Christmas Burns Red Closes Out It’s Weekend Festival With Monumental Finale

 

Last night’s installment of Christmas Burns Red was nothing short of electric, leaving fans buzzing with adrenaline and holiday spirit. The crowd erupted as August Burns Red headlined their signature event, delivering a mesmerizing performance packed with bone-shattering riffs, explosive breakdowns, and an unparalleled stage presence. The room was alive with the synergy of fans screaming every lyric, basking in the band’s technical mastery and heartfelt interaction with their hometown audience. ERRA, The Devil Wears Prada, and several other stellar acts set the bar impossibly high with their unique blends of metalcore energy and emotional resonance, leaving fans both exhausted and exhilarated. Between the deafening cheers and the camaraderie shared among attendees, the energy was palpable—a testament to how Christmas Burns Red has become a sacred holiday tradition for metalcore enthusiasts.

As the festival’s final night approaches, anticipation has reached a fever pitch. Tonight’s lineup features heavy-hitting performances from bands like Gideon, whose ferocious energy promises to ignite the stage, and The Ghost Inside, whose triumphant return to the scene has been nothing short of inspiring. Their emotionally charged live set is sure to be a cathartic experience for fans, making this closing night all the more meaningful. Rounding out the weekend festival, August Burns Red is set to cap off the event with another powerhouse performance, ensuring the energy carries through until the final note. With a weekend of unforgettable memories already made, the crowd is ready to celebrate one last time—loudly, proudly, and together, as Christmas Burns Red delivers its final act of holiday magic.

If Not For Me would kick things off and delivered an unforgettable performance, showcasing their ability to balance raw emotion with blistering technicality. The Harrisburg, PA-based metalcore quartet—featuring Patrick Glover on vocals, Hayden Calhoun on guitar, Zac Allen on bass, and Cody Frain on drums—took the stage with a commanding presence, immediately captivating the crowd. They opened their set with the hard-hitting “Demons,” a track that perfectly encapsulates their signature sound of crushing riffs and haunting melodies. Patrick’s powerful vocal delivery alternated between searing screams and impassioned cleans, creating an electrifying dynamic that kept the audience hanging on every word.

The highlight of the night was the live debut of “Say It To My Face,” a ferocious anthem packed with unrelenting energy and sharp, groove-laden guitar work from Hayden. The crowd erupted in chaos, feeding off the intensity radiating from the stage. Tracks like “Blameless” and “Tragedy” showcased the band’s ability to seamlessly weave emotion into their heaviness, while “Feel Me Now” closed their set on a cathartic, high-energy note. Allen’s tight, thundering basslines and Ariel’s intricate drumming provided the foundation for the band’s relentless drive, anchoring their sound while amplifying its intensity. With every song, If Not For Me proved their place in the metalcore scene, leaving fans exhilarated and eager for more.

Orthodox delivered a blistering and emotionally raw performance that showcased their unrelenting energy and unique blend of hardcore and nu-metal influences. Frontman Adam Easterling commanded the stage with a fiery presence, his vocals ranging from guttural growls to piercing screams that channeled pure, unfiltered emotion. Guitarist Austin Evans unleashed a wall of ferocious riffs, blending dissonant tones and crushing grooves that gave the band’s sound its razor-sharp edge. Bassist Shiloh Krebs added a thunderous low end, locking in perfectly with drummer Mike White, whose dynamic and punishing rhythms propelled the set forward with unrelenting intensity. The band opened with “Head on a Spike,” a ferocious track that ignited the crowd into chaos and set the tone for the relentless energy that would follow.

Tracks like “Cave In” and “In The Dark” highlighted Orthodox’s ability to combine heaviness with introspective lyricism. “Cave In,” with its eerie atmosphere and crushing breakdowns, had the crowd roaring along to Adam’s emotionally charged delivery, while “In The Dark” showcased the band’s knack for building tension before unleashing sheer sonic fury. The standout moment of the set came with “Second Best,” a track that perfectly encapsulated the band’s mix of frustration and vulnerability. Austin’s guitar work added a haunting melodic layer, contrasting with the track’s devastatingly heavy moments, while Adam’s performance left the audience hanging on every anguished word.

As the set reached its climax, Orthodox unleashed fan favorites like “Body & Soul” and “The Anticipation,” both of which had the crowd surging in unison to the band’s crushing grooves and infectious energy. The final song, “The Other Side of the Nail,” was a cathartic closer, its emotionally raw lyrics resonating deeply with the audience as Adam poured every ounce of himself into the performance. The band’s tight musicianship and undeniable stage presence left a lasting impression, solidifying Orthodox as a powerful force in modern hardcore. With every note, they proved their ability to create music that is not only heavy but profoundly human, leaving the crowd exhilarated and deeply moved.

Boundaries delivered an unrelenting, emotionally charged performance that left the crowd absolutely floored. The Connecticut-based metalcore outfit, led by the visceral vocals of Matthew McDougal, brought raw intensity to every moment of their set. Guitarist Cory Brewer and bassist Ryan Broy unleashed crushing riffs and earth-shaking low end, while drummer Tim Sullivan kept the energy at a fever pitch with his precise yet chaotic rhythms. Opening with the explosive “Turned Hate Into Rage,” the band immediately set the tone for a night of cathartic aggression, with the crowd erupting into moshing and screaming along to every word. The energy in the room was palpable as Boundaries unleashed a tidal wave of fury and emotion.

Tracks like “Darkness Shared” and “Realize and Rebuild” showcased the band’s ability to seamlessly blend their heaviness with an undercurrent of melody, creating moments of tension and release that captivated the audience. One of the highlights of the set was “A Pale Light Lingers,” which featured a special guest appearance from Adam Easterling of Orthodox. His brutal guest vocals perfectly complemented Matthew’s searing delivery, making the song’s live rendition a standout moment that had the entire venue roaring in approval. As the performance continued, the band dove deeper into their emotionally raw material with songs like “I’d Rather Not Say,” which captured the feeling of inner turmoil with its heart-wrenching lyrics and hauntingly heavy breakdowns.

Boundaries closed their set with a devastating one-two punch of “Get Out” and “Easily Erased,” songs that embodied their signature blend of chaos and precision. “Get Out” had the crowd shouting the anthemic refrain in unison, while “Easily Erased” brought the house down with its pummeling breakdowns and relentless energy. The band’s stage presence was as gripping as their music, with Matthew’s connection to the audience being particularly profound—his emotional transparency and vulnerability making every word feel deeply personal. Boundaries proved themselves as a force to be reckoned with, delivering a performance that not only showcased their technical prowess but also their ability to channel pure emotion into every note. Fans walked away exhilarated, knowing they had witnessed something truly special.

Next, the hard hitters from Alabama Gideon delivered an explosive and unforgettable performance, proving why they are a dominant force in the hardcore and metalcore scene. Frontman Daniel McWhorter led the charge with his ferocious vocals, his commanding presence immediately captivating the crowd. Guitarist Tyler Riley unleashed an onslaught of punishing riffs and searing leads, while bassist Caleb DeRusha laid down thunderous grooves that shook the venue. Drummer Jake Smelley drove the band’s unrelenting intensity, his precision and power propelling every track forward. The band opened with “Bite Down,” a blistering anthem that ignited the pit into chaos, with fans screaming along to its anthemic refrain and the crushing breakdowns setting the tone for the rest of the night.

Tracks like “Locked Out of Heaven” and “Push It Back” showcased Gideon’s signature mix of aggression and groove, keeping the crowd moving with their infectious energy. “Locked Out of Heaven” brought a gritty, no-holds-barred vibe to the set, while “Push It Back” delivered a relentless assault of chugging riffs and defiant lyrics that had fans shouting every word. The title track from their latest album, “MORE POWER. MORE PAIN.,” was a standout moment, as Daniel’s raw, unfiltered emotion was matched by the sheer heaviness of the instrumentation. The crowd fed off the intensity, creating an electric atmosphere that left no one standing still.

As the set neared its conclusion, Gideon delivered a powerful trifecta of songs that solidified their connection with the audience. “Take Me” offered a moment of reflection with its haunting melodies and emotionally charged delivery, while “SLEEP” cranked up the energy with its crushing grooves and pit-inducing breakdowns. They closed with “Damned If I Do (Damned If I Don’t),” a track that perfectly encapsulated the band’s ethos of resilience and defiance. With its explosive dynamics and cathartic climax, the song left the audience screaming for more, capping off a performance that was equal parts brutal and inspiring. Gideon’s undeniable energy and authenticity made their set one to remember, proving they are a band that thrives on pouring their heart and soul into every moment.

And now, one of the most highly anticipated bands to grace the stage at Christmas Burns Red. The Ghost Inside delivered a powerful and deeply moving performance, solidifying their reputation as one of the most resilient and inspiring bands in modern metalcore. Frontman Jonathan Vigil captivated the crowd with his passionate and commanding vocal delivery, seamlessly alternating between guttural screams and emotionally charged clean vocals. Guitarists Zach Johnson and Chris Davis created a thunderous wall of sound, with razor-sharp riffs and melodic interludes that added depth and emotion to every track. Bassist Jim Riley’s rumbling low end and Andrew Tkaczyk’s precise and thunderous drumming drove the set with unrelenting energy. The band opened with “Death Grip,” igniting the room with its crushing breakdowns and defiant lyrics, immediately connecting with the audience and setting the stage for what would be an unforgettable night.

One of the standout moments of the evening was “Earn It,” a track that perfectly encapsulates The Ghost Inside’s themes of perseverance and hard work. Jonathan’s raw vocal delivery was matched by the crowd’s fervent energy, with fans screaming the lyrics in unison as the band’s relentless energy filled the room. “The Great Unknown” brought a special surprise as JT Cavey of ERRA joined the band onstage, adding his own dynamic vocal flair to an already emotionally charged performance. The collaboration elevated the song, creating a moment of pure catharsis that had the entire crowd roaring in approval. Tracks like “Pressure Point” and “Mercy” showcased the band’s signature ability to balance heaviness with melody, delivering punishing breakdowns and sing-along choruses that resonated deeply with fans.

As the set progressed, The Ghost Inside continued to demonstrate their ability to evoke raw emotion through their music. “Avalanche” was a high-energy highlight, with its driving rhythm and anthemic chorus creating an electrifying atmosphere that had the entire crowd moving. The band’s performance of “Aftermath,” a song that reflects on their journey of recovery and resilience following their tragic bus accident, was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Jonathan’s heartfelt delivery of lyrics like “I don’t have it in me to sing of defeat” struck a chord with everyone in attendance, creating a deeply emotional moment that brought tears to the eyes of many fans. It was a reminder of the band’s incredible strength and the impact their music has on their audience.

Closing their set with “Engine 45,” The Ghost Inside delivered an unforgettable finale that left the crowd both exhilarated and deeply moved. The song’s anthemic refrain, “Life’s swinging hard, but I’m swinging harder,” resonated throughout the venue as fans sang along at the top of their lungs. The crushing breakdowns and uplifting melody were a perfect representation of the band’s message of hope and resilience. By the time the final notes rang out, it was clear that The Ghost Inside had left an indelible mark on everyone in attendance. Their performance was not just a display of musical prowess but a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and the healing nature of music.

And just like that.  The entire weekend of memories, great music, and a genuine comradery of metal fans from all across the country has wound done to one final performance. When the lights draw down, the packed convention room let all of Lancaster know why they where in town.  August Burns Red took the stage to thunderous applause as they embarked on a nostalgic and electrifying performance of their groundbreaking album Constellations in its entirety. The metalcore giants delivered a masterclass in musicianship and stage presence. Opening with “30 & 7,” the band wasted no time unleashing their ferocious energy. Jake’s commanding growls set the tone for the night, while JB and Brent’s intricate guitar work created a stunning interplay of melody and aggression. Matt’s drumming was nothing short of spectacular, his technical precision driving the set with unrelenting power.

As the band transitioned into “Existence” and “Ocean of Apathy,” the audience was swept up in a wave of energy and emotion. Dustin’s bass lines added depth to the sonic assault, while his melodic backup vocals provided a striking contrast to Jake’s guttural roars. The band maintained their dynamic momentum with “White Washed,” one of the standout tracks of the evening. The stage erupted with pyrotechnics and compressed air towers, accentuating the song’s explosive breakdowns and stirring the crowd into a frenzy. The synchronized bursts of flame and air punctuated the band’s tight performance, making for a truly unforgettable moment.

Midway through the set, “Marianas Trench” brought an emotional high point. Jake Luhrs paused before the song to address the crowd, encouraging everyone to light up the venue with their cell phones. As the opening notes rang out, a sea of lights illuminated the room, creating an ethereal atmosphere that perfectly complemented the song’s hauntingly melodic tone. At the climax, confetti shot out across the venue, adding to the sense of celebration and community. This moment of connection between the band and their fans felt deeply personal, a testament to August Burns Red’s ability to create a shared experience.

“The Escape Artist” brought the energy back to a fever pitch, with pyrotechnics enhancing the track’s frenetic pace and blistering breakdowns. The crowd’s response was deafening, as fans screamed along to every word and threw themselves into the chaos of the pit. The band continued their relentless pace with “Meridian,” a more melodic and introspective piece that showcased their ability to balance technicality with emotional depth. JB Brubaker’s lead guitar lines were especially poignant here, weaving intricate melodies that left the audience captivated.

As the set neared its end, the band delivered “Rationalist” and “Crusades,” both accompanied by more dazzling pyrotechnics. The interplay between the intricate guitar riffs and Matt’s complex drumming was nothing short of mesmerizing. By the time the final notes of Constellations rang out, the crowd erupted in appreciation, but the night was far from over. The band returned for an epic encore, kicking off with their holiday classic “Carol of the Bells,” a perfect nod to the festive season.

Next came “Back Burner,” a fan favorite from their Messengers album, which reignited the crowd’s energy. The band then surprised fans with “Exhumed,” a blistering new single that demonstrated their continued evolution while staying true to their roots. Jake’s growls were ferocious, and the crowd responded enthusiastically, showing their support for the band’s latest material.

“Defender” brought another highlight, with its crushing riffs and anthemic chorus that had fans screaming along. Jake’s interaction with the crowd added to the energy, as he continually encouraged everyone to give it their all. The night continued its festive spirit with “Winter Wilderness,” during which Jake delighted the audience by throwing out gifts—replicating the fun from the previous night. Confetti rained down again, adding to the sense of joy and celebration.

The performance culminated with “Composure,” a track that perfectly encapsulated the band’s message of perseverance and strength. Pyrotechnics lit up the stage one final time, as the band poured every ounce of energy into their closing moments. The crowd sang along to the song’s iconic refrain, creating a powerful sense of unity. As the final notes faded and the stage lights dimmed, the band received a well-deserved standing ovation, leaving fans with a night to remember. August Burns Red once again proved why they are a cornerstone of the metalcore scene, delivering a performance that celebrated their past while embracing the future.

Over the years, Christmas Burns Red has become much more than just a music festival—it has evolved into a cherished tradition for August Burns Red fans, a gathering that celebrates the band’s legacy and the community that their music has fostered. This annual event has drawn fans from every corner of the country, uniting people of all backgrounds under a shared love for the music and the meaning it represents. For many, this festival is more than just a concert; it’s a homecoming, a chance to reconnect with friends, make new ones, and share unforgettable moments. Fans have traveled thousands of miles, braving icy roads and chilly December nights, just to experience the magic of Christmas Burns Red, and this year, the festival reached a new pinnacle. The dedication of the crowd was palpable, their collective energy making the night feel like an emotional and electric celebration of everything August Burns Red stands for.

This year’s Christmas Burns Red was not only a landmark moment in the festival’s history but also one of the biggest shows in August Burns Red’s storied career. Performing their Constellations album in its entirety, accompanied by a stacked lineup of incredible bands, the night was a testament to how far the festival—and the band—has come. The production was nothing short of spectacular, with pyrotechnics, confetti, and Jake’s heartfelt interactions with the audience creating an immersive and unforgettable experience. For August Burns Red, this night was a celebration of their unwavering bond with their fans, their enduring legacy, and their continued evolution as a band. For the crowd, it was a night of pure joy and inspiration, one that will be remembered as a defining moment in Christmas Burns Red’s legacy. This year’s festival wasn’t just the biggest and boldest to date; it was a testament to the power of music to bring people together, creating a sense of belonging and unity that fans will carry with them long after the lights dimmed and the confetti settled.