Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

JFH Music Review


August Burns Red, Constellations
August Burns Red
Constellations



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 12 tracks: 47 minutes, 41 seconds
Street Date: July 14, 2009


For the last couple of years, August Burns Red has been one of the golden boys of the Solid State lineup. It seems that whenever high quality Christian metal is mentioned, August Burns Red is one of the first names you will hear. Nevertheless, my own opinion of the band has never been particularly high. When I think of August Burns Red, I think of cheap breakdowns and not a great deal of creativity. So with that said, I approached Constellations with somewhat of a bias against the band.

Fortunately, Constellations has caused me to rethink my view. Yes, there are still plenty of crunchy breakdowns that sound awfully similar from track to track, but this is a very tight album. The well-grounded traditions of chaotic guitar riffs, sudden rhythm changes, and hectic screaming vocals are all still present. But song structure has improved greatly from their previous albums. Also, the band has ventured out into the world of guitar solos. While none of them are particularly compelling, they are at least competent and provide some much needed variety.

In some ways, August Burns Red is your basic metal band. While they don't do anything new, they somehow manage to make the essentials sound much better than other bands. They have clearly put a lot of thought into every aspect of their songs and it shows. Unlike other metal albums, Constellations never drags. No particular tracks stand out above the others, but they are also almost all good. The only song that we could have done without is "Meridian," an overly-generic quasi-instrumental that never really goes anywhere.

The lyrical approach on Constellations is an interesting mix. "White Washed" is a very harsh condemnation of legalists, as is "The Escape Artist." At the same time, "Indonesia" is a touching dedication to a missionary who died in a plane wreck in Indonesia. The story behind the writing of this song is amazing, and worth reading. "Meddler" speaks of hopeless rationalism in the lyrics: "Oh God, we live in misery, lying here in desperation. We need you here more than anything right now. Right now. If everything's relative, then why the emptiness in our souls?"

Constellations has given me a new appreciation for August Burns Red. While still not an outstanding release, it is one that any metal fan can enjoy. Meanwhile, current fans of the band will find everything they liked in previous albums, plus more. This is not "Album of the Year" material, but if you're looking for new metal, Constellations is worth getting.

- Review date: 7/14/09, written by Timothy Estabrooks of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

 

. Record Label: Solid State Records
. Album length: 12 tracks: 47 minutes, 41 seconds
. Street Date: July 14, 2009
. Buy It: iTunes
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Thirty And Seven (3:19)
  2. Existence (3:54)
  3. Ocean Of Apathy (3:57)
  4. White Washed (3:46)
  5. Marianas Trench (4:18)
  6. The Escape Artist (3:58)
  7. Indonesia (3:34)
  8. Paradox (3:19)
  9. Meridian (6:00)
  10. Rationalist (2:39)
  11. Meddler (3:54)
  12. Crusades (5:12)
spacer     Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 


(JFH Sponsor Spot)

 

 

                 
Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

Search JFH




This Tuesday, November 19, 2024
SINGLES
Mat Kearney Certainty - Single (independent)

This Wednesday, November 20, 2024
ALBUMS
1K Phew Let Go Let God: The EP [Reach]

SINGLES
Drew & Ellie Holcomb High Seas - Single [Magnolia]
Sleeping At Last Let It Snow - Single (independent)

This Thursday, November 21, 2024
ALBUMS
The Choir Translucent (independent)

SINGLES
Wilder Woods Curioso [Dualtone]

This Friday, November 22, 2024
ALBUMS
Coqui I'll Still Have Christmas Day - EP [DREAM]
for KING & COUNTRY A Drummer Boy Christmas (LIVE) [Curb]
The Kingsmen Decades: Vol. 3 & 4 [Horizon]
Jonathan McReynolds Red & Green - EP [Capitol CMG/Motown]
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
R.kitect Vicious Circles - EP (independent)
Run51 Let's Celebrate - EP [DREAM]
Van Zant Always Look Up [Frontiers Music]

SINGLES
7eventh Time Down I Speak Jesus - Single [BEC]
99 APEX Find A Way Freestyle - Single [Syntax]
Cory Asbury You're Still The One - Single [BEC]
Ashes Remain Lost Light - Single [BEC]
Paul Baloche Angels We Have Heard On High/Glorious (feat. Sarah Kroger) - Single [Integrity]
Elan Brio Sun Rays - Single (independent)
Amy Jay And So It Goes - Single (independent)
Jericko Holy Ground - Single [Syntax]
Reece Lache' Energy - Single (independent)
Vic Lucas Presha - Single [Syntax]
Cliff & Antoinette Murray O Emanuel - Single [DREAM]
Procyse, Dave A. You’re Not Free - Single [Polished Arrow]
River Valley Worship This is Our Jesus (feat. Moriah Christian) - Single [BEC]
Vineyard Worship Royal Son - Single [Integrity]

VINYL
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]

Next Thursday, November 28, 2024
VINYL
Van Zant Always Look Up Vinyl [Girder]

Next Friday, November 29, 2024
ALBUMS
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) [Flatiron]
Thrive Worship Christmas, Vol. 2 - EP [Integrity]

SINGLES
ICF Worship Light of the World - Single [Integrity]
Selah Glory Hallelujah (feat. Mike Weaver) - Single [Integrity]
Slow Salvation The Ghost of Christmas Past - Single [Velvet Blue]
Uche Agu, Revival Today Worship Medley of Hymns - Single [DREAM]

VINYL
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) Vinyl (Record Store Day Exclusive!) [Flatiron]



For all release dates, click here!
 



Check out the new album from Taylor Holland Armstrong!



Listen to the new Single from Second Adam and the New Creations!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images