Live Review: Converge, Torche, Kvelertak, KEN Mode

How does one begin when putting to paper their thoughts on the greatest show they have ever seen?  Well, obviously with a sentence like that!  But in all seriousness, a mere day isn't a lot of time to digest a show as stunning as Converge, Torche, Kvelertak, and KEN Mode, but then again there's almost no amount of time that would.  For a few hours, the denizens of Columbus, OH were able to leave everything at the door and lose themselves to the chaotic and cathartic noise of the aforementioned bands.  It was a wild and frenzied affair that was both horrifying and beautiful.  The strange and unconventional bonding of strangers over some of the biggest names in the scene was a feeling that won't soon be forgotten.

The show opened up with KEN Mode, a band that I had admittedly not paid much attention to up until their performance.  I had always appreciated their noisy approach, but it wasn't until I saw them live that I truly appreciated their balls-to-the-wall delivery.  The trio was really into their set, and the energy was palpable.  Although they didn't really draw a huge crowd, being the openers, they played passionately all the same.  A great performance indeed.

The next band up was Kvelertak, and despite my love of Converge, they were the group I was most excited for.  Kvelertak play a wild mesh of black metal, hardcore punk, and good ol' rock and roll.  Going in, I knew I was in for an exciting show. Thankfully, the band delivered.  Playing from their 2010 debut, many of the songs were known by the crowd and shouted loudly, despite the language barrier.  Erland was excellent on vocals, and did a smashing job getting the crowd pumped.  It was a heavy and exhilarating show and one of the highlights of the evening.

Torche followed with a much different sound than the first two bands.  I suppose that I was least anticipating this set because I knew what I was getting into--a damn fine show.  Torche are always solid; a fun, light metal band that makes super solid music.  The songs were perfect to chant along to, and the band sounded great live.  The mood was chill but there was plenty of excitement especially during the heavier parts.  All in all, Torche didn't exceed my expectations like any of the other bands because Torche are so wonderfully reliable.

Then there was Converge.  What can be said that hasn't been said before?  They are the de facto name in hardcore, and their set proved that.  They played classics from all over their discography, as well as most of their new record.  Opening up with "Concubine" was something I couldn't have even hoped for.  It was the perfect start to a show that included favorites such as "Broken Vow" and "Last Light."  To top it all off, it was Jacob Bannon's birthday, which included a cake and some kind words.  The crowd was into it, so much that I'm still sore a day later.  People completely let go of all inhibitions and it was something else entirely.  Unequivocally the greatest performance I have ever seen.

Last night's show was less a concert and more the justification of my life's biggest hobby--music.  Some shows can be a drag, sure, while others can be a completely transcendent experience.  When the mood is right and the music is great, there's no feeling quite like it.  If you have even a remote opportunity to see any of these bands, I implore you to go.  It's something you will not regret.

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