Converge – All We Love We
Leave Behind
Epitaph, October 2012
5/10
For my tastes,
Converge elicits the same yawn from me as Meshuggah. Both bands are highly
acclaimed and widely loved, but I can’t get past certain misgivings about each.
In the case of Converge, the chaotic, never-ending discordant noise that
permeates their sound grates on these ears, and the vocals, which range from
drunken, sloppy yells to hoarse screams, are problematic. A comparison in this
regard can be made to Animosity-era
Corrosion Of Conformity. It’s undeniable that almost no band can achieve such a
raw, brutal, and fast sound. Nearly every song on this 40-minute whirlwind has
some ripping thrash riffs, and I have to admit that these parts keep my
attention. At times the music is so darn good that I want to keep listening
just to see if my criticisms are misplaced. Frequently classified as metalcore,
Converge isn’t about “groove” and predictable beatdowns, and they have more in
common with classic thrash metal bands. Fan may be screaming at my review, but
ultimately, though, All We Love We Leave
Behind is a depressing listen and an album that I don’t expect to subject
myself to again.
Converge
performs this Friday, October 19 at the Triple Rock Social Club in Minneapolis with
support from Torche, Kvelertak, and Mourner.
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