Converge Shines at Saddest Day Festival Despite Adversity
In a remarkable display of resilience and artistry, Converge delivered an electrifying headlining performance at the Saddest Day festival, held on Saturday night in Boston, Massachusetts, at the Roadrunner. This event came on the heels of a tragic incident involving their drummer, who was the victim of a hit-and-run just a day prior. However, the band rose above the challenges, treating fans to a staggering 23-song set that traversed their extensive catalog, including gems that hadn’t been played in over a decade.
Festival Overview
Announced by the band in July, the one-day festival was named after their iconic 1996 track, “Saddest Day.” The lineup featured a stellar array of artists, including Touché Amoré, Year Of The Knife, and Coalesce. Adding an artistic flair to the event, frontman Jacob Bannon curated an art exhibition that showcased his own work alongside various interdisciplinary artists, enriching the festival experience.
New Music on the Horizon
As anticipation built for the event, Converge announced their upcoming single, the title track from their new album, Love Is Not Enough, slated for release on February 13th. With a festival themed around their 1996 classic and fresh music making waves, fans were treated to a diverse setlist that balanced nostalgia with new sounds.
Setlist Highlights
The band’s near two-dozen song setlist included several long-awaited tracks, thrilling the audience with performances of songs like “Towing Jehovah,” played live for the first time since 2004, and “Conduit,” which hadn’t been performed since 2008. Other highlights included “Lonewolves” and “My Unsaid Everything,” showcasing the band’s ability to draw from both their past and present.
Special Guest Appearance
In a surprise twist, Full Of Hell joined Converge on stage for a powerful rendition of “Axe To Fall,” adding to the collaborative spirit of the evening and elevating the energy in the venue.
Full Setlist
Main Set:
- “Love Is Not Enough“
- “Eagles Become Vultures“
- “Dark Horse“
- “Under Duress“
- “We Were Never the Same”
- “Locust Reign“
- “My Unsaid Everything“
- “Conduit“
- “Glacial Pace“
- “All We Love We Leave Behind“
- “Trespasses“
- “Towing Jehovah“
- “Heaven In Her Arms“
- “Axe To Fall” (feat. Full Of Hell)
- “Lonewolves“
- “Heartache“
- “Hellbound“
- “First Light“
- “Last Light“
- “Black Cloud“
- “Concubine“
- “The Broken Vow“
Encore:
- “The Saddest Day“
Conclusion
Despite the shadow of personal adversity, Converge not only honored their legacy with an unforgettable performance but also showcased their new music, reaffirming their place in the heavy music landscape. The Saddest Day festival served as a testament to the band’s enduring spirit and commitment to their art, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what lies ahead.
FAQs
When is the new album by Converge being released?
The new album, Love Is Not Enough, is set to be released on February 13th.
What was the significance of the festival’s name?
The festival was named after Converge’s classic 1996 song “Saddest Day,” reflecting the band’s long-standing impact on the music scene.
Who were the other artists performing at the festival?
Other artists included Touché Amoré, Year Of The Knife, and Coalesce.
Did Converge play any rarely performed songs during the set?
Yes, they played several tracks that hadn’t been performed in years, including “Towing Jehovah” and “Conduit.”
