Metal Anarchy

Coalesce have parted ways with guitarist Joseph “Jes” Steineger. As such, their European tour has now been cancelled. This news comes after Steineger was recently accused of engaging in an inappropriate relationship with one of his students at Lindenwood University.

Coalesce briefly commented:

“Coalesce has parted ways with their guitarist and, as a result, will be unable to fulfil the upcoming shows.”

Steineger also issued a statement to Lambgoat:

“I made the choice to step down as guitarist of coalesce.

The public attention surrounding my personal failures has become too heavy a burden for my family and loved ones, and I need to step away from public life to focus on accountability, repair, and healing, which I am now doing professionally.

I accept responsibility for my choices and for how they have impacted others. At the same time, the matters that have been made public deserve to be addressed in a private, professionally mediated setting, with restorative healing and reconciliation as the goal, not public spectacle.

I ask, unequivocally, that no one harass or attack any individual connected to this situation. Please do not contact them to direct anger or cruelty in my name or the name of the band. That behavior is unacceptable and serves no constructive purpose.

I am grateful to my former bandmates for their honesty and care in handling a difficult and painful situation. My choices are mine alone. I wish them well in continuing on without me.”