Guardians

Released in April 2020, Guardians represents the ninth studio effort from Pennsylvania metalcore stalwarts August Burns Red. While many of their peers moved toward radio-friendly choruses or industrial experimentation, ABR doubled down on the technical proficiency and 'positive metalcore' ethos that defined their career. The album is notable for its refined balance between the crushing heaviness of tracks like 'Bloodletter' and the expansive, almost progressive arrangements of the closer 'Three Fountains.' Critics, including those at AllMusic, noted the band's ability to maintain their signature sound while subtly expanding their palette with more prominent bass lines and melodic leads. Recorded with long-time producers Carson Slovak and Grant McFarland, the album's sonic character is defined by its 'wall of sound' production and Matt Greiner's standout percussion work. It solidified their position as the gold standard for technical consistency in the American metal scene.