Grammy award winning metal outfit, August Burns Red are releasing their 8th studio album. Entitled, Guardians, this eleven-track concept album is what the band hopes is a relief that people can take comfort in and escape their troubles, even if for brief moments.
Quoting rhythm guitarist, Brent Ramble, “There’s a loose theme of being there for another person who’s reaching out for help.” “This individual who saves the day acts like a guardian. The idea recurred as we put everything together. It was a great summation of what we were talking about.”
Getting this off to an amazing start is the opening track, “The Narrative.” What a way to kick off the album! Riding that oh so fine line between melody and madness, ABR weaves intricate guitar noodling with solid groove and blood curdling vocal rage.
“Bones” keeps the proverbial pedal floored down to the metal to keep that momentum flowing. Vocalist, Jake Luhra really makes this track shine with his effortless vocal transitions.
Keeping the heavy and high-octane energy at a maximum level is the brutal and epic, “Paramount.” The band’s dual guitar attack of JB Brubaker (lead) and Brent Ramble (rhythm) is absolutely phenomenal and drummer Matt Greiner brings utter brutality with his precision drumming.
“Defender” is the first official video release from Guardians and is quire possibly one of the most unapologetic aural assaults I have ever heard. Letting up for very few and brief moments of atmospheric relief, “Defender” delivers a strong and powerful message with a musical canvas to back up that message.
“Lighthouse” is easily, one of my top three tracks on the album. Definitely one of the more melodic tracks on the album with a great chorus to sing along or scream along too.
“Ties That Bind” opens up with an utterly hypnotic opening riff before Jake (Luhra) melts your face off with the sheer power of his voice.
The album comes to an end with the near 6-and-a-half-minute opus, “Three Fountains.” Everything that makes this band great is represented here. The tempo changes, stellar musicianship and raw, powerful emotion all meld together in one stellar musical send off.
Guardians is truly a masterpiece in brutality and melody. August Burns Red have clearly outdone themselves in putting this album together. The overall running theme of helping those in need is exactly what this world needs, and I applaud them for blasting that loud and clear.
When the album drops on April 3rd, do yourself a favor and grab a copy!
Rating: 8/10 Stars.
I’m Music Magazine Writer Jason “Supes” Mesa
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