In 2015, it almost feels like an insult to call August Burns Red a metalcore band. But hey, let’s call a spade a spade – August Burns Red are a metalcore band, what makes them different however is that they may be the last truly original metalcore band, and they are certainly up there as one of the greats of the genre.
On their latest release, ‘Found In Far Away Places’, August Burns Red keep the flag flying with their unique blend of breakdowns, riffs, harmonies and bizarre yet pleasurable musical interludes. Take ‘Separating The Seas’, for example, which breaks down into a mediterranean swagger, full of jaunty guitars and violins, before throwing you face first back in the pit. Only a band like August Burns Red could pull this off, and it’s what separates them from the pack.
Lyrically, the record tackles issues such as grief, depression, loneliness and homelessness, making it a deeply emotive listen that keeps you hooked on every word of Jake Luhr’s vocal delivery. “Stop living in denial, stop living a lie” is bellowed throughout ‘Identity’ – almost a call to arms for people to believe in themselves and what they stand for. Throughout ‘Found In Far Away Places’, August Burns Red stick to this rallying call of sticking to their own identity, not afraid to try new things but retain a distinct heaviness that is sorely missing from an increasingly sterile music scene.
There are a few occasions through this record that really give you the impression of a band reinvigorated, refreshed and totally fearless in their pursuit. ‘Ghosts’ features guest vocals from A Day To Remember’s Jeremy McKinnon, a first for August Burns Red, who have previously never included guest vocalists on any of their tracks. McKinnon gives a flawless performance, his clean vocals a perfect accompaniment to Luhr’s hardcore growl.
With a record of such consistent quality throughout the 50 minute runtime, it’s very difficult to identify a standout track. However, the one that sticks in the mind the most is ‘Everlasting Ending’. Lyrically and musically, it’s tight, fresh and surmises everything that is great about August Burns Red. A bellowing call of “Don’t let me down”, incredible harmonies, a beautiful, soft middle section – it’s everything you want from this band. If you had to listen to only one song from ‘Found In Far Away Places’, make it this one.
From ‘Martyr’s sweet, bluesy interlude, to ‘Identity’s spaghetti western breakdown, ‘Found In Far Away Places’ isn’t afraid to throw you a few unexpected turns. Where other artists would fall on old cliches, these stylistic curveballs fit seamlessly into each song, demonstrating a great sign of musicianship. And this is what makes the record feel so special, as mentioned earlier it feels fearless, like the pressure is off and the band have simply been given the reigns to make the record they want to make, their way.
Not bad for your first record on your new label. And completely ironic that the label in question is Fearless Records. Fearless work, indeed, from August Burns Red. Welcome back.
CHRIS ROBINSON