Normally, when I write about a band, I like to do an intro into the band. You know, who they are, where they got their name, etc. However, let me introduce AUGUST BURNS RED. And opt out of diving into the meaning behind their name. Don't go look if you have a weak composition in any way, seriously. It is a tribute to a loss but involves cruelty that caused that loss. Some things are better left unanswered. One such of those things is where the band name originated from. Formed in 2003 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania AND nominated for a Grammy Award in 2016 for Best Metal Performance for the song "Identity" from the album, Found in Far Away Places; this is quite the band to write about. When the band was formed, all its members were still in High School. After many years and ten studio albums later, we arrive to the release of their newest album, Death Below. This Melodic Metalcore band links to many genres within rock and metal. Including on the forefront of Christian Hardcore.

"Premonition"- Short, but sweet; leading the album with a dreamlike quality. Lyrically speaking about that dream that the writer had. I often like to write about epilogue songs, the short opening a song in many albums. So much power can be packed into such a small space within these intro songs. "The Cleansing" - While the intro lulled us, reeled us in with its softness; this song takes away. Raging and loud vocals scream amidst tremolo plucking on guitar, and awesomely accompanying drums and bass. This is a robust and powerful song that sweeps you along in its river of rage. "Ancestry (ft. Jesse Leach)" - Jesse Leach from KILLSWITCH ENGAGE makes a guest appearance on vocals in this song. This, too, is a hard song. Jake Luhrs, lead vocals, does not include many clean vocals anywhere and certainly not in this song either. With his full-bodied voice, he can let forth some roaring yells. Combined with the fast-paced guitar chords, it makes for a good song.

"Tightrope" - This song comes at us with some beautiful guitar to begin. Deftly plucked notes with guest guitarist, Jason Richardson. I suppose I hear little of the "Metalcore" part of the band. But mostly I hear metal due to the vocal style. The style consistently follows a loud and raging style, rather than any clean vocals to speak of. As such, I would encourage readers to listen anyway, even if Metalcore isn't your thing. Being as this band has bounced around between various styles over the years, I believe this is a much heavier album than those in the past that bordered on Rock. Do listen to the absolutely gorgeous guitar solo at the end of the song by Jason Richardson. "Sevink" - This song brings us right back to that deceptively soft spot, where you want to curl up into the clouds of sound around you. Melodic sounds lure you into a trance as dreamlike notes dance around you. The Melodic side of AUGUST BURNS RED rages hot in this fire in this intermittent 1:23 length song. But again, do not get too comfortable in that place of dreams, for we are harshly yanked from its luscious embrace once again. Awakened by vengeful yells, shocked by the power thrusted forth lyrically that this intermittent song rolls us into. "Dark Divide" - Awakened are we by being promptly dropped off into the harsh daylight of this song. Robust vocals scream forth powerfully, amidst scorching musical notes. This is the yang to the yin of the song before it. Where the previous song was lush and light, this song is raging and dark.

Death Below was released on March 24^th, 2023. While AUGUST BURNS RED has been known for many years as a Christian band, they want to be known as just a band. They want their music to be just music, made by believers of the faith. "Christian is a faith, not a music genre" to paraphrase the bands thoughts on this. This leads me to my point; this album was made for many. Christian or non, the album itself is not a faith based one. So, if Christian music isn't your thing, you still might find yourself surprised that you like this well put together album.