The follow-up
album after having released a masterpiece is probably the hardest
ever and always prone to fail. CONVERGE is truly
the spearhead of the real Metalcore scene and released a milestone
and a classic with Jane Doe (2001),
something like At The Drive In’s “Relationship Of
Command” and Refused’s “A Shape Of Punk To Come”.
So what to expect?
None of the
usual suppositions like “faster, more chaotic and technical”
or “even slower and more doom” are applicable, because
all the trademarks you could find on the last record are still
there (metal-influenced Hardcore, fast, aggressive and progressive).
They just got polished. But actually a few more doomy and even
quiet songs creep into the chaotic universe known as CONVERGE.
Much more
striking is the rapid increase of Noiserock/Noisecore parts that
moves CONVERGE closer to blessedly Amphetamine
Reptile bands. Of course, You Fail Me
is not a chunk that is as easy to take as the large quantities
of commercial Metalcore releases nowadays. By no means! This album
takes toll, it hurts, it is as stirring as repulsive. This album
will surely separate the camps, first of all the fans of the last
album and the reviewers. But already with that, the band can achieve
a higher success, since there is a need to scrutinize.
As always
the level of aggression can hardly be surpassed and in matter
of musical innovation CONVERGE is still unparalleled.
Fans of Relapse and Hydrahead releases can snap at the chance
unconsidered. Black Metal fans will get a lesson! 9,5 points!