Note to the reader: Unlike everything else in the media, this article will have nothing to do with anthrax, except for maybe a small reference or two about the band.

Converge- Jane Doe

            The first time I heard this album I ruined my new shorts. It’s good… it’s really good. In fact, this new album is so good I am skipping my usual “witty” intro and telling you that this is a good album. To give you an idea of its excellence, I like it even more than the first disease ridden record (refer to above).

            Converge’s sound has always had a balance between chaos and togetherness. They definitely obtain that sound on Jane Doe. The first song opens up with a fast, crazy and almost sloppy part and then leads into a massive and heavy breakdown. At this point I ruined another pair of shorts. Through and through Jane Doe is amazingly amazing. I would definitely say that Jane Doe is better than Converge’s last release “When Forever Comes Crashing.” WFCC is a great album, don’t get me wrong, but they have greatly improved with Jane Doe. Although, in no way is it as good as Converge’s previous album “Petitioning an Empty Sky,” as I didn’t expect it would be. Nevertheless it’s incredible. My personal favorite song on Jane Doe is “Heaven in Her Arms,” (the eighth track) which is one of the best Converge songs I have ever heard. Believe me, that says a lot.

            The vocals are the same as they have always been, high and screechy, which is fine with me.  Converge is one guitar player and a drummer different than they were previously, but I didn’t notice any major changes in style. Converge has basically the same feel they always have, hardcore metal meets slop core noise with constant changes of pace. As I said before, the drummer on Jane Doe is new to Converge. This new factor changes Converge greatly. During fast paced parts it is a less sporadic style of drumming, but during slower parts and breakdowns it can be all over the place. The drummer definitely receives my full seal of approval, as if that matters.  Although bass is a main and necessary part of band, be honest here, unless the bass player is ridiculously talented like Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers or Matt Freeman of Rancid and Operation Ivy, no one really notices it that much. The bass is no “anthrax.”

            So to make a long piece of crap very short, Jane Doe is a great album. I fully suggest its purchase and it completely lives up to the Converge’s standards. Buy or die!

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