August Burns Red

About August Burns Red

August Burns Red came out of Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 2003, which is not exactly a place you'd expect to produce one of metalcore's most technically proficient bands. But here we are. The lineup has stayed remarkably stable over two decades, with rhythm guitarist Brent Rambler and drummer Matt Greiner forming the core, later joined by lead guitarist JB Brubaker, bassist Dustin Davidson, and vocalist Jake Luhrs.

They named themselves after an incident involving Rambler's ex-girlfriend—she allegedly burned his dog August—which is either the most metalcore origin story ever or just a really weird footnote in band history. Either way, they quickly moved past the dramatic backstory and focused on being extremely good at their instruments.

Their early albums Thrill Seeker and Messengers established them as more than just another breakdown band. Messengers in particular, released in 2007, got them noticed beyond the Warped Tour crowd. The title track and "Composure" showed they could write actual songs instead of just stringing together heavy parts. They weren't reinventing anything, but they were doing it with more precision than most of their peers.

Constellations arrived in 2009 and things started clicking differently. "Marianas Trench" became one of those songs that guitarists learn to prove they can play fast. The album peaked at number 24 on the Billboard 200, which meant people outside the scene were paying attention. They followed it with Leveler in 2011 and Rescue & Restore in 2013, each one refining their approach without losing the intensity.

Found in Far Away Places in 2015 marked a subtle shift. They incorporated more melodic elements and guest vocals from A Day to Remember's Jeremy McKinnon on "Ghosts." It showed a band mature enough to experiment without chasing trends. Phantom Anthem came in 2017, continuing that trajectory with tracks like "Invisible Enemy" and "The Frost" that balanced technicality with actual hooks.

They've done something unusual for a metalcore band—they've released an annual Christmas album since 2012. These aren't just novelty tracks either. Hearing them turn "Carol of the Bells" or "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" into progressive metal instrumentals is genuinely interesting, and it's become part of their identity.

Guardians dropped in 2020 with "Defender" featuring Killswitch Engage's Jesse Leach, proving they still had relationships across the metalcore landscape. Their most recent album, Death Below, came out in 2023 and debuted in the top 50. After twenty years, they're still touring relentlessly and releasing albums that chart.

They've never had a massive crossover hit or become household names, but they've built something more sustainable. Five Grammy nominations, consistently solid albums, and a reputation as one of the tightest live bands in heavy music. They're the metalcore band that stuck around by simply being very good at what they do.

Their crowds are focused, not frenzied. People know every word and the pit moves with the song rather than mindlessly circulating. No stage banter to speak of. They just play, and it feels like they're working as hard as the crowd is sweating.

Known for Messengers, Consumer, The Reflective Property, Identity, Barbarian

See August Burns Red Live