CD Review
This review was originally written by Jose Bernardo for www.theweeklyriff.com between 2008 and 2010.
These were Jose’s first impressions of the songs and were not written after multiple spins.
Artist: August Burns Red
Album: Constellations (2009 Solid State)
Tracks: 12
Artist website: http://www.augustburnsred.com/
OVERVIEW
This was probably the first Metalcore album we’ve reviewed. (Apologies if we have reviewed metalcore and not noticed it.) The first thing we noticed is how powerful the drums are! We liked this very much. It’s almost like taking the energy of punk and mixing it with the heaviness of metal and deathmetal.
Constellations is the third album for the Lancaster, Pennsylvania quintet. There is great energy on this album. This album is well balanced. We really enjoyed this album.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Thirty and Seven
PLAY BY PLAY
Track 1 – Thirty and Seven
Very cool riffs. The drums are amazing.
Track 2 – Existence
Amazing drums again! How does Matt Greiner play so fast?
Track 3 – Oceans Of Apathy
Cool track. Heavy with really nice mellow moments!
Track 4 – White Washed
This has a very modern metal sound to it. Reminded me of Slipknot in places.
Track 5 – Marianas Trench
There are very pretty and mellow melodies here. The band does manage to keep it pretty heavy though when the vocals return. Good stuff.
Track 6 – The Escape Artist
Very cool!
Track 7 – Indonesia
We didn’t really dig this tune and we don’t know why. Just wasn’t clicking. Maybe in the future. It’s not a bad track, nor can we really find anything wrong with it. Just not clicking.
Track 8 – Paradox
Again, nothing wrong with this track, just not feeling it.
Track 9 – Meridian
Really nice, mellow and dreamy.
Track 10 – Rationalist
Really heavy.
Track 11 – Meddler
Meh.
Track 12 – Crusades
Not bad.