Coalesce – OX (2009) [Relapse] // Grade: A-

Hardcore? What hardcore? This is fucking above genres. Coalesce remains one of the few hardcore bands I still listen to. With Functioning on Impatience being their best work up to this point. The band seems to capture every moment of intensity they’ve ever had only to follow through with rib-crushing blow after blow. Sean Ingrams’ vocals once again sound like a humanoid pit bull begging to be let out of his cage. Coupled with the band’s ever evolving arsenal of beats and riffs, OX takes the title of “Best Coalesce Album”.

While Coalesce still holds true to their math-metal, metalcore, noise rock, and doom metal influences of the past, they introduce some new sounds into OX. Sounds you wouldn’t expect from the band and at the same time, aren’t surprised either at the execution. I’m talking about some blues influence in “Wild Ox Moan”, some chain gang-esque chanting in “In my Wake, For My Own” and yes even a sing-along in “There Is A Word Hidden In The Ground”.

If you’ve never heard of Coalesce before, this is your perfect introduction.