Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Converge - All We Love We Leave Behind (2012)
Y'know, before I started listening to the Boston kings of metalcore Converge, I used to think some of the more melodic metalcore bands such as Trivium, All That Remains, Bullet for My Valentine, August Burns Red, and Parkway Drive as some of the best metalcore bands there are. Now I realize how metalcore can focus on aggression more than melody with Converge being one of those aggressive metalcore bands, and I can understand how well they turned out!
After 2009's Axe to Fall where the band enlisted a small deadly army into a ferocious battle of metalcore malevolence, the tables have turned in this album All We Love We Left Behind. Converge left behind their mercenaries and went on their own quest to summon their signature intensity.
Opening track "Aimless Arrow" drops the extreme bomb into an explosion of math-metalcore backed up by vocalist Jacob Bannon sounding more semi-melodic than his earlier atonal screaming. Then "Trespasses" punches in a full assault of blazing percussion, indecipherable screaming, and intricate guitars and bass. This is the same kind of impact as a truck crashing through a house, injuring/killing a family living a normal life until that moment, a fear as ugly and nasty as the production that gives the track an excellent advantage. The tremendous speed works much better than the first track's calculated rhythm. "Tender Abuse" continues the one-two punch that throws your fears into a sea of stylistic changes. "Sadness Comes Home" has guitar architecture so complex that it would be almost impossible to imitate the band. Let's see try to copy the band now, you dirty impersonators!
On a simpler note, "Empty on the Inside" fully displays drummer Ben Koller's talents, as he does a military march through the song's midsection that make the track another highlight. Then the tempo is more controlled before its transition back to devastation. "Sparrow's Fall" continues the band's mission to burst your veins from the inside for a minute and a half. "Glacial Pace" has a Katatonia-esque doomy shoegaze intro before switching into the band's usual abstract sound, including the screaming chorus, "If being alive is just to survive, a glacial pace comes to an end". Next song "Vicious Muse" is vicious blistering cut that ignites a chaotic cyclonic mosh-pit with relentless thrash-punk metalcore that functions perfectly. "Veins and Veils" continues the math-metalcore one-two punch to the face.
"Coral Blue" is a bit of a surprise with slow sludgy doom metal structure and melodic layered chorus. Fantastic! Next song "Shame In The Way" burns the last extreme flame for this album, providing the band's harshest moments before the calmer embers. The first part of the calm trilogy "Precipice" is a gorgeous interlude that brings to mind a few prisoners with their legs chained to one another wandering to the nearest coal mine never getting the freedom they wish for. The accessible title track has a soft intro that soon unleashes mid-tempo drumming, followed by insane catchy riff that make you hope you're getting a metalcore song. Then the vocals come and even though they sound a bit murky and a bit closer to those of the first track, the band still keep their heavy focus. Amazing! "Predatory Glow" closes the curtain on a dramatic note with intermittent drums and screams backed up by gang vocals. It's more than just a slow-burner, it's a cry of hellfire fury, warning listeners that the album is over but the band would be back with more wrath. Of course, there are a few wicked bonus tracks scattered around in the deluxe edition; "No Light Escapes", "On My Shield", and "Runaway".
All We Love We Leave Behind is absolutely packed with great chaotic songs that help the band show the true meaning of American metallic hardcore. Converge still reign as one of the greatest metalcore bands still living. Long live the true kings of metalcore!
Favorites: Aimless Arrow, Sadness Comes Home, Empty on the Inside, Glacial Pace, Vicious Muse, Coral Blue, All We Love We Leave Behind