Metalcore is kind of a tired, done to death sub-genre these days, even by the admission of some of its exponents. It was cool, awesome even, in 2004 when Killswitch Engage released The End of Heartache, but it’s very difficult to do anything different within the sub-genre’s very set format in 2013, and bands that attempt to do so are to be admired.
Pennsylvania’s August Burns Red are one such band. From almost the outset, track two Treatment in fact, the band throw some experimentation into the mix. In this case it’s a brief interlude featuring a little, almost flamenco-esque guitar and some strings. Spirit Breaker opens with a quiet, atmospheric bassline and more strings before exploding. Then there’s the heavily drum driven Creative Captivity, which has a long and expansive instrumental intro, no traditionally structured vocals/lyrics and more Mexican influence (horns this time), and is very different for a metalcore act.
Does it all work? On the most part, it does. The problem lies in the fact that when they’re not throwing these experimental moments in, they still sound similar to a dozen other metalcore acts doing the rounds at the moment. But, many kudos to them for trying to break the mould a little. That takes guts when you take into account the conservatism and narrow mindedness of the average modern heavy music fan.
Rescue and Restore is a solid effort, and will still very much appeal to metalcore fans the world over. It’s heavy and melodic in all the right places, the experimental touches just add some much needed colour to the landscape.
BY ROD WHITFIELD
Best Track: Creative Captivity
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, ALL THAT REMAINS, PARKWAY DRIVE
In a Word: Brave
