Converge

Everyone has their own favourite Converge album. Even the initially panned When Forever Comes Crashing has its supporters — they are arguably the most influential metallic hardcore band ever, and in experiencing a new Converge record for the first time, the issue is less whether it will be a quality follow-up to the last, and more like how it ranks within their discography according to one’s personal preference. With that being said, No Heroes is unquestionably the most electrifying, diverse and all-around devastating release they have unleashed yet. It’s faster, more memorable, and better produced, completely lacking in filler for its entire 14-track duration. From the blistering noisecore of "Hellbound” to the aneurysm-inducing sludge of "Plagues” (easily the heaviest song the band have ever written), No Heroes absolutely, positively does not fuck around, and renders the majority of this year’s releases flaccid. However, don’t think for a second that Converge have lost their dynamic elements in the slightest. Vocalist/lyricist Jacob Bannon reaches new heights in his clean vocals here, as well as sounding overall far more convincing and aggressive than on 2004’s You Fail Me. The production is thick and suitably authentic sounding, with a much more crushing guitar tone than ever before — almost entering doom territory due to the suffocating crunch of each passing chord. This is essential music from one of the most relevant groups in hardcore today. Was there ever a doubt in the world that the mighty Converge would let us down?