Converge

Axe to Fall

(Epitaph)

Diversity rules the day when it comes to Converge’s latest, Axe to Fall. If you are of the group of Converge fans that think you have heard it all before, then you obviously have not heard this disc. Sure, the fact that the band brought in over a dozen guest musicians (literally, 16 in total), including members of Cave In, Neurosis, Genghis Tron and the Red Chord, might lead you down the an avenue of thinking the band has no sonic tricks up their sleeve. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

First off, Axe to Fall is the most accessible album the band has released in years, due to the mixture of sounds housed within. In addition to the bands trademark raw aggression, this time out they blend in pure noise-driven efforts (“Worms Will Feed/Rats Will Feast”), razor sharp guitar riffing (“Reap What You Sow”), and synth soaked wandering (“Wretched World”), with songs that should make you feel right at home with the band (“Effigy,” “Cutter”). The album has a discernable flow to it, although sometimes it breaks down into a dead sprint. Regardless, while Axe the Fall might not find Converge at their very best, at least it is a big step in the right direction.