The one and only time that Kansas City’s most discordant sons, Coalesce, ventured to Europe was in 2009, on the back of their stunning album, Ox. Not long after that things ground to a halt as the band members pursued other endeavours, and Coalesce – not for the first time – went into cold storage. Since 2024 they’ve been getting themselves warmed back up and ready to embrace full throttle mode once again. Roadburn is delighted to announce their return to European shores for the first time in 17 years as we welcome them to the 2026 festival line up.
With whisperings of a new album on the horizon, and confirmed reports (mine) that they are as incandescent as ever when they take to the stage, we are primed for their return. We’re well aware that this will be the first opportunity for many Roadburners to have the chance to see Coalesce live, and it’s not a show you’ll want to miss. Whilst they emerged around the same time as the likes of Converge and The Dillinger Escape Plan, their determination to do things in their own style and at their own pace set them apart. They comfortably straddled the angularity of mathcore, hardcore, and noise with their dissonance, technicality and sheer acerbicness.
Of their upcoming performance, Coalesce comment:
“Coalesce is humbled to announce that we will be playing Roadburn Festival for the very first time ever. For years, we’ve watched this festival champion artists who push boundaries and reshape heavy music, and it’s an absolute honor to join that esteemed alumni. This isn’t just another show for us—it’s an opportunity to become part of something larger, alongside bands we’ve admired and emulated our whole lives. We can’t wait to share the stage, the space, and the experience with everyone in Tilburg this spring.”
This is one band that will prove that they were worth the wait, so don’t sleep on their return. Keep your eyes peeled for more Coalesce news in the months to come, and prime yourself for a band who are well practiced at launching themselves at a target as if they have absolutely nothing left to lose.
– Becky Laverty
