In their 11th album, one of metalcore’s most consistent bands unleash an aggressive release Season of Surrender. Out the gate you’re met with the entire band in a ferocious assault of their signature riff-heavy metalcore sound, and the momentum keeps up through the album. If you are a fan of August Burns Red, you’ll be a fan of this album. They are relatively undeviated from their style they have honed in over the years, in the best way possible. While the last few albums have felt very same-y and formulaic, Season of Surrender offers a bit more of a bite. The production and mix are arguably one of the best to date on an August Burns Red record and sets a new standard for what is expected to be heard from them going forward.
Tapdancing around their more melodic sound, the trio of ‘Legions’, ‘The Nameless’, and ‘Behemoth’ lean a bit more into the technical riffs and dark sound, a bit reminiscent of the early years with Thrill Seeker and Messengers. That said, there’s still plenty of their melodic core persistent throughout the album. Their track with Australian metalcore band Make Them Suffer ‘Cerebral Malfunction’ features the heaviest dose of that melody, and they continue that trend through the rest of the album and rounding out what is a decent offering for a band who’s catalogue is far more consistent than most bands can attest to.
Rating: 70/100
Notable Songs: Legions – The Nameless
