A high-energy double pack from Japan - Coldrain with support from Noisemaker in Cologne

For the second time in 2025, Nagoya’s Coldrain brought their explosive blend of post-hardcore and alternative rock to Germany - this time at Carlswerk Victoria in Cologne, Germany, accompanied by the fellow Japanese band NOISEMAKER and the French support REVNOIR.

The Sapporo-based quartet NOISEMAKER—AG (vocals), HIDE (guitar), YU-KI (bass), and UTA (drums)—blend punk, rock, hip-hop, R&B, grunge, and alternative elements into a sound that is instantly recognisable and uniquely theirs.

Their lyrics are mainly in English, though some songs include a little Japanese—a perfect mix of international appeal with a connection to their roots.

Before this, they mainly toured Japan and some cities across Asia. This was their first time in Europe and their very first concert in Germany—a special moment worth celebrating.

They kicked off the evening with the distinctive sounds of “Something New,” already engaging the crowd by asking everyone to put their hands up, while AG casually jumped into the audience to sing and interact.

Their music has a quality that instantly lifts your mood and makes you want to move. Judging by the reaction in Cologne, I wasn’t the only one feeling this: the energy during their performance was incredible. Everyone was moving, enjoying the evening, and turning the show into a super fun experience, even more beautiful than imaginable.

“Supernatural” is a song originally featuring Masato from Coldrain. He didn’t join them on stage, but it didn’t matter. It’s one of my favourite NOISEMAKER songs, and they performed it brilliantly, with YU-KI screaming and AG covering Masato’s parts.

Their set ended with “NAME,” during which singer AG kneeled down, visibly moved, pausing mid-performance to scream, “We’re finally here, Germany!”

On a personal note:

This was one of my favourite concerts this year! I knew a few NOISEMAKER songs beforehand and was thrilled when Coldrain announced that they would be supporting them. I started listening to them more in preparation, and their performance turned them into one of my favourite bands. There’s something in their uniqueness, the energy they bring, and the vibe on stage and in the crowd that makes them unforgettable.

I highly recommend giving them a listen and experiencing them live.

Soon after, REVNOIR took the stage. Some of their songs reminded me of a mix between Electric Callboy and Bad Omens, though with REVNOIR’s own heart. Fans of either band might enjoy them.

While they didn’t captivate me as much as NOISEMAKER or Coldrain, their performance was energetic and occasionally emotional, and they definitely deserve a listen!

When Coldrain finally entered the stage, the crowd erupted with cheers, welcoming them back.

Coldrain consists of Masato (vocals), Sugi (guitar), Y.K.C (guitar), RxYxO (bass), and Katsuma (drums). Unlike NOISEMAKER, their lyrics are completely in English, possibly reflecting Masato’s half-American heritage.

Their song “The Revelation” from their 2013 album of the same name brought me back to when I first discovered them in 2014 as a supporting act for Of Mice & Men. They became one of my favourite bands then, and even though I lost some connection over the years, it’s remarkable that they still perform in relatively small venues.

But smaller venues have a way more intimate feeling to it and are more fun to be part of, which was proven once again by “DIGITOLL” from their latest EP OPTIMIZE, just released on October 24th.

Masato, Sugi and Y.K.C were jumping on stage while RxYxO was animating the crowd, in which everyone was moving together with them. Directly afterwards, they performed “Bloody Power Fame”, which is the opening for the anime Bastard!! and brought them several new fans, such as two lovely people I met at the concert. In between songs, singer Masato told us that they almost stopped making music a few years ago and that Germany has always been special to them. And honestly? I’m so grateful that they feel that way about Germany and didn’t stop doing what they are doing!

When “GONE” began, the entire venue immediately started clapping in unison, setting a deeply emotional tone. And when the first lines of “Boys And Girls” followed, I couldn’t hold back a few tears.

“I was just having fun, growing up

Having fun, growing up

When I look into the mirror

I don’t know what’s really changed

We’re all just boys and girls with hearts made of gold

Dreaming of toys and pearls, acting like we’re too old

To be having fun, growing up together

Let’s stay like this forever”

During their song “Revolution”, I, as a big Linkin Park fan, realised that it somehow reminded me a little of them and that Coldrain in general could be something for those who like Linkin Park - so if you do, maybe you should try giving them a listen as well!

Overall, the mix of songs was perfect! Older ones, newer ones - almost every album was included!

When the concert was over, and they left the stage for the final time, you could really see the gratitude in their actions and eyes! I’m grateful as well that I found my way back to them and that I got to witness such a powerful, heartfelt performance after seven years of not having seen them.

Moments like these remind you that live music matters.

NOISEMAKER’s setlist:

1. Something New

2. THIS IS ME

3. MAJOR-MINOR

4. Supernatural

5. LAST FOREVER

6. NAME

Coldrain’s setlist:

1. FREE FALL

2. PARADISE (Kill The Silence)

3. INCOMPLETE

4. The Revelation

5. Cut Me

6. DIGITOLL

7. Bloody Power Fame

8. GONE

9. Boys And Girls

10. UNINVITED

11. Revolution

12. Rabbit Hole

13. MAYDAY

14. CHASING SHADOWS

15. OPTIMIZE

16. ENVY

17. Vengeance

Words and photos by Michelle Klinge

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