On February 27, 2024, the time had finally come and Japanese Post-Hardcore band coldrain returned to the German capital. This time, they played at the legendary SO36 in Kreuzberg at the heart of the city with the two German bands The Narrator and Venues as opening acts.
The Narrator from Essen started the energetic evening and convinced immediately with the charismatic shouts from the frontman and the clear vocals of the bassist. But the Hardcore band can do more than singing well and delivering powerful songs. Dealing with topics such as love, violence, and depression, the four musicians made the audience feel welcome through close interactions.
Post-Metal band Venues from Stuttgart took over the stage after a short breather with clear singer Lela and shouter Robin captivating the audience with their great combination of vocals. Lela was very convincing live, although a little too quiet at first, but she caught on and at times sounded like a siren. The band not only sings about loneliness and love, but also wants to motivate people to be positive and believe in themselves – as Lela sings so beautifully: “You are not alone!”
Anticipation grew when the stage was set up for the headliner coldrain, with zeal erupting when the impressive intro began and warm, bright lights gave the signal for frontman Masato to sprint onto the stage. Masato’s charismatic smile thrilled the crowd from the very first song of the evening, ENVY. Also the other four band members had no reason to hide. They are masters of their instruments and fired up their fans just as well. Once again, coldrain proved that they are a live band and belong on stage with songs like Help Me Help You, Cut Me, and Before I Go from the current album, NONNEGATIVE, as well as classics like The Revelation, The War is On, and MAYDAY. They entertained the crowd with their music and encourage them to sing along, jump, and go crazy with ease.
The highlight of the evening was without a doubt the beginning of the encore: a 6-minute mesh-up of Vena, Wrong, Fire in the Sky, and Runaway from the band’s 4th studio album, VENA. After the medley, Gone and Final Destination followed, which long-time fans were particularly pleased about. coldrain gave it their all and the crowd went wild once again that night. It might have had something to do with the “rāmen energy”, because, as Masato mentioned, they had rāmen for the first time in Berlin. But we are certain: It’s been the energy of the band all along. They are a stronghold of the scene ever since they were founded in Nagoya back in 2007; and they announced that they would be back next year in 2025. They love touring despite difficulties for Asian musicians to play their music on stage and see their fans live.
SETLIST COLDRAIN
01. ENVY
02. Help Me Help You
03. NEW DAWN
04. The Revelation
05. FEED THE FIRE
06. Cut Me
07. THE SIDE EFFECTS
08. Boys and Girls
09. The War is On
10. Bloody Power Fame
11. MAYDAY
12. Before I Go
13. VENGEANCE
14. REVOLUTION
15. PARADISE (Kill the Silence)
01. ENVY
02. Help Me Help You
03. NEW DAWN
04. The Revelation
05. FEED THE FIRE
06. Cut Me
07. THE SIDE EFFECTS
08. Boys and Girls
09. The War is On
10. Bloody Power Fame
11. MAYDAY
12. Before I Go
13. VENGEANCE
14. REVOLUTION
15. PARADISE (Kill the Silence)
ENCORE COLDRAIN
E1. Vena / Wrong / Fire in the Sky / Runaway
E2. Gone
E3. Final Destination
E1. Vena / Wrong / Fire in the Sky / Runaway
E2. Gone
E3. Final Destination
Our conclusion: It was a successful evening for all three bands. The two opening acts, The Narrator and Venues, were able to win over new fans and coldrain did not disappoint at all. Some dedicated fans even traveled from Japan to see and support their favorite musicians on tour abroad. coldrain remain true to themselves and yet continue to develop their music. We can’t wait to listen to the band’s new music – and to have them back in Europe next tour!
