Broad Street Ministry was packed for Saturday’s Converge show. The energy was intense and the heat and humidity amplified the overall weight of the aggressive hardcore show.
With songs raging about bad breeding practices, living in unsustainable debt, systems set up to keep the rich in power and poor eating each other. Philadelphia’s youth relieved their everyday frustrations with the world. Commiserating with their fellow citizens this past weekend was exactly what was needed. A picture is worth a thousand words, so I’ll shut up and let the images (and people) speak for themselves.
Thank you Joe Hardcore (Philly Hardcore Shows) and R5 for another incredible show with some of Blow The Scene’s favorite bands.
Cop Problem – Philadelphia’s Cop Problem fuses elements of precisely constructed d-beat, crust, and hardcore punk with an intense blend vocal attacks and real-world lyrics, with movements that even venture into the grindcore and metal arenas. Cop Problem hit the ground running in 2010 and are offering their first demo for free for all to enjoy.
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Trap Them – Trap Them are fresh off the heels of releasing Darker Handcraft, the band’s latest full-length L.P. and first on Prosthetic Records. With newest addition, Chris Maggio (Formerly of Coliseum), Trap Them has never sounded better or more intense. Honestly, we cannot say enough good things about this band, but we attempted to in our full-feature review of Darker Handcraft and our Exlcusive Interview with vocalist Ryan McKenney last September as the band was tracking Darker Handcraft at God City Studios with renowned producer and Converge guitarist, Kurt Ballou.
Burning Love – Canada’s Burning Love hit the floor next with their blend of rock-infused punk that kept things moving and temperature rising.
Dropdead – New England’s brutally fast-paced, hardcore punk legends, Dropdead are celebrating their 20-year history in the form of a 7″-inch split with long-time friends Converge. With an arsenal of lyrics focusing on animal rights, corporate evils, and standing up for one’s beliefs, this influential group has churned out some of the most aggressive, grindy, speed-punk of the last two decades and amassed a cult-like following of fans with an immeasurable impact on socially-conscious, American punk music.
Converge – Converge is a band that truly needs no introduction. For many of us, Converge’s songs have become ingrained in our internal play-back. With an indefinable impact on the metal and punk fusions of the last two decades, seeing Converge live is still somewhat of a surreal experience. Our buddy Aaron caught the set on video and managed to get a concussion while filming. He picks up the camera and keeps rolling, which is a fitting video capture of one of the most intense live bands on the Planet. Our friend Sunny also snagged some awesome live footage we will link to when it becomes available. Also, picked up a copy of the new Converge/Dropdead Split 7″ after having both bands melt faces with their perspective song contributions. Best $5 bucks I’ve spent all year.
All photos by James Seibert.
Additional Converge band and crowd photos available on his site.
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