The Beanfield was sold out for underground legends Converge. The band does not play Montreal often, so whenever they do, it becomes a real event, drawing a packed crowd filled with excitement and anticipation.
Local hardcore band Cross Check opened the show as the venue was still filling up. Their sound, reminiscent of early Knocked Loose, set the tone with a raw and aggressive energy.
SPY from California took the stage next, and I was eager to see them after hearing so many good things. They delivered a refreshing take on classic hardcore punk, fast and furious, packed with short, mosh-driven sections and gruff, angry vocals. Their performance was highly energetic and finally got the crowd fully engaged. The band’s attitude, appearance, and sound evoked the spirit of the classic 80s West Coast style while adding a modern edge. Definitely a band worth checking out if you enjoy old-school hardcore or fast, intense performances.
Converge are one of the most celebrated bands in hardcore history. They began their career in the 90s with an old school metalcore sound and evolved into a genre-spanning force, blending a wide range of influences into something truly distinctive.
Always pushing forward, they are currently touring in support of their newest album Love Is Not Enough, released in February, with another album titled Hum of Hurt set to arrive this June.
They opened with the title track from the new album and followed it with one of its singles, “Bad Faith.” As always, vocalist Jacob Bannon performed with ferocious intensity, moving constantly across the stage and channelling raw emotion into every line.
The set continued with fan favourites such as “Eagles Become Vultures,” “Dark Horse,” and “The Broken Vow,” sending the crowd into a frenzy of moshing and flying bodies as everyone shouted along to these iconic tracks.
One of the highlights for me was the inclusion of the early track Conduit from the album When Forever Comes Crashing, a treat for longtime fans and a nod to the band’s earlier era.
During the performance, I found myself completely captivated by drummer Ben Koller. He is an absolute force behind the kit. His speed and technical precision are astonishing, but what truly stands out is his unique style, which elevates the band’s sound to another level.
The set continued with a strong mix of new material and classics like “Concubine” from their landmark album Jane Doe. The crowd remained relentless, the pit constantly in motion as fans showed their appreciation.
The show closed with the classics “Locust Reign” and “The Saddest Day,” ending the night with unrelenting intensity.
For over an hour, Converge kept the audience moshing, stage diving, and singing along through a powerful mix of new songs and old favourites. It is remarkable that a band three decades into their career continues to innovate and push boundaries. This sold-out show was definitely one of the best of the year.
Review – Jason Maher
Photos – Steve Gerrard
