All of your favorite core bands can in some way, shape, or form draw a line back to Converge. Jane Doe is one of the most important records in metalcore history, and for the same band 23 years later still putting out as important and relevant material as Love Is Not Enough is no slight feat. Out the gate with the title track, Converge set the tone on a very aggressive and dark record, and they do not relent, save for a breather track in the middle. With a run time of just 31 minutes, you feel like nothing is left out. Vocalist Jacob Bannon’s screams in desperation over the insanity of Kurt Ballou’s guitars, and the rhythm duo of bassist Nate Newton and Ben Koller fill up a sound that is way bigger than a four piece should ever sound.
Tracks like ‘ Distract and Divide‘, ‘Force Meets Presence‘, and ‘We Were Never the Same’ are particular standouts, along with the title track that showcase Converge are able to put on a straight forward auditory assault just as much as they did over 20 years ago. Listeners will struggle to find fault with this record, and there is certainly no chance of taking the crown from the kings. If you are a fan of Converge, this record is everything you want from them; fast, aggressive, and pushing the envelope as only Converge knows how to do. If you’re not a fan of Converge, then this is an incredible pick to start getting to know one of the most important bands in metalcore. 2026 is an incredible year to get into them as well; on June 5th, they released a second record of 2026 titled Hum of the Hurt, and it hits just as hard as Love is Not Enough.
Rating: 92/100
Favorite Tracks: Love is Not Enough – Distract and Divide – Force Meets Presence
