August Burns Red Messengers
Solid State Records TND89352 June 19, 2007
By Jason Jordan
Messengers sees PAs August Burns Red restraining themselves by settling into a standardized brand of metalcore, whereas their debut Thrill Seeker was more chaotic but less rigid. Fortunately, in spite of the streamlining that occurred between the full-lengths, ABR still have it. In short, Messengers is a solid entry for the handful of readers who revel in good metalcore.
As stated earlier, Messengers adheres to the -core formula. So, one will hear giant breakdowns, melodic hooks, gang shouts, bass drops, and all other properties typically associated with the subgenre. Truth of a Liar, for instance, contains some of the previously mentioned characteristics, though Up Against the Ropes, Back Burner, and The Balance incorporate a liberal amount of bass drops, while Composure and Redemption radiate choir-style yells at certain junctures. Also featured: extol-worthy musicianship, adept songwriting, and passion-filled delivery. Plus, like Thrill Seeker, the production has a rough-around-the-edges quality that renders the material more punishing than a smooth production ever could.
In the end, August Burn Red wont single-handedly change your opinion of metalcore, but Thrill Seeker and Messengers are both top-notch examples of such. The latter is loaded with infectious grooves, which are bolstered by undeniable know-how that naturally manifested itself on the former. Nevertheless, since its not exactly a refreshing sound, even 48 minutes of the stuff is a tad too much.
Official August Burns Red Website
Official Solid State Records Website
Solid State Records TND89352 June 19, 2007
By Jason Jordan
Messengers sees PAs August Burns Red restraining themselves by settling into a standardized brand of metalcore, whereas their debut Thrill Seeker was more chaotic but less rigid. Fortunately, in spite of the streamlining that occurred between the full-lengths, ABR still have it. In short, Messengers is a solid entry for the handful of readers who revel in good metalcore.
As stated earlier, Messengers adheres to the -core formula. So, one will hear giant breakdowns, melodic hooks, gang shouts, bass drops, and all other properties typically associated with the subgenre. Truth of a Liar, for instance, contains some of the previously mentioned characteristics, though Up Against the Ropes, Back Burner, and The Balance incorporate a liberal amount of bass drops, while Composure and Redemption radiate choir-style yells at certain junctures. Also featured: extol-worthy musicianship, adept songwriting, and passion-filled delivery. Plus, like Thrill Seeker, the production has a rough-around-the-edges quality that renders the material more punishing than a smooth production ever could.
In the end, August Burn Red wont single-handedly change your opinion of metalcore, but Thrill Seeker and Messengers are both top-notch examples of such. The latter is loaded with infectious grooves, which are bolstered by undeniable know-how that naturally manifested itself on the former. Nevertheless, since its not exactly a refreshing sound, even 48 minutes of the stuff is a tad too much.
Official August Burns Red Website
Official Solid State Records Website
