2007 Update: Cool stuff with these guys - Their album Jane Doe has been inducted into the Decibel Hall of Fame. It will be mentioned in the January 2008 issue of the magazine. Here is what their website has posted on each of the guys: Kurt Ballou: He has been engineering up a storm at Godcity Studios. Lately he has worked on albums for Coliseum, Disfear, Genghis Tron, Torche, and Blacklisted. He is also working w/ Jake on his "Wear Your Wounds" album, due out on Deathwish in early 2K8. Lastly, Hydrahead will soon be reissuing material from The Hugeunots, a band that Kurt played in in the mid 90's w/ members of The Explosion and Piebald. Check out Hydrahead for the latest info on that release... Nate Newton: Nate has been playing shows with Doomriders (including some w/ Danzig). Doomriders are also currently writing and recording new material as well. Be sure to pick up their "Black Thunder" album if you haven't already. J. Bannon: Jake has been working on his "Wear Your Wounds" album w/ Kurt at Godcity. Also he's been busy w/ all things Deathwish/Malfunction. New art projects that are in thew works include: New silkscreened prints, Shipwreck a.d. art/packaging, Life Long Tragedy art/packaging, Rockett Clothing Designs, Blacklisted art/packaging, and more. Ben Koller: Aside from being an international man of leisure, Ben has been keeping busy playing music w/ friends in Brooklyn. News on that soon... Converge News: We will have NEW apparel in the Converge Estore in the next week, so keep an eye out for that. Collectively we are still collecting footage for our upcoming DVD release on Deathwish. We are also playing a show on November 23rd that is noted elsewhere in the News section. Aside form that, we are planning our 2K8, including more writing and more touring.

2005 Update: Meticulously remixed by CONVERGE guitarist Kurt Ballou @ Godcity Studios and remastered by Alan Douches @ West West Side. These two sonic visionaries have brought new life to these truly classic recordings. Allowing them to rage forth with a level of aural intensity many never thought possible. In collaboration with EVR (who have released the CD versions of these reissues) Deathwish are proud to offer both classic albums packaged together in one breathtaking 2XLP Gatefold package. Featuring design from CONVERGE vocalist Jacob Bannon, this stunning combined release also features original artwork from acclaimed artist Aaron Turner (Isis, Hydrahead Records). Some of which was not included in the original releases due to technological limitations of the day. All CONVERGE "Petitioning Forever" 2XLPs that are ordered through the Deathwish Estore will receive a FREE CONVERGE 7"EP featuring songs recorded live on WJUL (originally included on the "Petitioning..." CD, but omitted from the LP due to running time issues). This 7"EP is ONLY available through the Deathwish Estore (retailers WILL NOT have it ever), so be sure to visit www.deathwishinc.com and order your copy today!!  

Interview with Jacob Bannon by Jen

How long has Converge been playing together?
About 11 years now.
How many releases are available to date?
Converge have released over 30 releases thus far in our career. We hope to keep that pace up in the coming years as well.
Describe your music to someone who never heard you before.
I would consider Converge an aggressive band. We have firm roots in Metal, Hardcore and Punk which we will always cherish. Traditional classifications I find to be a bit limiting and pointless.
 Tell us how your latest release differs from past releases?
It's our most refined work to date. I feel that it has a distinct personality which is unique thing in music these days. I think all of us in the band are extremely pleased with the recording quality itself. This has always been an issue previously.
Who produced "Jane Doe" and how do they compare to Steve Austin (Today is the Day), who produced "When Forever Comes Crashing"?
Steve did a great job with "...Forever...". His approach was fitting for the material at the time. Matt Ellard produced our latest release. I feel he did a great job in bringing out the subtle nuances in our work that make us who we are.
How is EVR treating you?
Fine. They are very supportive for the most part.
Is this your first release with them?
No. Our third.
What tours have you been on for this album?
Two U.S. tours so far. We will be heading out for another with Hatebreed in about a week or so. Europe and Japan are also planned for later in the year.
How is Mazur Public Relations helping you out?
They handle a fair amount of our PR work and they do a wonderful job.
Who are some of the bands you have toured with in the past?
This list is endless. Boy Sets Fire, Today Is The Day, Coalesce, Playing Enemy, American Nightmare, Hatebreed. The Hope Conspiracy, etc.
Please give us one bad tour/show experience. Ever bands has at least one...
Fights. We fight them. We win.
Favorite club to play?
No preference really.
Who do you have in your CD player right now?
Mogwai "Rock Action" and Jesuseater "Step Inside My Death Ray" CD's
What is the best release for 2001, in your opinion, and best so far in 2002.
Godflesh "Hymns"
Anything else you would like to plug or say?
No. Thanks for everything.
http://www.convergecult.com/
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http://www.deathwishinc.com/