Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Coldrain - Optimize (2025)

Trivium isn't the only band who has just recently made an EP of new material a few years after their last new album. On the other side of the globe, Japanese rockers Coldrain have brought optimism to the scene with their new 5-track release, Optimize.

Coldrain can be considered part of the English-singing Japanese metalcore trio alongside Crossfaith and Crystal Lake. Unlike their peers though, they're comfortable with blending elements of that genre with alt-metal/post-hardcore. Throughout the 2010s, they've become more well-known outside of their homeland. It seems like their 15th anniversary re-recording of their debut Final Destination has given some old flavors to the new, as you can hear soon...

The title opener is the perfect start, with their alt-metalcore blend fitting well in metal's modern present. "Chasing Shadows" has more rhythm added in, while the chorus should get the live crowd singing along, especially in the last one. It's also one of a few singles released months before the EP, along with a couple others later on.

"Digitoll" is more rock-ish and doesn't add much to the heaviness, though the dance-y beat and synths nicely throwback to Amaranthe's first couple albums. "Incomplete" cranks up the melody, especially in the gorgeous ending solo. However, the rest seems a little incomplete. Luckily, "Free Fall" closes the EP as heavy as they possibly could, with the guitars sounding quite metallic while throwing in Enter Shikari-esque synths.

Again, just like Trivium, Coldrain have made an EP that would give us a taste of what's to come next, though Optimize doesn't have the same glory. Still with Coldrain's new EP, and Crystal Lake having a new album on the way, the Japanese modern metal scene may have a promising era around the corner....

Favorites: "Optimize", "Chasing Shadows", "Free Fall"