Coalesce is a band that has been proven volatile enough to break up and get back together more times than this robot can count, and yet, still record some of the best hardcore metal this decade. This album shows what happens when they get back to it after a few years on hiatus with a slightly modified line-up, the results are amazing. The album is as deceivingly technical as Botch, but also as straight forward as Norma Jean. From the opening drum peel that blasts straight into the heart of what the album is going to deliver, followed by a one-two punch to the face with unknown jabs coming from all directions. The joy of listening to this album was in the unpredictability. I couldn’t really tell where the songs were going next, there was no cookie cutter format here. This wasn’t found in just timing or riff changes, but even some of the backing vocals lent to the variety. The song, “Wild Ox Moan”, starts with them showcasing their musical abilities; sounding like a Beatles song with clean vocals sung through lots of reverb and a simple guitar, until they break back in with their proven fashion. Coalesce were even kind enough to give the listener a few moments to breathe with the melodic instrumentals,” We Have Lost Our Will” and, “Where Satires Sour”.
I was happy that the pacing of the album never falters, it’s heavy without being overbearing and melodic without losing any focus or direction. Production and engineering are done well, as everything is clear, leveled, and sits well next to each other. The die cutting of designs into the lyric book was a juxtaposition against the seemingly simplistic cover art. Which is also deceptive because it looks like it has a topography chart spot glossed on the black background behind the design. Everything about this album isn’t as simple as it seems, showing through sounds and visuals the depth Coalesce offers.
Score: 4.5/5
Favorite tracks:
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