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August Burns Red

August Burns Red is one of the best bands I’ve ever come across. I’ve been listening to ABR for a few years now and can honestly say they are  my all-time favorite in the genre (okay, maybe a tie with Unearth). I actually play guitar, both accoustic and electric, I can play bass, and I can also play the piano (but it’s been a while). I even learned to play the violin for a while while I was recovering from a back injury and had a lot of free time. So I think I’m qualified a bit to recognize talented musicians.
If you like hardcore, you must check them out.

The new Constellations CD is a little more technical than their previous works, which is probably the only thing that I thought could have made their older stuff a little better. The vocals are also more dynamic with this album. It’s hard to pick a favorite since every track is pretty amazing, but track 11 “Meddler” has some cool lead guitar work. Check out the video.
Every time I listen to this album a different song grows on me. There isn’t a bad song on the album; it seems like which song is my favorite song is always changing.

August Burns Red – Meddler

August Burns Red (On Tour in the UK and Europe) | MySpace Video

Messengers, ABR’s previous release, was still amazing though. It was harder and darker than the first CD I bought from them, which was Thrill Seeker. Thrill Seeker was really good, but it reflected their earlier period and didn’t quite have the polish and tone of Messengers. A while after messengers came out, they did an EP called Lost Messengers which contains “Chasing The Dragon” and “Mosley” which are both amazing songs. From Messengers ABR did a music video to “Composure”. It’s a pretty sweet video. It has a ‘69 charger in it (’68 Charger is my favorite car). The mic swing at 3:19 is a nice touch too. The song is also a cool story and probably my favorite on the album.

August Burns Red – “Composure”

I also consider myself privledged because I saw them play a few years ago at a small theater in Denver when they were still getting established. They opened for Project 86 (a long-time favorite because of “Drawing Black Lines“). No one really knew who they were at the time, so nobody was really into it. The mosh pit was almost empty. Of course, it was packed out for P86. That was a fun show. That’s where I orignally found ABR and I went straight away and bought their CD. I loved it and they have been my standard ever since. Thanks guys, I hope you continue to succeed and don’t stop putting out music please.