Review Summary: In conclusion, Converge had a winning formula right from the get go. Their first major release showcases a band who wear their thrash influences on their sleeve maybe a little too much but when it comes to writing good metalcore, they know how.
Converge could be described as one of the most innovative acts in the metalcore scene to date. Since their inception in 1990, the band have pioneered and perfected a blend of hardcore punk and metal that often holds no boundaries in terms of brutality and sheer heaviness, whilst with every record evolving their sound into something utterly phenomenal. This release, their first major breakthrough album, holds host to a number of brilliant and timeless metalcore moments - many old school Converge fans would hail Petitioning the Empty Sky as one of the genres' exceptional albums, that has helped shape many a newer metalcore bands' sound. Right off the bat in album opener The Saddest Day, the listener is barraged with dissonant riffs and howling, often for the most part indecipherable, vocals. The track itself is a whirlpool of Slayer-inspired riffs and punishing breakdowns, complete with Bannon's unmistakeable shrieks. As an introduction to the band (especially their older signature sound), The Saddest Day is probably a good track to showcase Converge's metalcore elements, as there are several breakdowns and riffs typical to the genre. The bass keeps a thick, sludgy low end as a slew of extremely heavy and tempo shifting riffs bombard the listener. When the main breakdown riff comes in, you know the band mean business - a little Slayer-esque lick completes the riff, as the drums gradually speed up into a section featuring a solo that could have been lifted from Reign In Blood itself. All in all, the album opener is as impressive as it is heavy and you are left wondering whether the rest of the albums tracks can keep the pace up.
The album continues in the same vein of punishing slabs of metalcore with Forsaken, a masterful blend of thrashy riffs and hardcore influenced breakdowns. Bannon's pained shouts and roars are furious throughout - one would never really be able to interpret what he is actually shouting about on first listen but rest assured, his lyrics are poetic and thoughtful for the most part. The rest of the album is a mixed bag - Shingles holds host to a guitar tapping intro that could be considered an interesting addition to the bands sound, yet I can't help but find it annoying after a few listens. Tracks such as Albatross and Buried But Breathing show off the bands punk influences moreso than other tracks, as there is a little more focus on melody as well as some less harsh vocals. However, two of the albums gems come in the form of Dead and Farewell Note to This City, with the former being a superb mish mash of melodic, sporadic guitar playing and then a truly superb final breakdown section. Farewell Note to This City begins with a pretty harmonic riff, gradually building in layers with fine bass sections and whispered vocals before a galloping hardcore punk section. Rounding off the albums original tracklisting is the superb Color Me Blood Red, which starts with yet another Slayer-inspired guitar riff before evolving into a grand showcase of breakdown riffs and hurried chromatic sections. Bannon sounds particularly demonic in his opening shouts which suit the noise and feel of the band remarkably well.
As for the remainder of the album, the band have included some live versions of songs previously released on EPs and such prior to the appearance of Petitioning the Empty Sky. All three songs showcase a band that are well-versed in performing their aggressive style of metalcore to a high level. None of the tracks are particularly astounding in any shape or form but they are solid and represent the bands abilities to play to a decent standard in a live setting well.
Overall, Converge's first major album is indeed a brilliant one, despite it being a signature sound that is yet to fully evolve into what the band are today. These are the roots of the band - punishing breakdowns, heavy thrash influences and a chaotic style, all epitomized in this album. If you ever wondered what the soundtrack to a good beating was, look no further than this album - easily one of the bands finest (and of course their first) milestones.
Recommended Tracks
The Saddest Day
Forsaken
Dead
Color Me Blood Red
