coldrain

Coldrain are a Japanese rock band formed in Nagoya in 2007, fronted by Masato Hayakawa and built around the songwriting of lead guitarist Ryo Yokochi. The lineup is rounded out by rhythm guitarist Kazuya Sugiyama, bassist Ryo Shimizu and drummer Katsuma Minatani. Emerging from Japan's post-hardcore and metalcore scene, the band quickly stood out for singing in both Japanese and English, which helped them build an audience abroad alongside their domestic fanbase.

Musically, Coldrain blend heavy, riff-driven metalcore with melodic, radio-friendly rock choruses, drawing comparisons to Western acts while keeping a distinctly Japanese energy live. Tracks like «MAYDAY», «GONE» and «Vengeance» showcase the mix of aggressive verses and anthemic hooks that became their signature, while songs such as «FEED THE FIRE» and «ENVY» lean further into their heavier, more intense side.

Over the years the band has toured extensively outside Japan, playing festivals and package tours in the US and Europe, which is unusual for a Japanese rock act and helped cement their reputation as one of the country's most internationally recognized modern rock exports. They remain active, continuing to release music that balances accessibility with heaviness.