CONVERGE (US)
Converge from Massachusetts have been among the world’s most important hardcore acts over the past few years, something which they also confirmed with their latest and convincing release Axe to Fall. Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet gave it a 6/6 and called it the metal highlight of the year. Pitchfork has dubbed Converge the Black Flag of this generation. And right they are, because Converge operate at the crossroads between hardcore, such as the aforementioned Black Flag, uncompromising madness like Dillinger Escape Plan or Mastodon and metal like Slayer – but all the while they maintain a distinct individuality that most other hardcore acts don’t even come close to. The past few years, Converge have released their albums on the legendary Epitaph and have through that reached a far wider audience, also beyond the established underground scene. They have demonstrated that they master fast-paced extreme metal and doomsday rock. Soon, the band will celebrate their 20th anniversary, and this summer they’ll be bringing their aggression and savagery to the Øya Festival. Get ready to be mauled by an extraordinarily powerful, energetic and tight band in the Medieval Park in August. Live, Converge are a musical smack in the face that you’re not likely to forget anytime soon.
MYSPACE