Christmas Burns Red 2024 Kicked Off Day One With Explosive Holiday Spirit
August Burns Red’s annual Christmas Burns Red Festival in Lancaster, PA, has become a cherished holiday tradition within the metalcore and hardcore communities. Launched in 2010, the festival celebrates the band’s Pennsylvania roots and their strong connection to their fanbase. What began as a single-day event at a local venue has evolved into a multi-day spectacle, featuring powerhouse lineups that draw fans from across the country. Over the years, it has grown not only in scale but also in cultural significance, blending the raw energy of metalcore with a festive holiday atmosphere. From intricate light shows to themed merchandise and a sense of camaraderie among attendees, Christmas Burns Red offers a unique way to close out the year for both the band and their devoted followers.
This year’s lineup promises to be one of the most electrifying yet, with metalcore giants ERRA, The Devil Wears Prada, and The Ghost Inside joining the bill alongside August Burns Red. Each of these bands brings their own dynamic energy to the festival, from ERRA’s intricate and melodic technicality to The Devil Wears Prada’s visceral breakdowns and emotionally charged lyrics. The Ghost Inside’s return to live stages after their incredible comeback story adds a layer of inspiration to the event. Along with a mix of rising stars and established acts, this year’s festival solidifies itself as a must-attend for heavy music fans. Set against the backdrop of Lancaster’s winter charm, Christmas Burns Red 2024 will undoubtedly continue its legacy as one of the most memorable events of the year. Now, let’s walk through the doors of the Lancaster Convention Center for night one of this metalcore festivas.
Hillhaven’s performance was dynamic and emotive metalcore, showcasing their ability to balance aggression with melody. The band’s lineup, consisting of Ethan Cole on vocals, Mason Hart on lead guitar, Tyler Grant on rhythm guitar, Noah Banks on bass, and Jonah Reid on drums, displayed tight musicianship and undeniable chemistry on stage. They opened with “The God You Think You Are,” a blistering track that immediately captured the audience’s attention with Ethan’s raw, guttural screams and Mason’s soaring guitar leads. The energy continued through “Gaps,” a song that brought a hauntingly melodic edge, with Tyler and Noah weaving intricate rhythms that underscored the emotional depth of the lyrics. The crowd was particularly drawn into the performance during “Temple & Tomb,” a highlight of the set that combined devastating breakdowns with Jonah’s precise, thunderous drumming.
As the set progressed, Hillhaven maintained a high level of intensity, driving the crowd into a frenzy during “This Time Tomorrow,” a track that showcased their knack for infectious hooks paired with crushing heaviness. Ethan’s commanding stage presence shone through as he led the audience in sing-alongs and headbanging moments. They closed their set with “Sycophants,” a fan favorite that epitomized the band’s ability to channel raw emotion through punishing riffs and anthemic choruses. The song’s explosive outro was met with deafening applause, solidifying Hillhaven as a band capable of delivering not just a performance but an experience. It was a set that left the crowd hungry for more and proved why Hillhaven is a rising force in the metalcore scene.
Deadland’s performance was explosive blending crushing heaviness with experimental electronic elements that pushed the boundaries of metalcore. The band, composed of Kayla Karlsen on vocals, CJ Arey on guitar, and Kyle O’Braitis on drums, brought an intense and polished set that showcased their versatility. They opened with “Villain,” an anthem of defiance that had the crowd roaring from the first note. Alex’s guttural roars and piercing highs were matched by Karlsen’s searing leads and O’Braitis’s relentless drumwork, creating a wall of sound that set the tone for the night. Following this, “Crushed” delivered a perfect balance of groove and aggression, with Kyle and Arey locking in tight, pummeling rhythms that had the pit in chaos.
Midway through the set, Deadland dropped “Dead Weight,” a fan favorite that combined eerie atmospheric passages with devastating breakdowns. The interplay between Cj’s intricate guitar work and O’Braitis’s thunderous basslines added a haunting dynamic, while Kayla’s raw delivery brought an emotional weight that resonated deeply with the crowd. “Final Judgement” followed, upping the intensity with its punishing tempo and incendiary riffs, leaving the audience breathless. However, the highlight of the set was their unexpected “Dubstep Remix of Zak Fallen,” a reimagined version of their earlier hit. Blending Kyle’s precise drumming with pulsating electronic drops and glitchy synth layers, this remix created a unique, high-energy moment that had the crowd dancing and headbanging in unison, showcasing Deadland’s fearless experimentation.
To close their set, Deadland delivered a massive performance of “House of Cards,” a track that epitomizes their ability to blend melody with crushing heaviness. The soaring, melancholic chorus provided a moment of catharsis before launching into a breakdown so powerful it seemed to shake the venue. The entire band was firing on all cylinders, with Alex commanding the stage and the rest of the group locked into perfect synchronization. As the final notes echoed through the venue, the crowd erupted into cheers, cementing Deadland’s performance as one of the most memorable of the night. Their set proved they are not just a band to watch but a force to be reckoned with in the modern metalcore scene.
Bodysnatcher’s performance was a relentless display of crushing brutality and unfiltered emotion, leaving the audience in awe of their raw power. The band—consisting of Kyle Medina on vocals, Kyle Carter on rhythm guitar, Kyle Shope on bass, and Chris Whited on drums—set the tone with their ferocious opener, “King of the Rats.” Kyle Medina’s guttural roars pierced through the venue as Carter and Shope delivered thunderous riffs, while Whited’s precise, pulverizing drumming acted as the backbone of their sound. The energy was palpable as the crowd erupted into chaos, with the band’s unrelenting heaviness whipping the mosh pit into a frenzy.
“Dead Rabbit” followed, delivering a visceral punch with its groove-heavy breakdowns and eerie atmospheric undertones. Medina’s ability to channel raw emotion into his vocal delivery shone here, as the lyrics resonated deeply with the crowd. The energy continued to build with “Behind the Crowd,” a track that showcased Whited’s dynamic drumming and Shope’s massive bass tone, creating a crushing rhythm section that sent shockwaves through the venue. When the band launched into “Infest,” the sheer intensity of the performance hit its peak, with Carter’s razor-sharp riffs leading the charge and the audience responding with furious headbanging and stage dives.
The set’s finale was a masterclass in devastation, starting with the emotionally charged “Take Me to Hell,” which brought a darker, more introspective tone to the performance. “Twelve/Seventeen” followed, its relentless pacing and cathartic breakdowns creating an unforgettable moment of catharsis. Finally, the band closed with “Murder8,” a track that epitomizes Bodysnatcher’s ability to balance aggression and precision. The pit reached its breaking point as Medina commanded the stage, delivering every line with searing intensity. The synergy among the band members was undeniable, and their connection with the audience solidified Bodysnatcher’s reputation as one of the most formidable acts in modern deathcore. Their performance was not just a show but an experience—a visceral journey that left the crowd craving more.
Moving through the lineup, we notch ourselves up to the fan favorites in ERRA. Their technical prowess and emotional intensity, showcasing their unique blend of progressive metalcore and atmospheric melodies. The band, featuring JT Cavey on unclean vocals, Jesse Cash on clean vocals and guitar, Clint Tustin on guitar, Conor Hesse on bass, and Alex Ballew on drums, opened with the thunderous track “Cure.” JT’s ferocious growls and Jesse’s soaring cleans immediately captivated the crowd, while the intricate interplay between Sean’s dynamic riffs and Conor’s deep basslines created a layered sonic experience. The energy in the room surged as the band transitioned into “Crawl Backwards Out of Heaven,” a powerful number that showcased Alex’s precise, hard-hitting drumming and the band’s ability to seamlessly balance heaviness with haunting melodies.
The momentum continued with “Gungrave,” a fan favorite that had the audience erupting into mosh pits and screaming along to every word. The song’s intricate guitar work highlighted Jesse and Clint’s synergy, weaving complex melodies with crushing riffs, while JT’s commanding stage presence kept the crowd fully engaged. Midway through their set, the band played “Drift,” an anthemic track that brought a wave of nostalgia, drawing in long-time fans. The emotionally charged performance of “Idle Wild” followed, with Jesse’s heartfelt cleans resonating deeply and creating a stunning contrast to JT’s aggressive vocals. The immersive atmosphere was heightened by the band’s flawless execution, leaving the audience mesmerized.
As the set reached its climax, ERRA unleashed a trio of unforgettable songs. “Skyline” and “Slow Sour Bleed” showcased the band’s experimental side, with ambient passages and soaring choruses that swept through the venue like a tidal wave of emotion. The finale, “Snowblood,” was an explosive closer that encapsulated everything ERRA stands for—relentless energy, technical brilliance, and raw emotional power. The pit went wild during the song’s crushing breakdowns, while the ethereal melodies provided a sense of catharsis. The band’s performance was a true spectacle, leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement and reaffirming ERRA’s status as one of the most innovative and impactful acts in modern metalcore.
Next, Devil Wears Prada delivered a blistering performance that showcased their ability to balance chaos and melody with masterful precision. Kicking off their set with “Watchtower,”, immediately ignited the crowd into a frenzy. Hranica’s guttural screams cut through the air like a knife, while DePoyster’s soaring cleans and Kyle’s razor-sharp riffs created a perfect juxtaposition of aggression and harmony. Capolupo’s drumming was relentless, setting a breakneck pace that sent waves of energy through the venue. From the first breakdown to the final note, “Watchtower” was a declaration that The Devil Wears Prada had come to dominate.
Following the explosive opener, the band launched into “Danger: Wildman,” a fan favorite from With Roots Above and Branches Below. The audience erupted with screams and flailing limbs as Hranica’s commanding stage presence turned the venue into pure controlled chaos. Mason’s thundering basslines added a deeper, darker edge to the track, while Jeremy’s melodic interludes gave the song its iconic dynamic shifts. The momentum kept building with “Born to Lose,” an anthem that displayed the band’s more modern and refined sound, complete with soaring choruses and breakdowns that left the pit churning. Each member was locked in perfectly, moving as a single unit, and the synergy between Jeremy and Mike on vocals created a powerful back-and-forth that resonated deeply with the crowd.
Midway through the set, The Devil Wears Prada brought a touch of melancholy with “Salt” and “Chemical,” two tracks that highlighted their evolution into a more atmospheric and emotionally-driven sound. “Salt” delivered a crushing blend of melody and heaviness, with Jeremy’s clean vocals carrying an aching beauty that contrasted perfectly with Mike’s tortured screams. Meanwhile, “Chemical” brought a haunting, introspective atmosphere to the stage, featuring shimmering guitar melodies and a slower, more deliberate tempo that had fans swaying and singing along passionately. Both songs showcased the band’s ability to push their sonic boundaries while still holding true to their roots.
The band closed their set with an unforgettable one-two punch, beginning with “Sacrifice,” an explosive track driven by Giuseppe’s ferocious drumming and Kyle’s razor-sharp guitar work. Hranica prowled the stage, his visceral delivery pulling every ounce of energy from the audience. The night culminated with “Hey John, What’s Your Name Again,” a legendary track that sent fans into an absolute frenzy. As the opening notes hit, the crowd erupted, screaming every word back to the band. The breakdowns were punishing, with Mason’s crushing bass shaking the venue and Giuseppe’s precision on drums anchoring the chaos. Hranica and DePoyster’s chemistry brought the performance to a climactic close, leaving the audience breathless and exhilarated. The Devil Wears Prada’s set was nothing short of phenomenal—a perfect blend of nostalgia, modern intensity, and raw emotion that reminded everyone why they remain a dominant force in metalcore.
And now, for the main event. Through the darkness and elevating smoke coming from the stage, the all but too familiar sounds of System of A Down’s staple track “Chop Suey” extends through the room. As the track plays on, the band, consisting of Jake Luhrs on vocals, JB Brubaker on lead guitar, Brent Rambler on rhythm guitar, Dustin Davidson on bass, and Matt Greiner on drums, took the stage to thunderous cheers from the packed crowd. They wasted no time diving into their blistering rendition of “Chop Suey,” a tribute to System of a Down that instantly set the tone for the night. Jake Luhrs delivered the powerful vocals with precision and intensity, while JB’s intricate guitar leads gave the track a fresh ABR spin. The audience erupted, singing along passionately as the band built momentum for what would be a thrilling set.
The energy carried seamlessly into “Paramount,” a fan-favorite from their Guardians album. JB and Brent’s riff-heavy attack blended flawlessly with Matt Greiner’s thunderous double bass drumming, creating a sonic force that had the crowd moving in unison. Luhrs’ vocal delivery was commanding, and the pit was relentless, feeding off the band’s unyielding energy. This was followed by the emotional weight of “The Eleventh Hour,” where the band brought a more melodic intensity to the stage. Dustin Davidson’s basslines anchored the performance, providing a perfect balance to JB’s soaring leads and Greiner’s precision behind the kit. The crowd swayed and sang along, fully immersed in the powerful atmosphere.
As the set progressed, “Empire” hit with an unrelenting force, bringing a tidal wave of breakdowns and groove-laden riffs that sent the pit into a frenzy. Brent Rambler’s rhythm guitar work drove the crushing intensity, while JB’s leads added a progressive flair that elevated the track’s power. The crowd erupted once again as the band launched into “Carpe Diem,” complete with synchronized pyrotechnics that lit up the venue, perfectly timed to the song’s explosive climaxes. The fire and flashing lights intensified the spectacle, creating a visceral experience that matched the song’s weight. The Christmas spirit then made its first playful appearance with “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” a metalcore twist on the holiday classic. Fans beamed with delight as the band delivered the festive tune with their signature heavy touch, blending technicality with an unmistakable sense of fun.
August Burns Red brought the energy back to blistering levels with “Bloodletter,” a punishing track that saw pyrotechnics erupting at every breakdown. Luhrs prowled the stage, delivering guttural roars that reverberated through the venue, while Greiner’s drumwork carried the band’s relentless pace. The crowd roared back every lyric, feeding off the fiery spectacle as the mosh pit reached its peak intensity. “Backfire” kept the adrenaline flowing with its crushing breakdowns and intricate transitions, further showcasing the band’s technical precision. A shift in mood came with “Frosty the Snowman,” another playful nod to the season. The song provided a brief but welcome reprieve, as fans cheered and clapped along to the high-energy, festive rendition.
The climactic stretch of the set saw the band pull out all the stops, beginning with “Exhumed,” where pyrotechnics once again took center stage, exploding in perfect rhythm to the band’s crushing riffs and Luhrs’ roaring vocals. The atmospheric layers in the song added a haunting touch, contrasting beautifully with the visual intensity of the flames. The crowd erupted into cheers as August Burns Red then transitioned into “Invisible Enemy.” The song’s relentless tempo and technical flourishes were delivered flawlessly, showcasing JB’s masterful lead guitar work and Greiner’s drumming acrobatics. As a final pre-encore highlight, the band played “Ghosts,” a fan-favorite that showcased Luhrs’ emotional range and Davidson’s melodic basslines. The interplay between heaviness and melody brought a moment of catharsis for the crowd, who sang along passionately.
After a brief departure, August Burns Red returned for a two-song encore that elevated the night to legendary status. They opened with their iconic instrumental rendition of “Carol of the Bells,” a staple of their Christmas Burns Red performances. The song’s flawless execution and intricate guitar work created a breathtaking, cinematic moment, enhanced by the visual spectacle of synchronized lights and pyrotechnics. To close the night, the band delivered “White Washed,” a fan-favorite anthem that brought the set to a triumphant conclusion. The explosive pyrotechnics, synchronized to every crushing breakdown and riff, turned the performance into a true spectacle, leaving fans in awe. The entire band played with incredible energy and chemistry, feeding off the crowd’s enthusiasm as the final notes rang out. August Burns Red’s set at Christmas Burns Red wasn’t just a concert—it was an experience, a celebration of both their artistry and the festive spirit that has defined this annual tradition for over a decade.
