Nonnegative cover

Nonnegative

Coldrain · 2022

45 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A relentless fusion of melodic hooks and aggressive riffs, embodying the emotional struggles of modern life.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Help Me Help You Start here — This opening track sets a powerful tone for the album with its urgent energy and compelling lyrical plea for connection amidst chaos.
  • →
    Bloody Power Fame — A critique of societal pressures and fame, this track blends aggressive instrumentals with thoughtful lyrics, highlighting Coldrain's ability to tackle heavy themes.
  • →
    Before I Go — With its anthemic chorus and emotional depth, this song exemplifies the band's knack for creating relatable narratives that resonate deeply with listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

56 /100
Foothills
Higher than 47% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production but lacks a fully cohesive flow throughout its runtime.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature aggressive guitar riffs and rapid tempos, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more melodic section that contrasts sharply.
  • Several tracks incorporate dynamic shifts, moving from quiet verses to explosive choruses, creating a sense of tension and release.
  • The album's lyrics often explore themes of struggle and resilience, with a notable use of repetition in key phrases to emphasize emotional weight.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • emotional lyrical exploration
  • immersive mid-tempo flow
  • reflective listening moments

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and evolution in sound after a previous acclaimed album.
Themes
Japanese rock scene· dark side of fame· emotional struggle· loss and longing
Career context
Released on July 6, 2022, 'Nonnegative' is Coldrain's fifth studio album, following their 2019 release 'The Side Effects'. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their presence in the Japanese rock scene and sought to explore deeper emotional themes while retaining their signature sound.

Tracklist

  • 1 Help Me Help You Start here 3:43
  • 2 CALLING 3:27
  • 3 Cut Me 3:23
  • 4 Before I Go 4:06
  • 5 Bloody Power Fame 3:58
  • 6 Here With You 3:19
  • 7 Boys And Girls 4:09
  • 8 PARADISE (Kill The Silence) 3:43
  • 9 2020 4:01
  • 10 Rabbit Hole 3:42
  • 11 Don’t Speak 3:50
  • 12 From Today 3:53

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata