iSound

When one thinks of aggressive, innovative and inspiring bands that have defined and driven hardcore in the ’80s/early ’90s, one thinks of legendary acts such as the Cro-Mags, Agnostic Front, Black Flag and Sick of It All. However, when one contemplates the bands that have driven, defined and revitalised metallic hardcore in the last 12 years, one cannot help but point to the achievements of Converge — a near-legendary act that has transcended the peaks, lulls, trends and ever-shifting attitudes in the underground to emerge as one of its precious few trendsetters.

Formed in the winter of 1990 in Boston, MA, by core members/founders Jake Bannon (vocals/design terrorism) and Kurt Ballou (guitar) during the initial height and subsequent collapse of the Boston hardcore scene, and currently rounded out by bassist Nate Newton and drummer Ben Koller, Converge’s musical legacy has been indelibly etched in the aggressive music annals by its cannon of constantly progressing, innovat...