immediately. It’s loud, confident, and full of attitude. Frontman Masato delivers a gripping vocal performance, switching seamlessly between melodic hooks and raw intensity. ‘CHASING SHADOWS’ follows with huge choruses built for live shows — it’s no surprise it became a fan favourite after their electrifying set at Summer Breeze Open Air in Germany.
My personal favourite from the EP, ‘DIGITOLL’, keeps the momentum high with razor-sharp guitars from Y.K.C and Sugi, while RxYxO and Katsuma drive the rhythm with tight, thunderous precision. Lyrically, it takes aim at a world trapped in systems that crush originality — a powerful message that hits just as hard as the music itself. Ironically, it’s also one of the most original and dynamic tracks on the record, combining intensity with meaning. You can easily picture a festival crowd moving as one, jumping to every beat as the song explodes from the stage.
The first single from the EP, ‘INCOMPLETE’, leans into melody and emotion, showcasing the band’s softer edge while still packing plenty of power, including moments of intense shouting that add raw urgency. Closing track ‘FREE FALL’ ties everything together — a true free fall of emotion and energy that ends the record on a high.
Fans familiar with coldrain’s international tours will notice echoes of the influence from bands like Bullet for My Valentine, with whom they’ve toured extensively. Yet, ‘OPTIMIZE’ doesn’t feel derivative; instead, the band channels that influence in a fresh and innovative way, making it unmistakably their own. What stands out most is the confidence behind every track. The production is crisp, the songwriting focused and the passion undeniable. ‘OPTIMIZE’ proves that coldrain know exactly who they are.
The release ties neatly into their ONE MAN JAPAN TOUR 2025. The band will perform at Zepp Haneda in Tokyo on Friday, October 24th, before heading to the UK and Europe later this year, kicking off in Manchester on November 22nd. Expect explosive shows packed with new songs and fan favourites alike.
With nearly two decades behind them, coldrain are still pushing forward. ‘OPTIMIZE’ is proof they haven’t slowed down — if anything, they’ve refined and sharpened their sound to perfection.