Lawrence.com

To anyone who came of age in the hardcore and punk scene of northeast Kansas during the past 15 years, Coalesce figures prominently. The group set the standard for heavy music in the area and beyond with its primal evocations, mixing heavier-than-hell guitars with unconventional time signatures and vocalist Sean Ingram’s demonic bark.

The group’s decade-and-a-half run has involved numerous lineup changes, breakups, and reunions, so it was welcome news when the band announced it would be releasing its first album in 10 years. The ambitious “OX” arrived last June, introducing a new aesthetic that balanced the eardrum rupturing heaviness with ambient, Americana-tinged interludes. Coalesce supported the release with its first European Tour.

On November 10, Coalesce will release the “OX EP” — a seven-song collection recorded after the original “OX” sessions concluded. Ingram was kind enough to give us a sneak peak as he snuck away from his day job at Blue Collar Press to discuss the past, present, and future of Coalesce.