Let's do one of these quickie reviews for a band I don't even care for, shall we?

Converge. Let's see. I was introduced to Converge because of an old friend who didn't make it through the screening process. At the time I didn't get it at all. Granted, they rarely sent me in the right direction with music and didn't seem to understand the concept of a "bridge" so it's no wonder.

I made an effort again later, still didn't care, but I could sort of see some redeeming pieces. I'm pretty sure I'm never going to like "cored" metal, though.

And then there was "Dark Horse"... which was recent. Fairly decent, that song. Definitely closer to what I've been listening to anyway. I decided I was going to give them another try.

And here I am.

Second song, "Reap What You Sow". This was played the other night. Sounded like nothing. Hm. I think if I had an excess of energy/angst these days, I could tolerate hearing this often. The middle of the song is more "metal", thrashy, and it's okay... but it's got crap on both sides.

I've heard a shitty rip of "Axe To Fall" already. This sounds like an epileptic seizure. They should send this song to play as torture to prisoners of war.

"Effigy" has an okay start. I can't help but hear/see that word and think about Nine Inch Nails. These vocals are getting on my nerves. I wonder how much better this would sound without vocals.

"Worms Will Feed". Yeah, I was thinking worms, too. Well, a barrel of maggots. Slow, semi-doomy, then with the same vocals as before. Oh boy. Can't wait to hear what screamy mcdrownmeplease has to say in the next song. Holy crap, there's some almost natural singing in this one. I heard an english word! After the last ten minutes, this is kind of boring. Hm, the ending is effective. Affective?

"Wishing Well". Immediate thought on the title: princesses. Nice intro. Getting better. And now we're Motorhead. Oh, no, no way, now we're a perversion of something else. Stupid vocals. The drum/beat is okay... a little overwhelming on first sample, though. The high guitar is reminding me of Saviours. The song keeps changing, though.

"Damages". So far sounds like a jam. Hm, weird guitar-ish effect happening there... Has fair moments but it feels unfocused.

"Losing Battle". I'm hungry. Am I done yet? Crap, there's more.

"Dead Beat". It sounds like it's alive to me. Maybe it's a recording from the past. I'll have to be stoned to finish that thought. No thanks.

"Cutter". Immediately nice. Then goes dumb. This is typical Converge behavior.

"Slave Driver". Ah, one that moves fairly naturally, less dickery than the previous. Almost "dance"-able.

"Cruel Bloom". That sounds like a type of STD. What's this, Masters of Reality? This song is not like the others.

"Wretched World". Again, wtf? Is this another band?

I don't think there's hope for conver-sion for me. Oh well. At least a couple of their songs are listenable. I think I'll stick with those.