What makes The Side Effects by Coldrain notable?

The Side Effects debuted at number 3 on the Oricon Albums Chart, marking Coldrain's highest chart performance to date. The album received positive reviews for its production quality and thematic depth, contributing to the band's growing reputation both domestically and internationally. Released in 2019, The Side Effects is Coldrain's fifth studio album, building on their established presence in the Japanese rock scene. Following their breakthrough album Vena (2017), this release showcases a further refinement of their sound and lyrical themes, reflecting personal struggles and societal issues.

Who is The Side Effects for?

The Side Effects works well if you're into steady mid-tempo engagement, dynamic riffs for catharsis and emotional intensity throughout.

How many songs are on The Side Effects?

The Side Effects has 12 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

The Side Effects

Coldrain · 2019

46 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A fusion of aggressive riffs and melodic hooks, blending emotional intensity with polished production.

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Top tracks — play these first

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MAYDAY — Opening with an explosive energy, this track encapsulates the album's blend of urgency and melody, setting the tone for the thematic exploration of crisis and resilience.
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COEXIST — This song features poignant lyrics that address social issues while merging heavy instrumentals with a haunting chorus, highlighting the band's skill in balancing aggression with melody.
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REVOLUTION — With anthemic qualities and a call for change, this track stands out as a rallying cry against complacency, showcasing Coldrain's ability to craft songs that resonate with listeners facing societal challenges.

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 features strong production and emotional intensity but lacks a fully cohesive flow.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature aggressive guitar riffs paired with melodic choruses, establishing a high-energy opening.
Several tracks incorporate dynamic shifts, moving from softer verses to intense, heavy choruses, particularly evident in 'SPEAK' and 'INSOMNIA'.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 3/10

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 mid-tempo engagement
dynamic riffs for catharsis
emotional intensity throughout
for focused listening

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification
seek experimental soundscapes

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2019, The Side Effects is Coldrain's fifth studio album, building on their established presence in the Japanese rock scene. Following their breakthrough album Vena (2017), this release showcases a further refinement of their sound and lyrical themes, reflecting personal struggles and societal issues.
Stylistic neighbors: The Amity Affliction· Architects· Bring Me the Horizon