Converge

Converge guitarist Kurt Ballou is one of only a few axmen whose sound is worthy of comparison with Slayer’s Kerry King. Vocalist Jacob Bannon’s growl combines with the low-end instrumentation of bassist Nate Newtown and drummer Ben Koller, resulting in a band so viciously pummeling that it’s best to experience them from a separate room. Touring in support of last year’s Axe to Fall, Converge is rightly positioned as one of the best-regarded metal bands on the scene. Filling out the bill is local act Coalesce, which arguably laid the groundwork for Converge’s existence. Coalesce’s 2009 album, Ox, was a return to form championed even on Fox News’ Red Eye program by reviewer Mark Prindle. This is a show that can only be described as brutal.