The throat-shredding, eardrum-bursting aggression of Massachusetts’ Converge becomes an expansive, punishing, fearless assault on their eighth studio album Axe to Fall.
That isn’t to say that the destructive, chaotic extreme hardcore punk of Jane Doe or No Heroes was short of the mark, of course, but the band’s 2009 record reaches new heights that prove that they’re about so much more than just cranking amps and shattering fucking faces.
The magnificence of Converge’s exploration of fury and anger has always been found in the thread of spitting, panting insanity simmering on the surface. Whether through Jacob Bannon’s taxing, almost silly vocals or Ben Koller’s gruelling drumming, the Salem quartet has always delivered on the promise of face-breaking hardcore music that tests the boundaries and stamina of the listener.
Axe to Fall presents a different side, however. While the metal is just as gruesome and the punk is just as reckless, there’s a fine line of beauty to be found with this record.
Before any of you go running for the exits thinking one of the world’s greatest hardcore punk/extreme metal bands has gone all squashy and experimental, know that there’s really something wonderful about a band sure enough in their heaviness and pandemonium to know that really pushing the fucking boundaries of good sense requires a more even-handed, focused plan of attack.
It also doesn’t hurt to have a little help from your friends and Converge brings out some truly great musicians on Axe to Fall. With Neurosis' Steve Von Till (!), Genghis Tron’s Mookie Singerman and Hamilton Jordan, Cave In’s Steve Brodsky and Adam McGrath, and ex-Hatebreed guitarist Sean Martin lending their services, the record feels significant and weighty.
At the core of it all, Bannon, Koller, guitarist Kurt Ballou, and bassist Nate Newton keep things clicking at a harsh pace.
Article comments
1 - Mark Saleski
this is indeed a brutal band. i only have You Fail Me...really great if you need that adrenaline-soaked smack upside the head.
2 - Jon Tolbert
Nice review, I have been a long time converge fan and this album does not fall short by any means. Its probably the most brutal thing they have released since jane doe-but it sounds like you fail me meets jane doe. THIS ALBUM WILL TEAR YOUR FACE OFF!