Coldrain

coldrain is a Japanese rock band from Nagoya, Japan, formed in 2007. The band combines melodic singing with the intensity of post‑hardcore, and all of their songs are written in English.

History

After the disbanding of Wheel of Life and AVER, coldrain was formed on April 17, 2007, by lead vocalist Masato Hayakawa, bass guitarist Ryo Shimizu (RxYxO), drummer Katsuma Minatani, and guitarists Ryo Yokochi (Y.K.C.) and Kazuya Sugiyama (Sugi). The members bonded over a shared love of music, and despite their Japanese roots, they chose to write all songs in English.

The band gained early local followers by performing in Nagoya and distributing demo discs. About a year later, they signed a major contract with VAP and released their debut maxi single “Fiction” on November 5, 2008. This release was followed by their first nationwide tour in Japan.

In 2009, coldrain released their first album Final Destination, and shortly thereafter performed at the Summer Sonic Festival. Their debut EP Nothing Lasts Forever was released in June 2010, with tracks featured in popular anime series and video game soundtracks.

On February 16, 2011, the band released their second album The Enemy Inside, further cementing their reputation. They also released a DVD, Three Days of Adrenaline, showcasing live performances from Osaka, Nagoya, and Tokyo.

In 2012, coldrain released the EP Through Clarity; their first album recorded abroad in the United States; produced by David Bendeth. The band toured extensively throughout Japan and internationally, gradually building a worldwide following.

Subsequent releases include The Revelation (2013), which marked their global debut via Hopeless Records and Sony Music, followed by albums Vena (2015), Fateless (2017), The Side Effects (2019), and their seventh studio album Nonnegative (2022). Each record showcases their evolving sound, blending elements of post‑hardcore, metalcore, and alternative rock.

Musical Style and Influences

coldrain’s style is characterized by a fusion of melodic vocals and aggressive instrumentation. While their early work featured a straightforward post‑hardcore approach, subsequent albums have incorporated elements of grunge, nu metal, electronica, and industrial. Their sound reflects influences from bands across various genres, and they consistently deliver powerful, dynamic music in English.

Band Members

Current Members

• Masato Hayakawa – lead vocals (2007–present)
• Ryo Yokochi (Y.K.C.) – lead guitar, programming, piano, keyboards (2007–present)
• Kazuya Sugiyama (Sugi) – rhythm guitar, baritone guitar, backing vocals (2007–present)
• Ryo Shimizu (RxYxO) – bass guitar, backing vocals (2007–present)
• Katsuma Minatani – drums, percussion (2007–present)

Discography

Studio Albums

• Final Destination (2009)
• The Enemy Inside (2011)
• The Revelation (2013)
• Vena (2015)
• Fateless (2017)
• The Side Effects (2019)
• Nonnegative (2022)

EPs

• Nothing Lasts Forever (2010)
• Through Clarity (2012)

Other Releases

• Multiple singles, a live album, several music videos, and live DVDs