REVIEW: coldrain - OPTIMIZE = OPTDEMISE
Four years in the making and the five piece from Nagoya, Japan are back with their eighth album, OPTIMIZE = OPTDEMISE. COLDRAIN have made their mark globally with their own multi genre metal centric sound. Their lineup has remained unchanged since they started the band in 2007, made up of Masato (vocals), Y.K.C (guitars), Sugi (guitars), RxYxO (bass) and Katsuma (drums).
Just under a year ago, COLDRAIN released their EP OPTIMIZE which was a five track taster of their latest undertaking, tackling big subjects such as the digital world and the quick rise of AI. With the release of the track EX HUMANITY in the summer came the announcement of the new album, OPTIMIZE = OPTDEMISE alongside it, which combines the EP into a new album. Meaning that fans will be treated to seven new tracks to sink their teeth into, with a few having been released already as singles in preparation.
The first five tracks of the album that comprise the current standing EP are high energy, bouncy tracks, with OPTIMIZE effortlessly blending electronic sounds in a loud and exciting way. CHASING SHADOWS was born to be played live with its clear interaction cues that crowds love. INCOMPLETE is a clear pit opener, and without a doubt encapsulates the true COLDRAIN sound. Of these tracks, DIGITOLL would be the one that stands out the most with its strong message. It’s static-y beat combined with lyrics that question the toll that the digital world has on us, “This isn’t progress, this is war,” and in the same vein there’s FREE FALL that alludes to a “copy pasted hell,” where they would rather feel pain than feel nothing at all. There’s a lot to digest beneath the energetic noise but it’s delivered in a way that doesn’t let you spiral too much into an existential crisis. The songs from this EP have already been played live on their last UK run at the end of last year, and received a great reception, so there’s no doubt that the new tracks will be met with the same open arms.
The release of EX HUMANITY breaks the cycle of the EP with the new era as it transcends into the new album. In Masato’s words, EX HUMANITY describes “What it means to be human and what we could become if we lose the things that make us who we are.” which falls into the overarching message of the album. The urgency carries on with REST OF ME, a hardcore-esque track that shifts seamlessly between lighter passages and heavier moments. At first glance, the appearance of Bert McCracken of THE USED in POISON may feel like an unlikely collaboration but with a slightly fuzzier sound, and addictive rhythm it makes complete sense. McCracken’s unmistakable vocals that would wake a whole generation of emos add a fun layer to the track. G.I.A.I.G (Give It All I Got) is a catchy tune with a busy riff that doesn’t let you go, and the grip of SING is of a slower, reflective mood. The choral aspect in SING would make for a great sing along moment on stage.
The beginning of PICTURE PERFECT HELL makes you feel like you’re in an arcade before bursting into the first chorus, another song that makes a statement about the truth being hard to distinguish, hence the term picture perfect hell. Last but certainly not least, SAVIOR closes out the album, featuring Kenta Koie from CROSSFAITH. It’s edgy stature combined with Ken’s iconic vocals makes for an action packed track, and a perfect ending for an album that combines thought provoking topics with a dance party.
Ultimately the album is clearly inspired by rapid expansion of the digital world particularly where AI is concerned. OPTIMIZE = OPTDEMISE emphasises the importance of humanity although not as a plain anti AI statement but more of an exploration of one’s self and what it means to be human. In a world of technology where people are constantly fed information, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to decipher the truth. We must prioritise human connection and stay true to our emotions to not lose ourselves to the fabricated world of the digital.
Stylistically the tracks all have a distinctive style but that is because there is no main style, COLDRAIN’s ability to construct their sound in a way that there are all different genres and styles at play at once. This alone makes their style interesting and unique but it is also in danger of things sounding a bit samey. As a whole OPTIMIZE = OPTDEMISE is a full, cohesive album where the songs feel unified and part of a larger story. One of COLDRAIN’s biggest assets is their ability to create anthemic songs built to be played live, and to be danced along to. This album delivers just that.
Score: 8/10
OPTIMIZE = OPTDEMISE will be released 25th September 2026 via Century Media Records.
Words: Danielle Henderson
Photos: Maciej Kucia
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