(Last Friday Converge released their new album Love Is Not Enough, and below you’ll find Wil Cifer’s thoughts about it.)
It is always an exercise in objectivity when you are reviewing one of your favorite bands. For me, they are under more scrutiny as they set my expectations high, leaving me with certain boxes to check off as I am listening. The larger their catalog, the more expectations their legacy has built.
I am not surprised that the hyper-aggression of Boston hardcore legends Converge has endured, now 11 albums into their career. Their new album does find it being refined and often being more of an Entombed-like stomp. There are some thoughts on the idea that seem to be stuck on the chaos of what they do, but in truth, compared to albums like When Forever Comes Crashing, it is a much more streamlined effort that is more accessible to a larger metal audience.
Photo by Jason Zucco
There are moments when they do throw themselves into a more reckless gnashing of teeth on “Distract and Divide”, but the bulk of the album carries sonic weight with a larger-than-life brooding that builds like a storm over the mood of the songs. They have always incorporated elements from varied sub-genres rather than holding fast to one true vision of hardcore, but this album finds a very sludge-tinged guitar tone looming in the wall of sound that brings the chugs down with greater power. Sure, massive guitar sounds have always been solidly in these guys’ wheelhouses, but it’s taken to another level on “Force Meets Presence.” This gives them the space to allow the feral nature of hardcore to release with their metal influences here.
If I had to pick a favorite song on this album, it would be “Gilded Cage”. This song finds Jacob using a less harsh vocal approach on the verse over the tense backbone provided by the bass line. It also highlights how there is more depth to the writing of the guitar parts this time around. Coupled with an incredible mix that balances the raw in-your-face nature of their live music with layers of sound. This live feel is even more pronounced on “Make Me Forget You,” which could have come straight from the soundboard. The breakdown in the middle is very effective and creates more dynamic range.
They continue to grow as a band, bringing their frustrations with the outside world to the table, and forging it into the quality of catharsis they deliver, perhaps better than any other extreme band. This album often feels more like You Fail Me if you had to compare it to other records. Fans of the band should rejoice in the mature songwriting and stellar production, which holds this album up alongside what many might consider their best work, be it Jane Doe or Petitioning the Empty Sky. It could also serve as a suitable entry point for younger kids just discovering them. It gets better with each listen, and carries many compelling moments that are impossible not to headbang to, which pretty much checks off all the boxes my ears were waiting for, but keeps the fires of anger fresh.
https://convergecult.bandcamp.com/album/love-is-not-enough
https://www.facebook.com/converge