| ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Massachusetts metalcore masterminds Converge have made it their mission over the last 30 odd years to construct loud rock that genuinely shakes the planet. Their impact on heavy music cannot be understated. Their breakthrough 2001 LP ‘Jane Doe’ has become a benchmark for raging hardcore and metal music. Bannon’s banshee-like shrieks enhance the treble inherent in the album’s production. The way it fused oppressive ferocity with genuinely impressive musicality gave (and still gives) it a character that speaks for itself. Beyond this, the level of consistency of output for Converge has been a marvel amongst fans for over two decades now. Whether it’s the follow up ‘You Fail Me’, or 2006’s ‘No Heroes’, or 2009’s ‘Axe To Fall’, or 2012’s ‘All We Love We Leave Behind’, or 2017’s ‘The Dusk In Us’. This is literally their entire post-90’s discography, mind you. So, have at it. If you haven’t even sampled Converge and you’re mildly curious, give any of these a spin.
This of course brings us to the subject of today’s review. Converge has been on a bit of a side-quest mission as of late. Collaborations, other non-Converge projects, solo work. It’s been nearly ten years since the last *proper*, straight-up Converge release. It also happens to be the shortest in duration too. This might disappoint some die-hards who were likely hoping for something a bit heftier. I happen to be of the opinion that any Converge is good Converge. Besides, they more than make up for the record’s brevity with some of their most teeth-gnashing performances since the early-2000’s. “Distract and Divide” is on the shorter end, but is a full-throttle blitz of unbridled fury at our modern society’s inability to co-operate. Following that, “To Feel Something”’s sense of captivity within oneself, and the need to break out of this numbness sits in an interesting contrast to the preceding track. They almost enforce each other in a cycle of hopelessness and righteous anger. Taking the title of the record at face value, there is an emerging idea that in order for change to really occur, you need to be willing to go beyond just peace and love. Get angry. Give in to the radical.
It’s this level of lyrical poignancy, coupled with a seriously eventful tracklist, that makes this album feel worth the wait. Short of just concluding this review with “riff go brrr”, it is mind-boggling to me that this band has managed to conjure up yet another set of tracks that are just packed to the brim with ideas. “Bad Faith” is the most all-out riff-fest on the album. Even the lengthier cuts don’t skimp on the musical rumble. Particularly the closer, which I have to note is borderline stoner metal at points (think Queens of the Stone Age or High on Fire). It’s unreal. This thing does not mess around. It is the sharpest metal release you will hear all year. It is easily Converge’s catchiest drop in a while too, which gives it enormous staying power potential. I would put another notch on the board for Bannon and co. If this thing has disappointed you at all, that’s okay. That just means there’s more for me!
Dan Will Review 