By DAN SOUTHALL
AUGUST Burns Red have been plugging away in the metalcore world since the early noughties, never quite reaching huge potential but never just also-rans – as proven by album number 10.
Coming swinging out of the gate, “Legions” shows the new dogs that these old ones still have plenty of bite. Vocals pass back and forth between Jake Luhrs and Mike Hrancia (of The Devil Wears Prada), refusing to let go of the throat until an ambient pause 90 seconds from the end, allowing a breath to be taken before a final shakedown for good measure.
That sets a precedent for the rest of the album, with little calm amongst the heavy chaos. Tracks like “Den of Thieves“ combine syncopated riffs and melodic solos, a reminder of the early noughties movement of which they were part. Meanwhile, the strength of an Australian connection is shown with both Jamie Hails from Polaris and all of Make Them Suffer making appearances, on “Sonic Salvation“ and “Cerebral Malfunction“. The MTS collaboration in particular is a highlight as the three distinct vocal styles combine, creating something heavy and unique.
Elsewhere the musical tendency toward prog elements and alarm clock riffs are tucked in on tracks such as “The Nameless“, the thrashier “Whispers Like Splinters“, and “S.O.S“ that mashes it all together.
In the lead up to the release, August Burns Red said of this album that it was the heaviest thing they have recorded in a long time – and they are not wrong. But don’t let my opinion or theirs guide you. Dig in, it’s well worth the listen.
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