August Burns Red, 16 October 2019

August Burns Red is a powerhouse in the modern metalcore scene, both for their technical prowess and intricate composition, often with very thought-provoking lyrics. Coming from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, August Burns Red began as one of the leading drives of their genre in the early 2000s. With a discography that shows their evolution and maturity as musicians, August Burns Red managed to not only redefine metalcore but also set new benchmarks for musicianship in heavy music. The history of the band, influential albums, and impact on the metal scene will be discussed in the content of this article.

Formation and Early Years

Formed back in 2003, August Burns Red was initially just a group of high schoolers who were into heavy music. The lineup then included vocalist Jon Hershey, guitarists JB Brubaker and Brent Rambler, bassist Jordan Tuscan, and drummer Matt Greiner. The name of the band usually sparks people's curiosity; it was conceptualized around an incident wherein their ex-girlfriend, August, supposedly burned a dog named Redd in a fire. Although that story is fabricated, it does add an extra layer to their identity.
During their early years, the band self-released an EP titled "Looks Fragile After All" in 2004. This captured raw energy and at least a hint of the technical finesse that would be more focused in future material. Shortly after, vocalist Jon Hershey left the group, and Josh McManness took over vocal duties.

Breakthrough with "Thrill Seeker"

August Burns Red's first full-length album, "Thrill Seeker", came in 2005 from Solid State Records. It introduced the world to a high-flying, riff-laden sound that greatly showed promise for this metalcore quintet. Songs such as "Your Little Suburbia Is in Ruins" and "Too Late for Roses" really represented how the band could mix heavy breakdowns with melodic passage.
"Thrill Seeker" also introduced audiences to their complicated song structures and a depth of lyrics. Not too long after, vocalist Josh McManness left, and the vocalist they recruited in his place was Jake Luhrs, whose powerful vocal range became a staple for their sound.

Defining Sound with "Messengers"

In 2007, August Burns Red released "Messengers", the album which would really seal their place within the metalcore community. With Jake Luhrs on vocals, the band began to hone their sound with more technical guitar playing and more dynamic drumming. Songs such as "Composure", "Back Burner", and "An American Dream" gained popularity with the fans and the band still uses them often while touring.
"Messengers" received loads of critical praise with its tight musicianship and emotional intensity. Success threw them into larger stages from there on and gave the band a devoted following worldwide.

Continued Growth in "Constellations"

2009's "Constellations" marked another major step in the band's development. More progressive in approach, the album featured convoluted guitar melodies and complex time signatures. The songs "White Washed", "Marianas Trench", and "Indonesia" are a few examples of just how much they have matured as songwriters and musicians.
"Constellations" debuted on Billboard 200 at number 24, an incredible feat for a metalcore band. It expanded their fanbase and set them up for the experimentation of the genre with, amongst others,

Experimentation in "Leveler"

August Burns Red finally came up with "Leveler" in 2011 after the band had experimented with different sounds and styles. Incorporating jazz, Latin music, even blues into "Leveler", the band stretched their musical palette. Songs like "Empire", "Internal Cannon", and "Poor Millionaire" featured weird riffs and rhythms that would challenge listeners' expectations.
While some of its fans may have been divided about the experimental direction of the band, "Leveler" successfully proved that the band was committed to artistic growth without being afraid to do so and that it also took risks.

Maturity in "Rescue & Restore"

With "Rescue & Restore", the band furthered their exploration into newer territories in 2013. The album earned critical praise due to its thematic cohesion and depth of emotion. Songs like "Fault Line", "Spirit Breaker", and "Creative Captivity" expressed the band's attention to melody and atmosphere with dynamic balance.
"Rescue & Restore" sounded almost like a mission statement, about the status quo of the current metalcore scene, with the band wanting to "rescue" it from stagnation and "restore" its creative juices.

Critical Acclaim with "Found in Far Away Places"

In 2015, August Burns Red released "Found in Far Away Places", an album which garnered them a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance for the song "Identity". It continued their trend of incorporating diverse influences, featuring orchestral elements and unusual instruments.
The previous album "Found in Far Away Places" had received critical acclaim for its ingenuity and intricacy. Songs like "The Wake", "Martyr", and "Ghosts" featuring A Day to Remember's Jeremy McKinnon, showed their ability to meld aggression with accessibility.

Embracing Melodic Elements in "Phantom Anthem

"Phantom Anthem" In 2017, August Burns Red continued to hone the craft with a focused approach to melodic songwriting. There was an excellent balance between technicality and catchiness in such songs as "Invisible Enemy", "The Frost", and "King of Sorrow".
Expectedly, this album also received positive reviews because of its cohesive writing and proof that the band progresses even more with time. "Phantom Anthem" shows the band's ability to create songs that are not only elaborate but touching as well.

Reflecting on "Guardians"

In 2020, the band unleashed "Guardians", an album that came to the fore in a year full of unrest all over the world. "Guardians" had some of the heaviest material they've made, with songs such as "Defender", "Bones", and "Paramount" reflecting themes of resilience and solidarity.
The album received great acclaim owing to its timely message and also because of the commitment shown by the band to their sound. The "Guardians" album managed to reestablish August Burns Red as leaders in the metalcore scene.

Latest Release: "Death Below"

In 2023, August Burns Red released their ninth studio album titled "Death Below". The album continued the well-founded trend of pushing their sound with even darker themes and more intricate compositions. Songs like "Ancestry", featuring Jesse Leach of Killswitch Engage, along with "Backfire", have shown the technical skill and emotional depth of the band.
"Death Below" has gone over well with both fans and critics, who commend the band for its capability to evolve without losing touch with its roots. The album further cements their reputation for producing powerful music on many levels.

Live Performances and Fan Connection

August Burns Red is known for high-energy live performances and dedication to its fans. Live, they can be counted on for the tightest musicianship and minimal crowd interaction. The band's annual Christmas shows-which feature metal versions of holiday classics compiled into albums like "August Burns Red Presents: Sleddin' Hill" and "Winter Wilderness"-have become a beloved tradition.
Because of their relentless tour schedule and interaction with fans, a loyal following has coalesced around the band. They know and interact with listeners both virtually through social media and in person at shows, fostering a sense of inclusiveness and appreciation.

Impact on the Metal Scene

August Burns Red has made the greatest contribution to metalcore, inspiring a whole new wave of musicians. Their technical playing, innovative compositions, and the ability to push genre boundaries have differentiated them from their fellow musicians. The band is oriented toward building positive messages and personal growth in their lyrics-a nice offset compared with most negative themes in heavy music.
Finally, their Grammy nominations, in addition to their chart performance, brought them mainstream exposure that allowed other metalcore bands to break through.
August Burns Red serves as a beacon of what is possible in the metalcore genre. Starting off in rather humble beginnings by being an assembly of high school friends, their path to international phenomenon has been fraught with growth and experimentation, not to mention tending to their audience. While each successive album stretched their genre's boundaries, they experimented with different forms while retaining the core of the sound.
While still writing and performing, August Burns Red remains a vital force in the heavy music genre. As long as they keep their integrity concerning their art and commit to fan engagement, they will remain one of the heavy driving forces in the metal scene for years to come.