Coldrain - Nothing Lasts Forever (2010)^{Release ID: 23283}

Now this is a much better early part of Coldrain's career! Nothing Lasts Forever is a short EP that very well should've replaced the weak emo second half of their debut Final Destination for a better debut album. This is a heavier way for western-inspired Japanese alt-metalcore band Coldrain to kick things into a high gear.

Since their formation in 2007, the band's lineup has stayed intact; vocalist Masato, guitarists Y.K.C. and Sugi, bassist RxYxO, and drummer Katsuma. Their sound is a mix of alt-metal/post-hardcore/metalcore, though the metal was mostly absent in their debut. Thanks to Masato being taught English by his American mother, the lyrics are written in English, making them more globally accessible than most other Japanese bands. This emotional EP Nothing Lasts Forever amazes me with their roots growing heavier.

The EP starts with the powerful "Die Tomorrow", mixing catchiness with violence. Already we find the classic metalcore punches with Masato's screamed vocals and the heaviness of the rhythm and riffs, before switch to their alt-metal side with the cleanly-sung chorus. Then comes the next track "We're Not Alone", where massive heaviness of the rhythms and leads while Masato sings cleanly. During then, the band makes sure Masato is not alone. The daredevil move of covering a song pays off with "Stuck", a cover of that Stacie Orrico hit. Their alt-metalcore sound fits well with the catchy pop writing, that's the kind of covers I like!

The more aggressive "After Dark" has more atmospheric riffing from the clean guitar. The screams stay in the background though. However, "The Youth" is filled with screams in different sections especially the final chorus, plus a breakdown to add to the intensity. The EP ends with a surprise, their first semi-acoustic ballad "Miss You", where Masato and Sugi take the front stage, the latter bringing his clean/acoustic guitar.

In a world where western bands rival against Japanese bands, Coldrain helps break up the war with their English-sung solution. The band also create their own mix of styles without reinventing the wheel. They can compose moments loud and quiet, and write deep lyrical topics. A promising release for a young energetic band of the rising sun!

Favorites: "Die Tomorrow", "Stuck", "The Youth"