Converge - Axe to Fall

[Drew Beringer]

Converge – Axe to Fall
Release Date: October 20, 2009
Record Label: Epitaph

This ain’t our first rodeo.

After two decades of shredding faces, massacring eardrums, and releasing hardcore classics such as When Forever Comes Crashing, Jane Doe, and You Fail Me, you could argue that Converge has done it all. Now seven albums deep, Converge continues to evolve and push their boundaries, as their new album, Axe to Fall, features their most dangerous and ambitious songs yet.

Produced by guitarist Kurt Ballou, Axe to Fall is another impressive entry into the already extraordinary Converge canon. A mixture of old and new, Axe to Fall features Jacob Bannon’s vintage yowls while mixing in a plethora of guest vocalists to shake things up. Ballou also amps up the riffage, while Ben Koller is a killing machine behind the kit. The first four tracks (“Dark Horse,” Reap What You Sow”, title track, and “Effigy”) will make you: A. Crap your pants, B. Judo chop windowpanes, C. Behead your closest neighbor and then punt it, or D. All of the above.

Clocking in at nearly nine minutes, the first four tracks will leave you exhilarated and begging for more. “Dark Horse” may be the band’s most accessible song ever, and the title track flies by like a locomotive engulfed in flames. “Effigy” is the beautiful collaboration of Cave In and Converge, as it should detonate the pit.

The middle portion of Axe to Fall doesn’t quite stand up to those first four tracks, but it still offers up some choice cuts. The crushing “Worms Will Feed” slows Axe down a bit before sludging into the breakneck “Wishing Well,” which features some guest riffs and vocals from Disfear’s Uffe Cederlund. Other tracks (such as “Losing Battle” and “Dead Beat”) deliver your typical fare of Converge madness, while “Cutter” and “Slave Driver” recapture some of that beginning ferocity.

Then things get really weird. On the final two tracks, “Cruel Bloom” and “Wretched World,” Bannon steps away from the mic and Neurosis’ Steve Von Till and Genghis Tron’s Mookie Singerman provide the lead vocals, respectively. “Cruel Bloom” features Von Till’s gravelly voice backed by a haunting vocal choir, as the track sets asides the usual viciousness of a Converge track – that is until the final minute when the bricks primarily used to construct the track come crashing down. The seven-minute “Wretched World” is a sprawling, atmospheric number. Converge threw every ingredient into the bowl this time, as this track features two additional drummers (Cave In’s J.R. Connors and The Red Chord’s Brad Fickeisen) and two members of Genghis Tron (the aforementioned Singerman and guitarist Hamilton Jordan). The end result is astonishing, as “Wretched World” will go down as one of the most remarkable songs in Converge’s discography.

Axe to Fall feature some of the most accessible Converge tracks ever while also serving up layered and complex tracks that will take multiple listens to fully digest. It’s paradoxes like that that continue to make Converge one of the most advanced bands out there. Even though they cemented their place in the metal hall of fame years ago, Converge continues to challenge themselves and release music that blows every other band out of the water.

Track Listing:
1. Dark Horse
2. Reap What You Sow
3. Axe to Fall
4. Effigy
5. Worms Will Feed
6. Wishing Well
7. Damages
8. Losing Battle
9. Dead Beat
10. Cutter
11. Slave Driver
12. Cruel Bloom
13. Wretched World
Produced by: Kurt Ballou

Converge is:
Jacob Bannon – vocals
Kurt Ballou – guitar/vocals
Nate Newton – bass/vocals
Ben Koller – drums

Guest Musicians on Axe to Fall:
Steve Brodsky (Cave In)
Adam McGrath (Cave In)
J.R. Connors (Cave In, Doomriders)
Uffe Cederlund (Disfear)
George Hirsch (Blacklisted)
Brad Fickeisen (The Red Chord)
Hamilton Jordan (Genghis Tron)
Mookie Singerman (Genghis Tron)
John Pettibone (Undertow, Himsa)
Steve Von Till (Neurosis)

Official Website (http://www.convergecult.com); Official Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/converge); Official AP.net Profile (http://www.absolutepunk.net/converge)

[po0ty]

word.

[thedondeluge]

so excited. saving the last half for the arrival of my copy, couldn't wait, had to listen to the first half on myspace and it made me want to mosh out of my seat. good review.

[Wez1212Yes]

You can always rely on Converge for great material, not up there with Jane Doe but still pretty fucking good stuff. A little strange hearing for the first time on myspace though, I must say.

[jake_rm]

You've missed out F. Sean Martin (Ex Hatebreed), he did the solo on 'Reap What You Sow' Good review Drew, just sayin'

[Gregory Robson]

That's a load of guest musicians. Wow.

[Drew Beringer]

You've missed out F. Sean Martin (Ex Hatebreed), he did the solo on 'Reap What You Sow' Good review Drew, just sayin'
I'm just going by what Wikipedia said, I never got an official press release with all the guests.

[rawspinner]

Ten thousand times ten thousand. Great review Drew.

[SKM]

This band fucking sucks. This genre fucking sucks too.

I can't figure out why Drew gets his rocks off giving high scores to these garbage bands that sound exactly the same like all the other shit out there.

Converge sounds like a bunch of idiots banging on trash cans in a basement yelling their heads off. Any group of morons could replicate this kind of music. It has ZERO value.

[jake_rm]

This band fucking sucks. This genre fucking sucks too.

I can't figure out why Drew gets his rocks off giving high scores to these garbage bands that sound exactly the same like all the other shit out there.

Converge sounds like a bunch of idiots banging on trash cans in a basement yelling their heads off. Any group of morons could replicate this kind of music. It has ZERO value.
Idiot of the day?

[tobuildabridge]

this album rules. flawless.
great review.

[kissbangkill]

This band fucking sucks. This genre fucking sucks too.

I can't figure out why Drew gets his rocks off giving high scores to these garbage bands that sound exactly the same like all the other shit out there.

Converge sounds like a bunch of idiots banging on trash cans in a basement yelling their heads off. Any group of morons could replicate this kind of music. It has ZERO value.
you're a fucking moron. and last time i checked, some tool that thinks this (http://www.starcoachesinc.com/images/12005.jpg) is cool has absolutely ZERO authority on what music has value.

[SKM]

you're a fucking moron. and last time i checked, some tool that thinks this (http://www.starcoachesinc.com/images/12005.jpg) is cool has absolutely ZERO authority on what music has value.
When did I ever say that Breaking Benjamin sounded different than anyone else?

And I have yet to see a good rebuttal to my comment about how this band sounds. That's how they sound kids- I don't know what else to tell you.

[MorningStar10]

Idiot of the day?

Without a doubt. Punk is a great genre and Converge are at the very forefront.

[Holly HoX!]

Fuckin' epic.

[hailthewarrior]

Nice Chariot quote at the beginning.

[PigDestroyer]

This band fucking sucks. This genre fucking sucks too.

I can't figure out why Drew gets his rocks off giving high scores to these garbage bands that sound exactly the same like all the other shit out there.

Converge sounds like a bunch of idiots banging on trash cans in a basement yelling their heads off. Any group of morons could replicate this kind of music. It has ZERO value.
Please try to replicate for us. Would love to see your efforts.

[Holly HoX!]

When did I ever say that Breaking Benjamin sounded different than anyone else?

And I have yet to see a good rebuttal to my comment about how this band sounds. That's how they sound kids- I don't know what else to tell you.
I would like to know what you listen to...just out of sheer curiosity.

[gladnads]

Solid record.

[PigDestroyer]

Please try to replicate for us. Would love to see your efforts.
Although Converge isn't for everyone. I remember way back in the day when my brother bought "Jane Doe" the day it came out. My reaction was probably the same as this kids. Sometimes it takes some time for musical tastes to mature and for people to get into a band like Converge. Album is amazing.

[gladnads]

When did I ever say that Breaking Benjamin sounded different than anyone else?

And I have yet to see a good rebuttal to my comment about how this band sounds. That's how they sound kids- I don't know what else to tell you.

shit troll.

[SKM]

I would like to know what you listen to...just out of sheer curiosity.
EDM
Underground Hip-Hop
Alt. Rock (although less often)

[tommy's ghost]

Fucking love this album.

[SKM]

Although Converge isn't for everyone. I remember way back in the day when my brother bought "Jane Doe" the day it came out. My reaction was probably the same as this kids. Sometimes it takes some time for musical tastes to mature and for people to get into a band like Converge. Album is amazing.
I can take the screaming in some bands, but with bands like Converge it's far too excessive.

[kissbangkill]

When did I ever say that Breaking Benjamin sounded different than anyone else?

And I have yet to see a good rebuttal to my comment about how this band sounds. That's how they sound kids- I don't know what else to tell you.
i really don't think they would have had the career longevity and success/praise they've had without doing something right. not to mention the influence they've had on countless musicians and level of respect as people AND musicians they've gained in the music community for going on TWENTY YEARS.

but yeah sure, that's how they sound... kid.

[Holly HoX!]

EDM
Underground Hip-Hop
Alt. Rock (although less often)
Well, it wouldn't be expected that you like this music anyway...why not save the negative flack?

It takes a trained ear to appreciate and decipher good or bad hardcore. It's as simple as that.

EMD?

[Holly HoX!]

shit troll.
hahhahaa

[CyberInferno]

Good musicianship, not a huge fan of the vocals. Not trying to get in any fights, I'm just curious, can people actually understand the lyrics without reading them first?

[SKM]

Well, it wouldn't be expected that you like this music anyway...why not save the negative flack?

It takes a trained ear to appreciate and decipher good or bad hardcore. It's as simple as that.

EMD?
Because even in general, I don't understand how people can listen to this kind of music at all. You can't decipher the lyrics. The guitars are drumming are good, but it mostly sounds the same...

Also EDM = electronic dance music like Trance, House, Ambient, etc.

[Cliff Diver]

I don't enjoy too many hardcore/metalcore bands but Converge is one of the few exceptions. They consistently put out excellent records.

[kissbangkill]

Because even in general, I don't understand how people can listen to this kind of music at all. You can't decipher the lyrics. The guitars are drumming are good, but it mostly sounds the same...

Also EDM = electronic dance music like Trance, House, Ambient, etc.
okay, you can't listen to trance and house and talk shit about this kind of stuff. and this is coming from someone that listens to a lot of electronic music.

[ramomcferno]

Good review! I really liked this on first listen. Converge is definitely a band you have to spend time with, and this release is no different.

[Holly HoX!]

Because even in general, I don't understand how people can listen to this kind of music at all. You can't decipher the lyrics. The guitars are drumming are good, but it mostly sounds the same...

Also EDM = electronic dance music like Trance, House, Ambient, etc.
People could say that about any genre.

The music you listen to is the polar opposite of hardcore music...ANYONE would be taken aback if they are avid techno/electro/whatever listeners and they throw on thrash/hardcore.

[xsinkshipsx]

just got my pre-order today :D listening to it as I type....effin a...my dorm room is full of poop

[Supernovacaine]

Because even in general, I don't understand how people can listen to this kind of music at all. You can't decipher the lyrics. The guitars are drumming are good, but it mostly sounds the same...

Also EDM = electronic dance music like Trance, House, Ambient, etc.

Its definitely an acquired taste, but its hard to accurately critique if you're unfamiliar with the genre.
I'm all for free speech, but man, you had to know you were throwing yourself into the fire with this one..

[KingsCrossing]

One of your better reviews for sure.

[RyanFTW]

Album is fucking wild, I love it.

[musicenthusiast]

never really liked converge, but i can not deny how sick this shit is, it sounds like the soundtrack to the destruction of earth. (good thing haha)

[Nick Le]

People could say that about any genre.

The music you listen to is the polar opposite of hardcore music...ANYONE would be taken aback if they are avid techno/electro/whatever listeners and they throw on thrash/hardcore.

Agreed,

Its definitely an acquired taste, but its hard to accurately critique if you're unfamiliar with the genre.
I'm all for free speech, but man, you had to know you were throwing yourself into the fire with this one..

And yep, well said.

I'm looking forward to checking this out. Good review.

[Leafy]

Wish I would have pre-ordered this. I can't wait.

[zombie!pirate!]

the tour with mastodon is going t be very very sick

[newfoundmichael]

This band fucking sucks. This genre fucking sucks too.

I can't figure out why Drew gets his rocks off giving high scores to these garbage bands that sound exactly the same like all the other shit out there.

Converge sounds like a bunch of idiots banging on trash cans in a basement yelling their heads off. Any group of morons could replicate this kind of music. It has ZERO value.
coming from the guy who said this...

BB is better than Brand New, Blink 182, anything with Anthony Green, or any of those other progressive emo bands this site likes.

seriously dude, get off this site and go to May Day where you can jam out to Nickelback and have them tell you how to be a rockstar, bro.

[oldwirehands]

Great review Drew. This band deserves the praise.

This band fucking sucks. This genre fucking sucks too.

I can't figure out why Drew gets his rocks off giving high scores to these garbage bands that sound exactly the same like all the other shit out there.

Converge sounds like a bunch of idiots banging on trash cans in a basement yelling their heads off. Any group of morons could replicate this kind of music. It has ZERO value.

Obviously, your ears are not adjusted to any advanced form of music. This shit is like quantum physics when compared to hip-hop and alt. rock. So you really can't talk shit about something you don't understand, unless you want to look like a jackass.

[RonMexico]

EDM
Underground Hip-Hop
Alt. Rock (although less often)
So, you know that guy who hears what you're listening to and says "TECHNO SUCKS!"? Yeah, that guy who doesn't understand that Mylo is actually "house" music, not techno at all? The guy who's head you want to bash in because he's so damn ignorant to the genre(s), yet still feels the need to voice his opinion?

In regards to this genre, you are that guy. Please shut your pie hole. Thank you.

[xjoex]

This band fucking sucks. This genre fucking sucks too.

I can't figure out why Drew gets his rocks off giving high scores to these garbage bands that sound exactly the same like all the other shit out there.

Converge sounds like a bunch of idiots banging on trash cans in a basement yelling their heads off. Any group of morons could replicate this kind of music. It has ZERO value.
1) You could not replicate the drumming on this record.

2) Though the guitar work on this record is definitely not the most skilled I've ever heard, it does cover a very wide range of difficulty. You could not replicate it.

3) You could not replicate the vocals on this record.

4) Shut the fuck up.

5) Shut the fuck up.

6) Shut the fuck up.

7) Shut the fuck up.

8) Shut the fuck up.

9) Shut the fuck up.

10) SHUT THE FUCK UP.

[porttheman]

I like the first 4 tracks quite abit. Not feelin it as much with the rest. I need to give it more time though. It'll grow on me I'm sure.

[flask]

1) You could not replicate the drumming on this record.

2) Though the guitar work on this record is definitely not the most skilled I've ever heard, it does cover a very wide range of difficulty. You could not replicate it.

3) You could not replicate the vocals on this record.

4) Shut the fuck up.

5) Shut the fuck up.

6) Shut the fuck up.

7) Shut the fuck up.

8) Shut the fuck up.

9) Shut the fuck up.

10) SHUT THE FUCK UP.
this

[Drew Beringer]

I like the first 4 tracks quite abit. Not feelin it as much with the rest. I need to give it more time though. It'll grow on me I'm sure.
Exactly. Like I said this record is both very accessible (first four-five tracks) and very polarizing/needs to grow on you.

[xsinkshipsx]

Good musicianship, not a huge fan of the vocals. Not trying to get in any fights, I'm just curious, can people actually understand the lyrics without reading them first?
this is actually the first time I've listened to converge and understood the lyrics while reading them first time haha...killer effing album...

[SKM]

okay, you can't listen to trance and house and talk shit about this kind of stuff. and this is coming from someone that listens to a lot of electronic music.
How could you listen to electronic music and not know what "EDM" means? It's impossible.

[RonMexico]

How could you listen to electronic music and not know what "EDM" means? It's impossible.
False. I've listened to it for years, have several friends that perform it, and we have never, ever called it that. Mostly because abbreviations usually lead to douchebaggery.

[CyberInferno]

this is actually the first time I've listened to converge and understood the lyrics while reading them first time haha...killer effing album...
Fair enough. I think it must just take a trained ear that I don't have. I can pick out random words and phrases, but I think overall I'm hearing maybe 10-15% of the lyrics lol.

[elenar011]

first 4 tracks are awesome, but it only gets better from there, imo. worms will feed is phenomenal, and the last two tracks are incredibly well-crafted.
i was into this cd immediately, good review.

[johnismetal]

this band can do no wrong. fucking fantastic record.

[prettymucharobo]

Good musicianship, not a huge fan of the vocals. Not trying to get in any fights, I'm just curious, can people actually understand the lyrics without reading them first?
Even after reading the lyrics, I still can't understand it. True story.

[xsinkshipsx]

Fair enough. I think it must just take a trained ear that I don't have. I can pick out random words and phrases, but I think overall I'm hearing maybe 10-15% of the lyrics lol.
oh dude...i hardly listen to them for that reason....the music is so effing good...I get the lyrics later...

[Drewski]

Like another poster said, I bought "Jane Doe" when I was younger years ago when it was released and had a similar reaction of "what the fuck? This isn't music."

I couldn't disagree with my younger self more now. I'm not exactly a hardcore/metalcore/etc. fiend (I like Every Time I Die, Bleeding Through, some others) but Converge is a band where I've been crazyfor every new release. They deserve the respect of everyone for sticking around 20 FREAKING YEARS (as long as I've been alive) and constantly progressing and treading new ground.

Need to get my hands on a V0 copy of Axe to Fall.

[WTHMTH]

I can take the screaming in some bands, but with bands like Converge it's far too excessive.

If you can't handle the heat, stay out of the kitchen... pussy...

[Alex DiVincenzo]

The score is a bit high in my opinion, but this is one excellent album.

[Euterpe]

So i just got in to hardcore about a year or so ago. Ive been listening to the newer bands out there (plea for purging, impending doom, reign supreme.) In comparison to those types of bands..can anyone tell me how these guys compare? (i know..newb :P)

[inthemidst]

Good musicianship, not a huge fan of the vocals. Not trying to get in any fights, I'm just curious, can people actually understand the lyrics without reading them first?
Pretty sure that's not one of the goals for Converge. They're more focused on creating brutal yet oddly approachable melodies, with epic high-pitched vocals.

[Sloth7]

This band fucking sucks. This genre fucking sucks too.

I can't figure out why Drew gets his rocks off giving high scores to these garbage bands that sound exactly the same like all the other shit out there.

Converge sounds like a bunch of idiots banging on trash cans in a basement yelling their heads off. Any group of morons could replicate this kind of music. It has ZERO value.
Okay, well I wanted to rip into you more, but it seems like everyone's done that already, so I'll just give it a try and actually address your points to make you see the folly in your statement.

First, I don't honestly think Converge are the kind of band making music to appeal to anyone. They create art which is chaotic, brutal and ugly at times, and mold it into something amazing to listen to. If you're up for the ride and want to give this music a shot, then I'm sure Converge invites it, but they're making the music they want to make, and that's abrasive and aggressive music and if you don't like it, they couldn't care less.

That being said, there's a demographic of people, myself being one, who find this to be good music. It may be harsh on the ears for some, but to me, it's conveying emotion and feeling within all that "banging on trash cans and yelling their heads off" you mentioned. Much like how I wouldn't find your underground hip-hop to be pleasing to my ear, everything's not for everyone, and I wouldn't say your musical tastes "suck" or have "zero value", it's just different strokes, different folks...

Take a look at Jacob Bannon's lyrics, and try to really understand what he's saying, or equally, his artwork. Or listen to the instrumentation on one of their albums, and you'll see extensive talent withing what you think is trash.

Or better yet, go to a Converge show and even if you can't agree with their music, if you can't see the emotion, energy and connection to their fans that few other bands can produce, then there's no hope. Zero value? I think not.

[Freud]

Lol@dude who likes breaking benjamin and alt rock. pansy ass bitch.

[mht]

This band fucking sucks. This genre fucking sucks too.

I can't figure out why Drew gets his rocks off giving high scores to these garbage bands that sound exactly the same like all the other shit out there.

Converge sounds like a bunch of idiots banging on trash cans in a basement yelling their heads off. Any group of morons could replicate this kind of music. It has ZERO value.
i actually agree

[mayorofparty]

So i just got in to hardcore about a year or so ago. Ive been listening to the newer bands out there (plea for purging, impending doom, reign supreme.) In comparison to those types of bands..can anyone tell me how these guys compare? (i know..newb :P)

Converge put out what is widely considered to be one of the best albums in the genre with "jane doe"
In addition to his own band Kurt Ballou has produced and recorded some remarkable hardcore albums over the past ten years.
Vocalist Jacob Bannon has done art work for a number of the biggest bands in hardcore and metalcore. He also owns and operates Deathwish inc.
They're pretty fucking pivotal and important to the genre. See them live, you'll understand.

[Simulcast]

The score is a bit high in my opinion, but this is one excellent album.
He's scared to give them anything lower because J. Bannon will throw a mic at his face and knock his ass out.

[Alex DiVincenzo]

He's scared to give them anything lower because J. Bannon will throw a mic at his face and knock his ass out.
Fairly irrelevant, but that visual reminded me of this: http://barkbarkbarkbark.ytmnd.com/

[deadkidsean]

Exactly. Like I said this record is both very accessible (first four-five tracks) and very polarizing/needs to grow on you.
Accessible is hardly the word I'd use, especially for the first 4 tracks. If anything, the 2nd half is more accessible, due to the new trend of doomy/sludgy (for lack of better terms) bands the past couple years.

[saveferris]

People could say that about any genre.

The music you listen to is the polar opposite of hardcore music...ANYONE would be taken aback if they are avid techno/electro/whatever listeners and they throw on thrash/hardcore.
That's probably how Brokencyde got started

[InBetweenAisles]

Those are a lot of guest musicians.

[jay_klinkhammer]

Techno sucks anyway.


Gonna listen to this tonight, I'm expecting to love it since ETID recommends it and ETID is God

[Holly HoX!]

That's probably how Brokencyde got started
No, Brokencyde was started after Satan took a shit.

[saveferris]

No, Brokencyde was started after Satan took a shit.
haha, touche.

[saveferris]

Techno sucks anyway.


Gonna listen to this tonight, I'm expecting to love it since ETID recommends it and ETID is God
Even God hates techno.

[jay_klinkhammer]

Even God hates techno.
and kids who like techno.

[kissbangkill]

How could you listen to electronic music and not know what "EDM" means? It's impossible.
i do know what EDM means. that was someone else.

[Drew Beringer]

Accessible is hardly the word I'd use, especially for the first 4 tracks. If anything, the 2nd half is more accessible, due to the new trend of doomy/sludgy (for lack of better terms) bands the past couple years.
Well, everyone has stated how they love the first few tracks and need to spend more time with the later tracks, so that's how I interpret accessible!

[Heroin Robot]

This band fucking sucks. This genre fucking sucks too.

I can't figure out why Drew gets his rocks off giving high scores to these garbage bands that sound exactly the same like all the other shit out there.

Converge sounds like a bunch of idiots banging on trash cans in a basement yelling their heads off. Any group of morons could replicate this kind of music. It has ZERO value.
Wait, before I value your opinion, let us review this: http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?p=55011902#post55011 902

oh..thats you saying breaking Benjamin is the best modern band...righto

[EchoPark]

This band fucking sucks. This genre fucking sucks too.

I can't figure out why Drew gets his rocks off giving high scores to these garbage bands that sound exactly the same like all the other shit out there.

Converge sounds like a bunch of idiots banging on trash cans in a basement yelling their heads off. Any group of morons could replicate this kind of music. It has ZERO value.
http://www.saynotocrack.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/troll.jpg

[Sikbeat37]

This band fucking sucks. This genre fucking sucks too.

I can't figure out why Drew gets his rocks off giving high scores to these garbage bands that sound exactly the same like all the other shit out there.

Converge sounds like a bunch of idiots banging on trash cans in a basement yelling their heads off. Any group of morons could replicate this kind of music. It has ZERO value.
I'll tell you what, why don't you leave a legitimate comment about why you dislike Converge? Then, someone might dignify you with a proper response explaining why their music appeals to some people. If you want to dick around and whine about how "hardcore music just sounds like loud, disjointed noises," then you'd be better served by finding a bunch of equally close-minded friends to agree with you. You can all listen to some simple, Nickelback-esque rock music and circle-jerk each other while you laugh about how dumb it is to use shifting meters and screaming in music. Hell, if you can't rock a head bang at a steady 4/4 rhythm, then what the hell is the point of the music in the first place? Amirite???

[TheBaroness]

Good review, Drew.

I think most people's verdict on this album hinges on whether they like the last two tracks. Personally, I enjoy them, but I understand how people could take the opposite view, particularly when they don't even sound like typical Converge songs.

[gringosuave]

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say it.
Next to Jane Doe, I personally think this is their best album.

[jtyexists9]

My favorite since Jane Doe.

[willvc]

Helluva album.

[Nick_K99]

Well, it wouldn't be expected that you like this music anyway...why not save the negative flack?

It takes a trained ear to appreciate and decipher good or bad hardcore. It's as simple as that.

EMD?
Dude why are you even on AbsolutePUNK.net if you don't like punk music. I like shit stiring just as much as the next guy, but seriously go elsewhere or give it a rest, you Keyboard Cowboy

[Holly HoX!]

Dude why are you even on AbsolutePUNK.net if you don't like punk music. I like shit stiring just as much as the next guy, but seriously go elsewhere or give it a rest, you Keyboard Cowboy
Are you sure you meant to send me that message?

[Nick_K99]

Are you sure you meant to send me that message?
my bad man, quoted the wrong guy

[vincentgrippi]

Excitement.

[Press1]

This band fucking sucks. This genre fucking sucks too.

I can't figure out why Drew gets his rocks off giving high scores to these garbage bands that sound exactly the same like all the other shit out there.

Converge sounds like a bunch of idiots banging on trash cans in a basement yelling their heads off. Any group of morons could replicate this kind of music. It has ZERO value.
Exactly WHO are you comparing Converge to, if they sound similar to another band? If you haven't noticed, no two Converge albums sound alike, so I'm pretty damn sure it's extremely hard to match Converge with another band if their sound changes from album to album.

And ZERO value? These guys are legendary, if you also haven't noticed. Plus, these guys are critically acclaimed. Any of the low reviews are from ignorant morons like you, who think screaming is the bane of music, albeit the fact that there's probably stronger emotion invoked in metal than there is in the shit you hear on the radio, like...BREAKING BENJAMIN, perhaps?

Get your ignorant ass out of the metal genre, take your wannabe hard rock bands like Breaking Benjamin elsewhere, please.

Oh yeah, before you fall off your chair, let me tell you: Record sales does NOT necessarily yield quality music.

[summer skin]

album's just ok.

[kevinAIWW]

Anyone car to tell me what I can compare these guys to musically? I think I might like these guys, but I want a good basis before I go searching for them while at school.

[Kadugen]

kicked my balls

[wendjiqn]

8.5 for vocals is too low. should be at least 9.5

[InsomniacDoze]

This band fucking sucks. This genre fucking sucks too.

I can't figure out why Drew gets his rocks off giving high scores to these garbage bands that sound exactly the same like all the other shit out there.

Converge sounds like a bunch of idiots banging on trash cans in a basement yelling their heads off. Any group of morons could replicate this kind of music. It has ZERO value.
Anyone notice how after people started getting on his ass about it, he just stopped insulting the band and tried to be more polite? What a tool.

[turdblast]

ees so good

[navidson]

Never been a huge fan of Converge - Although 'Jane Doe' has a couple of decent tracks.

I can see why they would polarise opinions so much - They do border on unlistenable noise several times over each of their albums - and whilst people on here like to point out that record sales don't equal quality, they're equally keen to point out that since Converge have been around for TWENTY YEARS - that qualifies them as being a wonderful example of artistic endeavour.

In terms of musicianship, the drumming and guitar work is definately accomplished - but i would suggest that's something which can be achieved through practice, whereas the ability to write a distinctive melody or harmonies within the structure of a song is something which very few people can create.

[John Collins]

i took me so long to get inot this band. i hated them at first. being the huge pop-punk nerd i am. but then i read their lyrics and examined their music carefully, and its prettty awesome, only when im angry though. haha

[Mith]

I know Ive read this review late to the albums release, but I just wanted to say that reading this made me want to give it another listen, I like the record, and I know i'm only going to like it more, but I know I have to give it time, at first it went over my head, to advanced for me, but I'm getting there slowly. good review.

[Mith]

Anyone car to tell me what I can compare these guys to musically? I think I might like these guys, but I want a good basis before I go searching for them while at school.
i'm not sure for bands, but genre wise they are a good mix of thrashy hardcore, with their roots firmly planted in a mathcore sound.

[youngmountain]

The production on this is a 10.