reax music magazine :: music + culture » Reviews » Converge - No Heroes

Converge play punk rock for metal kids, and who knew punk rock could sound so brutal. With the first 5 tracks on the new album No Heroes clocking in at less than 6 minutes there is no denying the intense nature of Converge. But Converge bring an attitude to their music that is all their own and with there new album they are dishing it out by the barrel full.
The opening track Heartache is arguably one of the most intense album openers in existence and for the next 4 tracks they don’t let up on the reins much. Middle tracks Plagues and Grim Heart/Black Rose are most definitely the meat of the album. These tracks showcase Converge doing things a little differently than they have in the past. Plagues rides a slow rolling riff for over 4 minutes but never seems boring while Grim Heart/Black Rose gives the listener their first taste of some truly clean vocals on any Converge album….ever. While there has been singing on past albums it has never been so understandable and clear.
From there Converge get right back to the unrelenting assault that comes with being Converge. They pummel the listener with their energy and riffs. This album only varies slightly from its predecessors Jane Doe and You Fail Me, providing the listener a mildly new listening experience. This is not a bad thing; in fact No Heroes is a great album just as its predecessors are. But to truly experience Converge go see them open for Mastodon on January 29 at Jannus Landing. – Joshua Naes