Jacob Bannon of Converge (photo: Jason Schreurs)
Sometimes you finally get a chance to see a band that you’ve wanted to see for years, and despite your expectations being unreasonably high, the band not only meets those expectations, but exceeds them. Such is the case with Converge’s recent appearance in Vancouver, BC; despite being a fan of the Boston hardcore/metal/punk group since their early years, I’d never actually seen them live before. Tssk.
From the moment Converge started their 45-minute set, you could tell that they were completely on. I’m assuming this is the case at every one of their shows, but when a band runs at level of such serrated precision it’s amazing that they can pull it off night after night.
Every one of their landmark albums, from 2001’s Jane Doe to their most recent, All We Love We Leave Behind, was well represented live, the foursome jumping seamlessly through their song roster, mixing and matching tempos and moods as if their complete catalog was a single raging beast on a rampage. Well, it was.
Converge has always been a band that brings different factions of the underground music scene together, touring with bands of all heavy music genres, and inspiring metalheads, hardcore kids and punks alike. One look towards the frothing, seething and often maniacal mosh pit and it was clear that the Bostonians have found that sweet-spot pocket of chaos, fury and emotion that a lot of bands have eschewed for fame, glory and cheese factor. It’s clear that Converge don’t give two shits about any of this; because this is a necessary bloodletting, and that’s what makes them all the more appealing.
Yes, they played “Concubine.” Yes, they managed to make it sound as harrowing as the day it was first recorded. Yes, every other song they played was pitch perfect in its relentless squawk and screech. Yes, this was one of the best live sets I have ever seen.
Oh yeah, other bands played: At the Gates (rollicking melodic death metal that killed live), Pallbearer (heavy, man, but pretty dull), Vallenfyre (raging, darkened thrash) and locals Auroch (missed ’em).
But, yeah, Converge… wow.
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