What makes Beautiful Ruin by Converge notable?

Beautiful Ruin garnered positive reviews for its raw emotional depth and sonic experimentation, further cementing Converge's influence in the metalcore scene. It reflects the band's innovative spirit through concise tracks that challenge traditional song structures. Critics noted this album as a testament to their artistic maturity, leading to significant discussions within music publications about the future of metalcore. Released in early 2018, Beautiful Ruin marked Converge's first new material since their acclaimed album All We Love We Leave Behind from 2012. As a band known for pushing the boundaries of metalcore, this album showcases their continued evolution while maintaining their signature sound. The release comes after a period of extensive touring and collaborations, solidifying their status as pioneers within the genre.

How many songs are on Beautiful Ruin?

Beautiful Ruin has 4 tracks, running approximately 6 minutes.

Beautiful Ruin

Converge · 2018

6 min · 4 tracks · metalcore

An intense exploration of despair and resilience, blending visceral metalcore aggression with haunting melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Permanent Blue — The opening track sets a dark and contemplative tone, juxtaposing ferocious instrumentation with reflective lyrics that encapsulate the album's themes of loss and resilience.
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Beautiful Ruin — The title track stands out for its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, creating a poignant moment that resonates with listeners through its exploration of beauty amidst chaos.
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Melancholia — This brief yet impactful track encapsulates the essence of despair with its stripped-down arrangement, allowing the emotional weight of the lyrics to take center stage.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases strong songwriting and production, balancing aggression with introspective moments effectively.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a slow, haunting melody that builds tension before erupting into aggressive instrumentation.
Each of the four tracks features abrupt tempo changes, shifting from intense bursts of energy to quieter, reflective passages.
The EP concludes with a track that gradually fades out, leaving an unresolved feeling that echoes the themes of despair.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Explores new sonic territory, reflecting the band's innovative spirit in metalcore.
Career context: Released in early 2018, Beautiful Ruin marked Converge's first new material since their acclaimed album All We Love We Leave Behind from 2012. As a band known for pushing the boundaries of metalcore, this album showcases their continued evolution while maintaining their signature sound. The release comes after a period of extensive touring and collaborations, solidifying their status as pioneers within the genre.
Stylistic neighbors: Botch· The Dillinger Escape Plan· Norma Jean