This video made me buy August Burns Red’s album “Messengers”. I guess Solid State Records have successfully marketed this band. Just look at the number of views this video alone has got: ~ 900,000 hits. That opening riff is one of those lovely “build-up” intro I heard in a long time. That stuck in my head for one whole day- my brain had recorded the riff and put it in repeat. The drummer of this band is one of those guys that remind you throughout the song that it is because of him alone that the song sounds awesome. All the riffs and screaming would amount to nothing if there wasn’t this drummer doing his thing. As a guitarist it gives you a humbling thought. Matt Greiner, I salute you.
The album is a very good specimen of Modern Metal. One criticism is that 10 out of 11 songs kinda sounded similar in structure with that ever-present short pause between the Intro and the Verse adding to the monotony. Other than that, the guitarists are literal riff machines! Each song has at least 10 riffs–it leaves your head spinning as you come to terms with them.
I’m pleased that the band is coming to UK on a headlining tour. W00t! London, November ‘08 here I come!
