What makes OXEP by Coalesce notable?

OXEP received attention for its experimental approach within the hardcore genre, contributing to the evolution of metalcore and influencing emerging bands looking to blend intricate musicianship with raw energy. The album's reception helped solidify Coalesce's reputation as innovators, allowing them to maintain a loyal fanbase despite years of inactivity. By the time OXEP was released in 2009, Coalesce had established themselves as formidable players in the hardcore punk scene, following their critically acclaimed 1999 album, Now. This release came after a long hiatus, marking their return to the music world and showcasing a matured sound while still retaining their aggressive essence.

How many songs are on OXEP?

OXEP has 7 tracks, running approximately 16 minutes.

OXEP

Coalesce · 2009

16 min · 7 tracks · hardcore punk

Brutal sonic assaults blend with intricate time signatures, creating a chaotic yet precise tapestry of hardcore punk energy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Blind Eye — This track encapsulates the album's intense energy with its rapid-fire riffs and relentless pace, making it a standout example of Coalesce's signature sound.
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Joyless in Life — With its blistering tempo and incisive lyrics, this track showcases the band's ability to merge aggression with thought-provoking themes, representing the album's core.
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To My Ruin — The extended length of this song allows for dynamic shifts in mood and complexity, highlighting Coalesce's skill in crafting intricate compositions within hardcore punk.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

OXEP showcases intricate musicianship and dynamic shifts, marking a strong return for Coalesce in the hardcore punk scene.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a rapid-fire drum pattern that sets a frenetic pace, which is maintained through the next three tracks before a noticeable shift in tempo.
The final two tracks incorporate slower, more atmospheric sections that contrast sharply with the preceding intensity, allowing for brief moments of reflection.

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: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Ox to Ore 1:22
2 The Blind Eye 2:39
3 Joyless in Life 2:06
4 To My Ruin 4:31
5 Absent in Death 2:36
6 Through Sparrows I Rest 2:23
7 Ore to Earth 0:44

What to play next

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Ox

2009

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hardcore punk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata