CONVERGE have officially announced their tenth studio album, set for release in summer 2026 via their own Deathwish Inc. label in partnership with Epitaph Records. The announcement, made via the band's social media channels on March 11, includes the album title — "Underneath the Weight" — and a brief statement from guitarist and Deathwish Inc. co-founder Kurt Ballou, who produces all CONVERGE records at his GodCity Studio in Salem, Massachusetts.
"'Underneath the Weight' is the most emotionally direct record we have made since 'Jane Doe,'" Ballou wrote in the statement, invoking the band's landmark 2001 album that is widely considered a foundational document of metalcore and one of the most important hardcore-influenced metal albums ever recorded. "Jacob (Bannon, vocalist) has written lyrics that I consider among the most personal and unguarded of his career, and the music we built around them reflects that vulnerability while maintaining the sonic ferocity that CONVERGE has always required."
The announcement also confirms that drummer Ben Koller, who took time away from active touring in 2024 to address personal matters, has fully returned to the band and completed the recording sessions. Bassist Nate Newton, who has continued his parallel career with CLOUD RAT and OLD MAN GLOOM during CONVERGE's recording hiatus, is also confirmed as present on the new album. No specific release date within the summer window has been provided, but pre-order information is expected in April. CONVERGE will also perform at several major summer festivals in support of the new record, with DOWNload Festival UK and Hellfest already confirmed.