The Boston-based hardcore punk band Converge took their time to get to where they are, and where they are is one of metal's most respected groups. They were formed in the early 90s and didn't release their debut till 1994. From there it was up and down, but mainly up, as albums would follow on a regular basis and would be met with almost universal critical praise. The flood of approving critics would crest on their 2001 effort, Jane Doe, which is considered a near masterpiece. Their latest album, No Heroes, was met with similar critical adoration.

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To say you like hardcore heavy metal should really depend on a litmus test that administers the following question: How do you feel about 'Converge.' Anything less than adulation should color all non-believers accordingly. Few bands today make music as consistently brilliantly as Boston's Converge-not an easy task considering the difficulty of the genre and the multitude of early burn-outs. With almost 15 years under their belt, they don't show any sign of stopping or even slowing down, and that's a very good thing.