Passion Still Reigns
By Matthew Dilliner
25 July 2008
Converge has been playing hardcore / punk music together for over ten years. Over the course of that time, they have released over five full-length albums and have built up an extremely rabid fanbase from all over the world. When all is said and done for Converge, they will go down in history as one of the most important hardcore bands to ever play music.
Lead singer and mastermind, Jacob Bannon, is no stranger to the art world. He has graduated from art school and has created album art for some of the biggest bands in the world. Even with all of this, he finds time to run the record label Deathwish Inc. and play in some side project bands all the while touring the world and playing live shows. He is one of the busiest men in the music industry, but is also one of the most sincere.
Jacob's passion for his craft goes unrivaled. Art and music is something bigger to him. He has every right in the world to have an ego, but doesn't. Through the encounters I have had with him, I can honestly say that he is one of the nicest and down to earth people you will ever come across. Music and art is bigger than everyone. It brings people together. In the right environment it creates a sense of family. Converge creates this environment every single night.
Converge has always been ahead of their time. They were among the first bands to create the metallic hardcore sound that is undeniably popular today. Dissonant chords, breakdowns, blast beats and chant parts all together in the same song was practically unheard of before they came onto the scene. Along with breaking down musical barriers, Jacob's unique writing style and lyrics helped shape every band to follow. The lyrics are pure poetry and imagery. They create their own universe. They instill a sense of hope. Every once of the band's passion and emotion can be heard in Jacob's voice.
A lot can be said about this band. Some people love them and some people hate them. In the end, no one can dispute the impact they have made on music and art. Converge is a living example of where passion, sincerity, emotion, hope, and honesty can get you. As Jacob Bannon has said, "No fucking encores, no rock bullshit... just one more."
