COALESCE – 002 A SAFE PLACE

Originally released on the once formidable Earache Records, Coalesce re-recorded the 002 EP to insure its continued survival and availability. To that end, the two-song A Safe Place seven-inch was added to further sweeten the deal. The re-recorded offerings lead off this bludgeoning and benefit from their updating. Not as chaotic or eclectic as future Coalesce releases, these three songs are massive, ferocious and overwhelming. Coalesce’s trademarked indomitable riffs are everywhere, as are the chaotic breakdown/freak out parts that beg for broken equipment and injured spectators. Also present are the noise/feedback-inflected runs, Sean’s vile tortured throat abuse and the inspired playing that constantly straddles the line between technicality and unmitigated hostility. Not to be overshadowed, A Safe Place’s two contributions ring of immediacy, combining all of Coalesce’s strengths with an urgency and desire to continually redefine their abilities. Taken as separate entities, 002 & A Safe Place are indeed formidable offerings, combined they are nearly impossible to withstand.