Written By: Kris Welch

August Burns Red put themselves on the map six years ago as a group of young, flip-flop wearing musicians, naive and new to the industry. And while they didn’t quite fit the mold, their obvious talent was impossible to overlook or ignore. Since then, they have become known as one of the most unique metal bands out there. One may wonder, how has there been such success and longevity when all the odds are against them? Well… “We build with our hands what we have in our hearts.” (Empire) That’s it. The heart behind August Burns Red is what truly sets them apart. While metal music has been around for decades, they are undoubtedly pioneers of a new branch of this genre. They are constantly pushing the envelope and stretching their creative boundaries, musically and vocally. They have established their own rules to play by and refuse to be bound by a redundant sound that most bands entrap themselves in. August Burns Red is a breath of fresh air in an otherwise dull and fading scene.

The newest expedition that they have embarked on is Leveler. They’ve managed to, yet again; bring something new to the table. Leveler is a passionate, thought-provoking album that brings you through an array of emotions from start to finish. August Burns Red have incorporated unique elements (and made them work) that one would otherwise believe impossible upon first glance. Mariachi? Melodic guitars? How in the world? And while this may raise concerns that ABR is “mellowing out,” they still have their distinctive breakdowns and catchy riffs amidst it all. They remain true to their roots but with consistent progression. Leveler also includes more relevant and shamefully honest lyrics than any album to date. The advancement of lyrical content came effortlessly since experience, naturally, increases as you venture through life. Vocalist Jake Luhrs explained that he “often writes lyrics for himself, is singing to himself” and appreciates the accountability in that. The album contains a range of topics, from addiction and depression to strength, joy and everything in between.

At this point in their career, they have the option to coast. (I understand this is a taboo subject, but we have all known of a band to do this at some point.) One of the most admirable qualities of August Burns Red is that they choose not to do that. Moreover, they have a desire for constant growth and evolvement, and are willing to do whatever is necessary to ensure that happens.

Their goal is simple: to reach out, inspire, and encourage others. Leveler is sending a message of strength, as well as challenging the listeners to rebuild these “leveled” areas of their lives. Not only is ABR breaking new ground and “leveling” any stereotypes along the way, but they are making a difference. A positive one. August Burns Red is a force to be reckoned with, impacting nations and bettering the lives of others through their music.

“Our footsteps, bringing purpose, changing history.”

How do you hope to see Leveler impact your fans?

Jacob Luhrs: I would hope that our lyrics would inspire our fans to stay strong in whatever they are currently going through and to overcome all that stands in their way. I’d hope that the music is exciting and fun to listen to and, overall, that they enjoy the music for what it is.

What is the message you are trying to send to your fans with Leveler?

JL: There are many messages in Leveler, but the main message is to overcome! Overcome addictions, find forgiveness by means of overcoming hatred or pride, overcoming pain that you’ve inflicted on others, overcoming your own personal struggles and problems that only you are responsible for. There’s a strong message of our faith in this record as well. I am a follower of Christ and He influences my lyrics in a massive way.

Any unique or interesting stories while recording?

JL: Mmm I don’t know. Apparently there’s a huge bear that lives near [Jason] Suceof’s neighborhood. The bear likes to come through the neighborhood and eat peoples’ trash. Suceof has encountered the bear and has spray on his bicycle to keep the bear away from him while riding around. (Laughs) Other than that, no big stories while we were recording. It was pretty much straight business.

You chose to work with the same producer, Jason Suceof, again for this album. What was different this time?

JL: There wasn’t much different as far as our routine in the recording process. However, Jason was a huge influence on this album vocally and with percussions. I see Jason as a prodigy and he definitely has an ear for our genre. This recording process has been a blast and Jason is a top notch producer.

ABR is constantly pushing the boundaries musically, do you feel you did this lyrically? Ex. more vulnerability, more cutthroat, etc.

JL: Yes, a lot of what I’ve written on this record are things that took some guts for me to talk about. Some of the things I’m writing about are very personal to my life, however I tried to make the lyrics a bit ambiguous as to what it’s exactly about. I definitely use some strong language to try and inflict the seriousness of the message.

How does Leveler, if at all, reflect your personal life?

Matt Greiner: “Leveler” is another name for God; a scope through which I view Him redeeming the world for His own glory. I look at the way things are without Christ, a life filled with pain and corruption, a world that has fallen well short of its intended design. God promises to level the narrow road using the sin of the world as “fill”. The kingdom of Heaven is designed to come to earth. I see it in my own life, I see it in other’s lives. “Leveler” shows signs of natural disasters with elements of the “calm after the storm”. This is a record about restoration with songs of revival.

Any struggles with the lyrical content or did the writing process flow pretty effortlessly?

MG: It was easy to write lyrics for Leveler as all 5 members of ABR helped in contributing ideas. With over two years to write lyrics, we had a great selection to pick from. Writing good lyrics is just a matter of capturing real life experiences in a real set of words. Living life on the road in between writing albums has its share of traumatic experiences, incredible people and even heartbreak. Touring isn’t easy, coming home can be strange, and leaving is often hardest, all creating dynamics for inspiring and relevant lyrics for the masses!

Is this your proudest record you’ve put out to date?

MG: Yes, I think it is. I think it’s hard to be most proud of any of our lyrics on any of our albums as they are all relative to special times in our lives. I however am most proud of the music on Leveler! There is a Mariachi section, lots of groove parts, crazy screaming rants, even some anthem like gang-vocals. I feel honored to be playing with other musicians that are capable of producing heavy music that’s not “matted” to any specific sound.

What are ABR’s plans for Leveler once it drops on June 21st?

MG: I’m actually doing this interview in a dressing room in Moscow, Russia, our first stop on a two week European tour! We are also playing Finland, Greece and Germany before going home for a week and embarking on the Van’s Warped Tour, which starts a few days after our album drops and ends on August 13. Pick up Leveler on June 21!!!