August Burns Red: “Season of Surrender” Album Review
I’ll never forget my first time seeing August Burns Red, in the youth auditorium at LCBC Church in Manheim, PA. They were just five scrawny teenagers screaming into a mic with a ruthless ambition to rock. Fast forward to 2026, they’re one of the top bands in the metal scene today. They've recently released their eleventh studio release, Season of Surrender off of Fearless Records. This is their first release through Fearless since 2020 (Guardians). The anticipation was high as fans waited for the new album to drop.
Seasons of Surrender Album Review:
Tracks: 11
Length: 44:44
Release Date: June 5, 2026
Label: Fearless Records
Seasons of Surrender comes right out of the gate hammering hard with “Legions.” Jake Luhrs and Mike Hranica (of The Devil Wears Prada) provide complimenting screams. Upon hearing the combo of Mike’s screams and cleans gave me flashbacks to the vocal style that was provided on TDWP’s Zombie EP (one of the best EPs of all-time). I didn’t know that Jake could get that low and guttural. The deathcore breakdown made my jaw drop on first listen. The pairing of Jake’s low growls with Matt Greiner’s double bass obliteration is absolutely insane.
“Heartless narcissist. I whistle to the melody of your cries. I am a labyrinth. You’re never getting out alive.”
The song title “Legions” is also used in the bible when Jesus comes face to face with the possessed man by the shore. Jesus asks for the name and the man says “our name is Legion.” Legion also is the name for many demons. The song illustrates the multiple demons that we face on a daily basis and they will work within every inch of their being to keep us distracted from God.
They continue going full throttle into “The Nameless.” The intricate guitar work and thunderous drum blasts consistently showcases why ABR is considered one of the best metalcore bands out there. JB Brubaker’s guitar solo continues to highlight how talented of a musician he is. The lyric “Worship and praise is all done in vain. When your oath leads to moral decay,” stands out because it says to me as a Christian that if we say that we’re a believer, then if we’re not living it out then it’s all done in vain. Our faith then becomes hypocrisy.
“Behemoth” was the band’s first single off this album back in February. When I first heard the single, it reminded me of our interview with Matt last year and how he said that the new album was going back to the Messenger days. This opening reflects that old-school influence. Jake’s buildup on the lyrics to the breakdown is incredible and at the beginning we get a beautiful “blegh.” The song is a roller coaster of emotions going from epic breakdowns to intricate guitar riffs.
“My legacy won’t be one of shame and silence. Your curse won’t seal my fate. But it cost you everything.” Unfortunately this is coming from a dark part of Jake’s story. This is Jake’s call to those who were abused as children to not let it define them and to rise above it.
“Den of Thieves” is a high octane ride from beginning to end. They start the song with meticulous guitar thrashing. The flow of Jake’s screams is a welcomed change as it sounded like a melody of screams from highs to lows. This song showcases what Matt can fully do on the drums and what JB can do on the guitar. ABR has always been known for their instrument technicality rather than their brutal chops but it is nice to hear both the technical aspect and the brutality. Matt seems to always be joking about training to do this song live because of its intensity, and it’s on fully display when you listen to it.
The next two songs featured guest vocals, as “Sonic Salvation” pairs Jake with Jamie Hails from Polaris and “Cerebral Malfunction” features Sean Harmanis & Alex Reade from Make Them Suffer. First, “Sonic Salvation” starts with simple guitar chords that I find reminiscent of something we would hear from For Today. The guitar solo is incredible and Matt continues to dominate on the drums. The gang vocals add a really nice touch with the commanding line “The soundtrack to my salvation.” Jamie Hails (Polaris) brings an attitude and vocal style that compliments Jake and makes the song even heavier.
“Cerebral Malfunction” sounds like it was intentionally crafted for the 2-step dancers in the pit, from the pulsating rhythm to the dynamic guitars. The intro has an incredible chugging bass line that highlights Dustin Davidson's talent as a musician. When you listen to it, you can't help but pluck along with him. The guttural screams coming from Sean and Alex helps provide additional depth. I especially like the calmer, reflective portion that pairs the subtle guitar chords with the simple drum pattern.
After the non-stop action in the first half of the album, we get a much needed slow down in “Tear of the Clouds.” The slow methodical guitar strums rolling along with the thunder drives the anticipation as the song shifts into high gear. This eases right into “Whispers Like Splinters.” When I first listened through the album, I didn’t even realize that it transitioned from “Tear of the Clouds” to the next track. That kind of seamless transition shows the high quality production work that was put into this song. The drums help start the song in high gear while Dustin and Jake go back and forth with the screams. Dustin offers a higher-pitch scream while Jake offers a low, gritty scream. JB and Brent Rambler build off each other between taking leads and adding that shredding sound. After listening through and reading the lyrics, this song sounds like a raw reflection about being misled in a relationship and having your trust mistaken.
“S.O.S.” sounds like a call back to albums like Constellations or Messengers. The opening drums hit that nostalgic longing. This release lives up to Matt’s interview last year, in which he noted the new album would sound like a blend of those two specific projects. We’re treated to that nasty double bass that we all know and love from Matt. Meanwhile, the build-up to the breakdown gets you ready to throw down and it does not disappoint. I love those moments where Jake gets really low and guttural in his scream register and I wish he would bring it out more. The sound adds to the variety that they bring.
“New Horizons” has a beginning that highlights everything this band brings from the guitars to the drums and shows why they’re one of the best metal bands in the world. If you’re a fan of guitar slides, there are plenty throughout the song. This is another great song that will get the pit moving with some 2-step groove. The breakdown is reminiscent of the low-key salsa breakdown from “Empire.” The song’s message is wrapped around dealing with grief and loss and knowing Jake’s heart and compassion for others, it was no surprise to hear the passion in Jake’s voice as it echoes the drive and mission that drives his non-profit, Heart Support.
“There is no plan for grief. Giving way to disbelief. Arguing endlessly into eternity…we will find our solace in the same horizons that you chased your whole life.”
While it stings to lose loved ones, this song takes that pain and puts it in a positive framework knowing that one day we will see them again.
The album wraps up with “Forged by Failure.” The guitar work is low-energy but still remains highly impactful. This is a stop and go song. It starts off slow with spoken word or pure instrumentals while the guitar quietly builds in the background, but then it shifts into thunderous vocals and some crazy, intense guitar work. It’s a roller coaster of emotion as you are hit in the face with the intense chord progression, but then you get those gentle moments where you can relax. I like the electronic elements that are drawn out to finish out the song and the album. It sounds like something that we would have heard straight out of the 80s.
We always anticipate an absolute knockout from the boys in August Burns Red. Through their impressive 20+ year run as a band, they have put out some chart-topping hits and albums while collecting award nominations. As expected, Season of Surrender knocks it way out of the park. JB and Brent showcase why they are one of the best guitar duos and Matt continues to shine as one of the best drummers in the world.
Jake’s lyrics and vocals highlight the passion that he puts into everything he can into the band. He wants to convey the message to his fan base that he truly loves them and cares for them and wants to see each person find their value and purpose in life. Jake draws from personal experience and his daily devotions to write about overcoming past abuse and trusting God to conquer sin and a painful history. There’s a lot of albums in contention for album of the year, at least in our opinion, and this one definitely deserves a mention!
