Rating: NNNN
Possibly the most raved-about hardcore band of this decade, Converge seemingly can do no wrong when it comes to their throat-searing metal/punk hybrid. Critics and fans love reminding us how “important” the Boston band is to aggressive music, not just for pushing the envelope but shredding it with every album.
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On Axe To Fall, their seventh, it’s easy to understand why. Their metallic hardcore finely balances cerebral with visceral and makes earnest efforts to go somewhere new within the genre. From the blazing Kurt Ballou riff-led opener, Dark Horse to the plodding, atmospheric closer, Wretched World, Converge create art-school hardcore while still delivering on metal’s basest needs.
Top track: Worms Will Feed/Rats Will Feast
Converge play Sound Academy Friday (October 23).
