Originating from Würzburg, Germany, Coma Beach is a punk rock/alternative rock group that revels in shock, turmoil, suffering, anger, and solitude. Their music, a primal mix of inspirations from the unrefined defiance of the Sex Pistols and Ramones to the somber reflection of Joy Division and The Cure, situates them at the crossroads of intense punk vigor and moody alternative rock vibes. The group, consisting of vocalist B. Kafka, guitarist Captain A. Fear, and drummer M. Lecter, along with bassist U. Terror and rhythm guitarist M. Blunt to round out the ensemble, adopts a fiercely strong sonic identity.
Coma Beach’s lyrics are strongly anchored in existential despair, sharp satire, and profound literary inspirations, referencing the writings of Samuel Beckett, Douglas Adams, William Shakespeare, and Arthur Schopenhauer. Their themes investigate the meaninglessness of life, the irrationality of human strife, and the burden of extreme pessimism, rendering their music not merely a sonic attack but also an intellectual challenge.
Released on January 9th, 2025, “Passion/Bliss” is the concluding chapter in Coma Beach’s “Scapegoat Revisited” EP trilogy, celebrating the 30th anniversary of their 1995 debut record “The Scapegoat’s Agony.” This EP presents a concentrated and heightened incarnation of its full-length equivalent, offering a relentless auditory journey that embodies they band’s hallmark motifs of despair, anger, and existential distress. “Passion/Bliss” establishes a backdrop for an emotional and psychological journey, delving into the anguish of its unidentified antihero. It serves as a suitable conclusion to the trilogy, solidifying Coma Beach’s status as a group that excels in both intellectual richness and powerful musical performance.
In terms of music, “Passion/Bliss” is a strong display of unrefined energy and accuracy. The EP consists of five tightly woven tracks, each offering an unyielding barrage of pulsating rhythms, fierce guitar riffs, and heavy, resonant basslines that generate a sense of tension and urgency. The drumming is particularly ferocious, providing a relentless backbone that propels the songs forward without pause.
Passion/Bliss EP Track List:
Passion – Single Version:
“Passion – Single Version”, the first track on Coma Beach’s “Passion/Bliss” EP, establishes an atmosphere filled with emotional intensity and musical engagement. Rather than launching directly into a classic punk rock outburst, the song starts with an unexpected softness, featuring the vocalist’s calm yet defiant tone accompanied by gentle guitar chords. This cautious opening draws listeners in, creating a moment of tension before the full power of the piece is released. The gradual escalation introduces a driving riff and a steady drum rhythm, enhancing the track’s underlying urgency. The bassline, rich and relentless, acts as the heartbeat of the song, propelling it forward with undeniable force. This blend of restraint and imminent release imbues the track with a compelling allure.
As the song unfolds, the initially contained energy explodes into an intensity that is fully realized. The vocalist’s sudden urgency reinvents the piece, harmoniously merging with the driving instrumentation to establish a sonic conversation between defiance and emotional release. The rawness in the vocal delivery provides an unfiltered sincerity that gives weight to every phrase. Additionally, the layering of instruments fashions an immersive auditory landscape, shifting between moments of discord and haunting harmony. This dynamic between control and chaos reflects the themes of the track, allowing the listener to connect with the internal conflict of the unnamed protagonist.
The track’s ebbs and flows of intensity position it as one of the EP’s most dynamic pieces. The intentional shifts in energy prevent monotony and instead infuse the song with life, as if it breathes alongside the audience. Thematically, “Passion – Single Version” portrays the protagonist awakening to his own fragmented emotional truth, casting off any remaining doubts or distractions. The track functions as both an expression of distress and a means of release, leaving the listener in a state of exhilaration coupled with introspection. Through its compelling delivery and profound emotional depth, “Passion – Single Version” serves as a pivotal moment within “Passion/Bliss”, encapsulating the EP’s central themes of self-discovery, rebellion, and authentic human expression.
Bliss – Single Version:
“Bliss – Single Version,” the second track from “Passion/Bliss”, immediately sets itself apart with a foreboding instrumental prelude. The guitar chords gradually come to the forefront, crafting a captivating ambiance. Underneath, a sparse yet intentional drumbeat injects a calculated sense of tension, allowing the track to escalate in intensity steadily. When the vocal come in, its dark, introspective quality amplifies this sense of distort, enveloping the listener in a soundscape where peace and anxiety coexist in equal parts. The interaction between the instrumentation and vocal performance imparts an instant sense of richness, þá drawing the audience into its complex and evolving composition.
As the piece advances, the contrast between grace and turmoil becomes even more evident. The vocalist’s commanding presence conveys a raw power, with each lyric delivered with an eerie determination that pierces through the lush instrumental foundation. The guitars delivers robust, driving riffs, creating a dynamic of tension defiance. The percussion becomes more pulsing and energetic, steering the track’s rhythm and flow. The sense of unease never fully fades, keeping the listener in a state of bittersweet release. The song refuses to settle, consistently evolving and amplifying its emotional resonance.
In terms of lyrics, “Bliss” delves into the unraveling mind of the EP’s unnamed antihero, who, having lost his grip on reality, is tormented by apocalyptic visions of an endless cycle of devastation and repetition. The music reflects this descent into existential turmoil, seamlessly transitioning between haunting calmness and explosive intensity. The shifts within the track feel fluid, emphasizing the disorienting quality of the protagonist’s realizations. This ability to summon such a rich range of feelings makes “Bliss – Single Version” not only a standout moment in “Passion/Bliss” but also a pivotal entry in Coma Beach’s repertoire, highlighting their expertise in crafting atmosphere, tension, and profoundly moving narratives.
The Final Door – Radio Edit:
As the concluding track of “Passion/Bliss”, “The Final Door – Radio Edit” stands out as a potent and electrifying finish to Coma Beach’s emotionally resonant EP. From the very outset, the song is infused with relentless energy, propelled by a vibrant rhythm section that instantly captures the listener’s attention. The bassline pulses with urgency, grounding the track with a profound, resonant force, while the drums provide a sharp, exhilarating beat that drives everything ahead. Overlaid is a gritty and relentless guitar riff that escalates the sense of movement, forming a soundscape that is both chaotic and precisely controlled. The instrumentation exudes a feeling of unyielding momentum, reflecting the sensation of an impending climax that the track races towards with undeniable strength.
The vocal delivery is equally powerful, aligning with the instrumental intensity through a fierce and defiant tone. The performance is sharp, steadfast, and filled with raw determination, as if the vocalist is resisting an overpowering force. Each line is charged with urgency, blending effortlessly with the throbbing instrumentation to create a holistic sonic onslaught. There is no pause in the performance, every word feels like a pronouncement, an act of defiance against any hindrances that may arise. The dynamic interplay between the unrelenting energy of the instruments and the bold, impassioned vocals generates a tangible sense of rebellion, transforming the song into not just a conclusion but a statement of intent.
The track’s explosive vitality does not simply dissipate; it persists, electrifying the atmosphere with its defiant essence. The sheer propulsion of the song encapsulates a feeling of finality, as if it is breaking through a metaphorical threshold, refusing to be confined. This closing track cements “Passion/Bliss” as an EP that does not merely play, instead demands to be experienced. With its high-octane delivery, relentless tempo, and emotionally charged intensity, “The Final Door – Radio Edit” guarantees that the EP concludes on a note of cathartic power, leaving the listener both breathless and invigorated.
The band expertly balances punk rock’s chaotic intensity with the brooding atmosphere of alternative rock, making each track feel like a cathartic release of pent-up emotion. While the instrumentation is explosive, it never feels excessive or out of control. Instead, every note is carefully placed, ensuring that the overall sound remains sharp and purposeful. The vocals cut through the mix with a raw and unfiltered intensity, embodying the turmoil of the EP’s protagonist. The contrast between the blistering instrumentals and the lyrical depth creates a gripping dynamic, drawing the listener into a world that is both chaotic and deeply introspective.
“Passion/Bliss” is not just an EP; it is an experience that demands full immersion. From start to finish, there is no moment of respite, no lull in intensity. Each track seamlessly transitions into the next, maintaining an unbroken momentum that keeps the listener engaged and on edge. It is a testament to Coma Beach’s ability to craft music that is both intellectually stimulating and sonically exhilarating. As the final piece in the “Scapegoat Revisited” trilogy, “Passion/Bliss” serves as a powerful statement of purpose, reinforcing the band’s commitment to unfiltered expression and unapologetic intensity. Anyone seeking music that challenges, provokes, and electrifies should not hesitate to experience this EP in its entirety.
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