Coalesce - 'Ox'

It's been a decade since the last Coalesce full-length studio CD. The band's career has been filled with twists and turns, including numerous member changes, multiple breakups and reunions, and even a Led Zeppelin cover album. Ox is only the fourth full-length in the 15 years since they formed, although Coalesce has released several EPs and splits over the years.

Ox is a welcome return. For the uninitiated, Coalesce was one of the early purveyors of what became metalcore, and adjectives like mathcore and post-hardcore have also been used to describe their unique sound.

It's a really diverse album. Complex riffs, constantly changing tempos and unexpected twists lurk around every corner. "The Comedian In Question" has some melodic vocals, a stark contrast to Sean Ingram's angry barks. "Wild Ox Moan" begins with twangy singing and a low-fi sound before kicking into gear.

Coalesce can pummel you into submission, but they also ease off the throttle with interludes and mellow sections in songs such as "Dead Is Dead." There are bands that play music that's really technical and complex, but they don't make it sound as natural and emotional as Coalesce does.

Fans of the band will be happy that Ox meets and sometimes exceeds the high standards of their past work. It's also a great opportunity for those unfamiliar with Coalesce to discover this extremely talented band.

(released June 9, 2009 on Relapse Records)