August Burns Red- Messengers

August Burns Red releases their sophomore effort on SolidState records called Messengers. When hearing their previous release Thrill Seeker it basically is deemed up lifting. Never have I heard such an onsluaght of brutal technical metalcore, from such a you group of kids. Who would have known that ABR would have saved us?
In their latest release, they do nothing short of reassuring the latter. Messengers is chock full of more technicality then Apple Computers, and as brutal as a WWE pay per view.
The song is unveiled as quite the progression, as the songs still stay true to their brutal song writing, but seem to let songs speak for themselves, as opposed to having certain songs revolve soley on the breakdowns.
Vocally, this record is phenomenal, ABR's new vocalist Jake Luhrs shows one of the best, most tasteful screaming ranges in metal. It's truly beautiful.
Production wise, the record is on point. And despite the fact that the drum tones do sound a little too digital, ABR lacks no talent int he drumming department. In fact, one could say that these drum parts are almost thought provoking, and ground breaking.
The last problem with the record, the only issue that really holds the record back from perfection, is the fact that songs do tend to run together. I think this is because each breakdown is lead with the China Cymbal.
Bottom line, is that this is the heaviest, and probably best metalcore record this year.
And that is a HUGE statement considering As I Lay Dying, and Still Remains have yet to rear their heads on the market.
It's safe to say the ABR is a huge leap for metalcore.

FINAL GRADE: A-