Converge / Dropdead - Split

A split between two bands can be a beautiful thing. Whether it’s bands of different genres joining forces or bands covering each others’ songs, it’s always great to promote the community created within the music scene. Yet, this is not your typical split. Hardcore stalwarts Converge and Dropdead have come together to mark their twenty years on the scene with a split of epic proportions. Considering it’s Dropdead’s only recorded work since 2004’s split with Look Back and Laugh and Converge’s first split since 2001 with Hellchild, who could be sure what to expect? In all honesty, this split, even in its sub-four-minute running time, packs more punch than some full lengths manage to do. Even two decades later, this split proves that bands in the hardcore genre can not only stay together, but stay as relevant and significant as Converge and Dropdead still are today.

Blazing with searing guitar lines and unrelenting fury from the drums and vocals, Converge’s “Runaway” is a face-first dive into the band’s dissonance-led sound. Not straying far off the beaten path of their work post-Jane Doe, “Runaway” hits you in the head with a burst of emotion as Jacob Bannon’s signature growl slams your ears into submission. Its circle-pit inducing tempo and memorable melodic breaks make this track a sure-fire hit with Converge fans both young and old. “Paths of Glory” makes up the other half of this split, as Dropdead waste none of the energy built up on the A-side. Seething with aggressive passion and buzzing guitars, Dropdead kick the tempo into high gear with a snare and kick uzi-attack to create a seemingly endless backdrop for words of spite against ‘the war machine’. Pinpointed and unapologetic, Dropdead take this politically-charged track to heart and hit the nail on the head in terms of execution.

Twenty years is a long time for any band. But when you continue to crank out tracks with such emotion, ferocity and meaning as Converge and Dropdead can at this point, you should certainly be taking notice. This split is a must own for heavy music fans, whether you’re already acquainted with the two sides or not.