August Burns Red Celebrates Messengers in SoCal

AUGUST BURNS RED

AUGUST BURNS RED plays Belasco Theater Jan. 24, Observatory Jan. 25, Soma Jan. 27; press photo

Can heavy metal be an uplifting experience? Metalcore band August Burns Red constantly seeks to answer “yes” to that through their music and live performances. The group makes multiple stops in SoCal as part of their ongoing tour celebrating the 10-year anniversary of their second album Messengers – The Belasco Theater Jan. 24, the Observatory/Santa Ana Jan. 25 and Soma Jan. 27.

August Burns Red formed in 2003 in Lancaster, PA. The group became popular in the Lancaster music scene before acquiring their first label, CI Records, who released their first EP, Looks Fragile After All, in 2004. Their first album, Thrill Seeker, was released a year later followed by Messengers in 2007.

The success of these albums and the band’s power-packed performances helped cement the presence of the group in the music scene. The group has toured worldwide, earned critical acclaim and has played alongside other high-profile metal groups such as Avenged Sevenfold and Lamb of God.

The music of August Burns is, as you might expect, very loud while being played passionately and with tremendous gusto. Likewise, Jake Luhrs, the lead vocalist, provides the trademark guttural vocal style that has defined metalcore groups like August Runs Red. This is where the clichés end and where August Burns Red begins to defy convention.

The songs of August Burns Red tackle difficult subjects, namely broken societies and death, but deals with them optimistically. Songs like their recent Grammy nominated song “Identity,” urges others to stand up for themselves and not surrender themselves to people who would undermine their potential.

Songs like these are played in a uniquely upbeat and dynamic manner to match their underlying optimism. From the passionate guitar playing of guitarists JB Brubaker and Brent Rambler to the fast, coordinated poundings of drummer Matt Greiner, August Burns Red consistently strives to deliver high volume musical experiences imparting a sense of hope to people trapped in a broken world.

If you’re looking for a generous dosage of inspiration to complement a good head banging session too, be sure to go and see August Burns Red at one of their SoCal shows.