August Burns Red Kicked Off Their Annual Christmas Burns Red Shows With Their Blend Of Holiday Themed Insanity
Welcome to the electrifying realm of metal mayhem, where Christmas carols take a backseat and headbanging becomes the language of celebration. Day 1 of August Burns Red’s annual Christmas Burns Red Festival unleashed a sonic onslaught that left the audience exhilarated and craving for more. The lineup was a formidable force, featuring powerhouse performances from Once Nothing, Crystal, Spite, Brand of Sacrifice, and the much-anticipated reunion of Texas in July. Each band brought its unique flair to the stage, weaving a tapestry of heavy riffs, thunderous drums, and guttural vocals that reverberated through the night. The air was charged with energy, setting the tone for a festival that promised to be nothing short of a metalhead’s holiday extravaganza.
Once Nothing stormed the stage at Christmas Burns Red with an explosive performance that ignited the crowd into a frenzy. Frontman Todd Lowry led the charge with his powerful and dynamic vocals, effortlessly navigating between guttural growls and melodic highs. Guitarists Alex Gold and Steve Lucarelli unleashed a barrage of intricate riffs and face-melting solos, while bassist Chris Smith and drummer Josh Branas anchored the sonic onslaught with precision and intensity. Once Nothing’s setlist was a sonic rollercoaster, featuring fan favorites like “Darkest Days,” “Whiskey Breath,” and “For Memories.” The band’s tight musicianship and raw energy created an immersive experience that left the audience craving more, setting the bar high for the rest of Christmas Burns Red’s explosive lineup.
Crystal Lake’s performance was nothing short of a sonic revelation, leaving the audience breathless and in awe of their ferocious musical prowess. Ryo Kinoshita, the charismatic frontman, commanded the stage with an electrifying presence, seamlessly transitioning between brutal growls and soaring cleans. Guitarists Shinya Hori and Yudai Miyamoto unleashed a torrent of crushing riffs and intricate melodies, while bassist Mitsuru and drummer Gaku Taura provided a thunderous rhythmic foundation that shook the venue to its core. The setlist was a relentless assault, featuring standout tracks like “Mephisto,” “Disobey,” and “Apollo.” Crystal Lake’s seamless blend of metalcore and electronic elements created a captivating atmosphere, with each song hitting like a sonic punch to the gut. Their unwavering energy and technical proficiency solidified their status as a force to be reckoned with, making their performance a standout highlight of Christmas Burns Red.
Brand of Sacrifice’s performance at Christmas Burns Red was a visceral and unrelenting journey into the depths of extreme metal. Fronted by the formidable Kyle Anderson, whose guttural growls and commanding stage presence demanded attention, the band delivered a sonic assault that left the audience in awe. Guitarists Michael Leo Valeri and Michael Debije showcased their technical prowess with precision, weaving a tapestry of crushing riffs and intricate melodies. The rhythm section, comprised of bassist Dallas Bricker and drummer Liam Beeson, provided a relentless and thunderous backbone to the onslaught. The setlist was a relentless barrage, featuring standout tracks like “Demon King,” “Lifeblood,” and “Eclipse.” Brand of Sacrifice’s fusion of deathcore brutality and symphonic elements created an atmosphere that was both menacing and captivating, making their performance a standout highlight of Christmas Burns Red.
The reunion of Texas In July at Christmas Burns Red was a triumphant resurrection of a metalcore juggernaut, and the crowd was transported into a state of euphoria as they witnessed the band’s rekindled energy. Frontman J.T. Cavey, now known for his role in Erra, returned to his roots with a charismatic and powerful stage presence. The chemistry between guitarists Chris Davis and Christian Royer was palpable, their dueling riffs and harmonies weaving a sonic tapestry that resonated with the crowd’s collective memory of the band’s heyday. Ben Witkowski’s bass lines and the thunderous drumming of Adam Gray provided a solid foundation for the band’s dynamic sound. The setlist was a meticulously curated journey through Texas In July’s discography, featuring fan favorites like “Bed of Nails,” “Bloodwork,” and the anthemic “Hook, Line, and Sinner.” The crowd’s enthusiastic response, marked by sing-alongs and mosh pits, underscored the band’s enduring impact on the metalcore community.
As Texas In July progressed through their set, there was a tangible sense of nostalgia in the air, and the reunion felt like a musical time capsule unlocking cherished memories for long-time fans. As a special surprise to the fans, Texas In July brought out original front man Alex Good for the fan favorite “Elements”, who was met with a deafening ovation from the diehards in attendance. The seamless transition between melodic passages and crushing breakdowns showcased the band’s versatility and mastery of the genre. Texas In July’s performance was not just a trip down memory lane; it was a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of a band whose influence continues to resonate. The reunion at Christmas Burns Red was a celebration of the past, a reminder of the band’s lasting legacy, and a testament to the timelessness of their music within the hearts of their dedicated fanbase.
The climax of Christmas Burns Red unfolded with August Burns Red taking the stage, turning the venue into a sonic battleground. Frontman Jake Luhrs’ commanding presence led the charge, his visceral growls and captivating stage persona immediately seizing the audience’s attention. Guitarists JB Brubaker and Brent Rambler executed flawless harmonies and ferocious riffs, with bassist Dustin Davidson and drummer Matt Greiner forming a rhythm section that laid the foundation for the band’s technical precision.
The set opened with the relentless onslaught of “Provision,” setting an intense tone that would persist throughout the night. The crowd was thrown into a frenzy as the band transitioned seamlessly into the bone-crushing grooves of “Treatment” and the anthemic “Spirit Breaker.” August Burns Red’s ability to blend melody with unbridled aggression was on full display during “Creative Captivity,” showcasing the band’s dynamic range and musical finesse.
As the night unfolded, the band delved into fan favorites like “Fault Line” and the emotionally charged “Beauty in Tragedy,” each song met with thunderous approval from the crowd. The intricate guitar work and Greiner’s precise drumming added layers of intensity to the performance, creating an immersive experience that transcended the typical concert atmosphere. A standout moment occurred when Jake Luhrs, in the spirit of giving, threw wrapped presents into the ecstatic crowd, adding an unexpected and festive touch to the evening.
The pinnacle of the evening arrived with the encore, a masterful sequence that began with the hauntingly beautiful rendition of “Carol of the Bells,” showcasing the band’s ability to infuse holiday spirit into their metalcore mastery. The intensity reached a crescendo with “Bloodletter” and “Composure,” unleashing a torrent of energy that left the audience exhilarated. The familiar strains of “White Washed” brought the night to a climactic close, and as the final notes resonated through the venue, confetti exploded from the stage, showering the crowd in a visual spectacle that mirrored the auditory one. As the confetti settled and the echoes of the final chords lingered, it was evident that August Burns Red had once again solidified their status as masters of their craft, leaving an indelible mark on the memories of those fortunate enough to witness their triumphant performance.
August Burns Red’s performance at Christmas Burns Red wasn’t just a concert; it was a sonic celebration, a cathartic experience that blended holiday cheer with metalcore ferocity. And this was only the beginning!
