In the mid nineties, a ground-breaking metal/hardcore band arose from the depths of Kansas City. This band was dubbed Coalesce and they’ve released many cult releases since their inception, in different line-ups and record formats. They’re pretty hard to come by since it is quite underground, yet 1998’s record for Relapse Records entitled 012 is reissued under the name 012:2. For those not familiar, here we go.

 

Personally I have to admit that I am one of those not familiar with Coalesce, and I also have to admit that I regretted this thoroughly after hearing this album numerous times. The sound of this band lies between heavy stoner rock, harsh hardcore and brutal metal. Bands to compare this with are acts like Converge, Mastodon, Harvey Milk and Burnt By The Sun. This is not for your average metal head as you can see.

 

Even though this album lasts for only a mere 24 minutes, it is enough to convince me to become a fan of these guys. The band has seen many sabbaticals and hiatuses in their career, yet it seems that they’re planning on regrouping permanently as the bio states (as their schedules allow). I can only hope for the best and perhaps I’ll catch them on a tour here in Europe sometime soon.