August Burns Red – Constellations

Score: 2.014

The third full-length release from August Burns Red on the perennially hit-or-miss Solid State Records will meet all artistic expectations if you’ve heard a few seconds of their previous work. Some have said they diversified their sound, but for most metalcore bands, “diversity” just means the vocalist figured out how to scream in another register and a guitarist found their delay pedal.

The release isn’t terrible; they play as competently as any top-notch veterans in rock music (drummer Matt Greiner is noteworthy as usual), and the songs themselves to be specifically designed to elicit maximum freakout response at their live shows. The crippling hobble in August’s songs is the relentless ADD-infested song structure: entry-level Meshuggah breakdowns, a foray into double-tempos and power chords mixed with a random single note here or there, and multi-tracked screaming about something not being what it should be. The more they change things up, the more every individual song’s sonic output becomes mix-and-match with another song’s output. Nothing is allowed to breathe or become absorbed; it all has to be jettisoned for the next idea to sniffed.

True, this criticism can be made about a lot of metal bands that are critically praised, but when August Burns Red does it, it just falls flat. There’s an unteachable knack of songwriting in aggressive/technical music they apparently haven’t found yet. While there are definitely some salvageable pieces in Constellations, there’s too much cruft surrounding the drowning glittering things that they are ultimately passed over and forgotten when the next interchangeable metalcore riff surfaces.

Written by Jay DiNitto

> Album Reviews | 12:00 pm

111 Responses to “August Burns Red – Constellations”

On 07/3/09 6:46 PM, Bump Galletta said:

lame
On 07/4/09 7:46 AM, Jay DiNitto said:

name
On 07/4/09 10:50 AM, Nick said:

lol that was a terrible review dude. Not even a comparison to the other albums…
On 07/4/09 10:57 AM, Jay DiNitto said:

“Not even a comparison” in regards to what?
On 07/4/09 10:19 PM, rob said:

i listened to the album before i read this, and I agree completely. Greiner is one of the few highlights of the album.
On 07/6/09 12:59 AM, Jake said:

i luv abr so much cuz they TOCK SO HARD so ur totaly rong dude whut a lamr

Ok, just kidding. Haven’t heard the album.

I am curious though, when you set out to review an album, what are you most trying to convey? How much you enjoyed listening to the album? How much you think other people will enjoy listening to the album? How technically competent the musicianship is? How creative the composition is? How the album rates relative to others of the same genre? All of the above?
On 07/6/09 3:24 PM, cowboyfetus said:

hey dude you’re totally wrong!!!…the album is freakin’ cool and mature…august burns red know how to be technical, fast and brutal as posible as it can be….i really enjoy listening this masterpiece….
On 07/6/09 4:48 PM, joe said:

Thrill Seeker is their best album and the other 2 dont compare.
On 07/6/09 6:36 PM, Jay DiNitto said:

“hey dude you’re totally wrong!!!”

You barely contradicted anything in the review.
On 07/6/09 6:37 PM, Jay DiNitto said:

Jake- I’m not exactly sure. Good question. I want to say “all of the above” but that would be lazy and inaccurate.
On 07/6/09 9:38 PM, Cool dude said:

*enters room* omg Jay you stink, no one likes you! … lol… j/k. for this review no body does anyway. this review= fail. *leaves room*
On 07/6/09 9:45 PM, FelipeDeezNuts said:

Well done – if your intent was to demonstrate how to transform douche from a descriptor of you into a whole article. I’m so sick of wanna-be music critics trying to articulate their hatred for a specific genre via completely arbitrary and nebulous rambling. Mr. Jay feel free to end your “critque-ing” career before you blossom into a bigger blowhard. This band rapes your face and then refuses to text you back.

Ya…no shit Greiner is the bomb. The guitars are gnarly as hell too. That ADD you call out is the same ADD dick you’d be sucking if it was from Dillinger….but somehow it’s “different”…Really? How? Fuck off.
On 07/7/09 1:02 AM, Bob said:

This review is flat out shitty as fuck and this truly falls flatter than the album itself. There is no arguing that this album does fall a little flat at times, but if you are a fan of ABR I’d say just pick it up or at least check it out. The guitar work is better than their last albums and as always the drumming stands out much more than anything else. They definitely have not progressed tremendously with song writing, they just seemed to learn a more about playing in C ionian and G aeolian modes, and they came up with some nice riffs and added them to their songs. Fortunately there are very badass riffs that will get you going throughout the whole album. Their sound can seem quite repetative but hell a lot of people are enjoying it.
I Must admit Tommy Rogers sounds good in his little cameo appearance in this album. Just a side note can’t wait for BTBAM’s new album.
But to sum it up if you like ABR check this album out and make up your own decision for it because in all honesty this review is quite pointless and does this album no justice whatsoever, it is just this guy’s biased opinion on the album…shit Jay at least try being objective when writing a review on a band that isn’t your cup of tea. …albeit this is also my biased opinion on the album and I do enjoy ABR.
On 07/7/09 12:02 PM, Jay DiNitto said:

I’m wondering what exactly is the problem. My review is almost entirely objective, but I put a negative spin on it (as I would a positive spin if I personally liked it) because I personally didn’t like it. Keep in mind you can do this with any release, but you have to employ some critical reading skills to parse the opinion from the objectivity. This isn’t hard to do, but if you have a chip on your shoulder it can muddy up the gray matter.

I have no problem with anyone liking the CD. Heck, I love some CDs that most would find unexciting. If you have a problem with me NOT liking it, then that is entirely your internal issue. I cannot help it if it bothers you so darn much that someone holds different preferences than your own.

If you have a problem with any facts in the review (spun negatively, see above), then please feel free to make a case. If you want to just hurl silly internet insults, then I’m done with you.
On 07/7/09 1:23 PM, Seth Werkheiser said:

I hope everyone that rose up so passionately to defend this album purchased three copies in support of their beloved ABR.
On 07/7/09 5:28 PM, buenokid said:

OMFG someone said bias. thats a swear word when writing reviews. *gasp*

BUT SINCE WHEN WAS NO ONE BIASED ABOUT ANYTHING?

GIVE ME SOME MOAR BIAS PLEASE.
On 07/8/09 1:57 AM, Irepress said:

I’m with FelipDeezNuts.

And No…Dude, your review is almost entirely subjective with the exeption of a few statements about song structure, but still, you manage to throw your opinion in that too. I don’t care if you don’t like ABR it’s your review you can write what you want. But DO NOT say your review is objective. Your basing your so called “ojectivity” from an interpretation of something that is inherently subjective, which is entirely fallacious. Sure, you can state objectivity in certain situations that require interpretation, but your way off the mark here. Music is subjective. If you think otherwise, you need to brush up on your objective/subjective philosophy.

FelipeDeezNuts is right. Everyone worships Dillinger and they sound like a bag of b-holes. And they lost Pennie to a real band, so now they really suck. You probably love Meshuggah too. Well they suck too. ObZen was terrible and one dimensional. That’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it. Agree to disagree but agree that my review and your review is subjective.

ABR rules all and their new album is AMAZING. Listened to it twice.
On 07/8/09 7:10 AM, Jay DiNitto said:

False. It’s objective with a negative slant, like a lot of other reviews. I’ve stated this before. This subjective/objective issue wouldn’t be such a problem if you all agreed with me.

“Music is subjective.”

This is like saying hot dogs are subjective. Preference for hot dogs is subjective, but hot dogs themselves are objective in that they are defined by have certain properties and not having certain properties. Just like everything else.
On 07/8/09 12:55 PM, Irepress said:

Yeah I agree. If I agreed with you I wouldn’t care so much. I said before, I don’t care how you feel, It’s your review. Free country you can say whatever you want and I’m not going to condemn you.

Your analogy is entirely off. It’s a good attempt at explaining objectivity, but the entire analogy simply doesn’t apply to music. Music isn’t physical or tangible. So simply defining music based on it’s “physical presence” (as you would a hot dog) is going to be hard to do. Your reasoning is fallacious at its core. Your commiting the fallacy of division in your analogy.

Try and tell someone something isn’t music when they say it is. Which brings me to my point, as i said before….Your review (other than explaining song structure in your second paragraph) is subjective, an interpretation on what you hear and what you percieve to be music.

Dude, I’m sorry I feel like I’m arguing for arguments sake. If it means anything at this point I think your a good writer and you actually wrote a good review. I disagree with your review. But still, a well thought out review. Respect.
On 07/8/09 1:08 PM, lucas said:

wow, alot of buzzgrinder commenters are retarded. this review was fine. if you disagree with a review, thats one thing, but because you disagree with it doesnt mean that it’s a bad review. take a look at the review for the last isis cd for a definition in bad reviews.

abr do not write good songs. yeah they have technical music ability but they are not using it to their best. their drummer is a perfect example. a great drummer, but if he toned it down and didnt over-play, he could be increadible. that is what seperates drummers like the one in meshuggah with greiner. of course thats just my opinion(and the thousands that voted him best metal drummer years in a row). calling abr meshuggah or dep lite is a disgrace to those bands. they properly incorporate theory and coheorent song structures. additionally, they also grow and expand with each record, both dillinger and meshuggah. abr is staying the course.

who ever said obzen is meshuggah’s worst release should probably stop listening to them altogether and just listen to nonsensical abr. i’d like to see abr pull off multi-instrument polyrythmic parts that actually work, and even better, go into the next part with an actual transistion, not just some bland filler riffs or a stop and just jump in the next riff. ameatur song writing for ameatur ears. then again, the average listening age for abr(and $olid $tate in general) is what probalby around 17.
On 07/8/09 4:41 PM, samsisdead said:

It’s ironic that the most strongly voiced, swear-laden comments of discontent toward a review (anywhere online, not just here) also include generally the most poorly articulated counter reviews. If you’re going to bash someone for a ‘bullshit’ review, you ought to put more effort into developing a cohesive argument yourself.

Comments to a reviewer like “This band rapes your face and then refuses to text you back” without offering a reasoned explanation for the face-raping in the end does a disservice to the band their defending. If I didn’t know anything about August Burns Red and merely saw the review and comments from ABR champions like this, I would be convinced that Jay’s opinion is the only rational one and not bother with this record. If you believe August Burns Red are that good, do them justice.
On 07/9/09 2:30 AM, FelipeDeezNuts said:

Uh yeah…actually the onus is not on me to form some spellbinding argument. I’m not a reviewer on this site. As such I can write simplistic statements about face raping and leave it at that. I can also, in passing, comment on a “reviewer’s” seeming inability to differentiate between a concise and fair-minded critique vs an insubstantive, dismissive review. Here’s an idea – don’t like the genre? Know you aren’t gonna like a band’s new album as a result before hearing it? Then seriously, WTF? Is your job to reassure fellow music snobs that the circlejerk of metalcore hating is alive and well? If so, mission accomplished.
On 07/9/09 8:12 AM, Sean Cannon said:

considering the jay was in a pretty legit metalcore band (who shared the same label as this band), i don’t think he hates the genre. i could be mistaken, though.
On 07/9/09 10:03 AM, Jason said:

Everybody knows it became legit when Jay left.
Duh.
On 07/9/09 10:50 AM, Cool dude said:

Jay was in a band on Solid State? What band?
On 07/9/09 11:10 AM, Jay DiNitto said:

I was in Life In Your Way, pre-Solid State, and actually pre-Indianola.

I don’t hate metalcore, but I don’t like most newer metalcore bands since the genre is soaked in bands (or at least they’re too easy to find because of myspace) and most of them are carbon copies or incredibly boring, like ABR. That goes for other genres, I’m sure, but I’m just more exposed to metal than others. And somehow my preference to not listen to a technically competent but boring band (boring to me…I have to keep qualifying that for this thread) is mortally offensive to some people.
On 07/9/09 1:08 PM, Cool dude said:

You weren’t in Life in your way. I saw their band pic and your not in it unless you got plastics surgery since then.
On 07/9/09 2:08 PM, David M said:

I hate to do this to you, but Cool Dude, Wikipedia it. He’s on there. Trust me.
On 07/9/09 2:24 PM, Cool dude said:

So i guess his name is really Jason??
On 07/9/09 2:48 PM, Irepress said:

Well said Jay and Lucas. I’m with you guys…good points. Solid State is kind of weak and cookie-cutter-ish. Though, I do like ABR and UO. Yeah I said I didn’t like ObZen, but I do own it and I do appreciate their talent and do recognize how insanely talented Meshuggah is.
On 07/9/09 2:57 PM, Jay DiNitto said:

“You weren’t in Life in your way. I saw their band pic and your not in it unless you got plastics surgery since then.”

Did you even read what I posted about me being in the band? If you really want proof I can upload some photos, but I don’t see a reason why I would lie about this. We played 2 or 3 shows with Seth (W), so he’s a first-hand witness to it.
On 07/9/09 3:03 PM, lucas said:

Jay, we played a show together when i was still in Societys Finest in 05 i believe. were you still in the band then?
On 07/9/09 6:11 PM, Jay DiNitto said:

I was only in the band from 2000 to early 2002, so I was out by then.
On 07/9/09 8:52 PM, Cool dude said:

I believe you, but I thought Life in your way was a on Flicker records label such as Pillar is; Guess not. But ABR honestly was much better than Life in your way ever was.
On 07/9/09 9:07 PM, Jamey Jasta said:

You would have to be kidding yourself to compare this band to bands like Dillinger or Meshuggah. They aren’t even capable of existing in the same REALM as those bands. Plus, that comment about Pennie joining a “real band” made me shit my pants with laughter. If Coheed is the definition of a “real band”, then I’ll take a “fake band” any day.

ps. All Solidstate albums/bands are fairly substandard…with the exception of Training For Utopia’s “Plastic Soul Impalement”, Zao’s “Where Blood and Fire Bring Rest” and Spitfire’s “Dead Next Door”. Maybe I’m forgetting something, but that’s all that springs to mind.
On 07/9/09 9:44 PM, Jay DiNitto said:

Good call on those records. I never got into TFU but I can appreciate them. I might add Extol to that list.

I like some of SS’s “substandard” output but they are repeating themselves with the safe stuff, which is weird because they can afford to take a few more risks. I don’t know how their books are so it’s just speculation.

Cool dude- they were on Floodgate for a little bit before Solid State, but I think it was technically just distribution. I think they had their logo on the Ignite & Rebuild release.
On 07/9/09 10:11 PM, Andrew said:

I agree with the album being boring and repetitive but asking a band to change their entire sound isn’t being fair to them. They play what they like. And I will enjoy that they are happy doing what they love best. I agree too many bands sound like copies of each other. But august started out as a metalcore act and follow through. Some bands like trivium, start as a metalcore act and end up recycling cheesy 80’s metal riffs and mimicing james hetfield. Some bands want to progress and some are happy where they are, some are good at moving forward and some don’t want to take a risk and are content at where they are at.
On 07/10/09 10:08 AM, jeff s said:

There may be some things Solid State put out that were substandard, but don’t ever forget Living Sacrifice. They set the standard.
On 07/10/09 10:51 AM, Jay DiNitto said:

Eh…for the Christian kids they set the standard because (pre-SS) they were one of the death metal bands that somehow got really distroed into the bookstores. They enjoyed high visibility.

But if you put them against normal bands the Morbid Angels/Deaths/Cannibal Corpses of their time, they’re nothing huge.
On 07/10/09 5:04 PM, Johnnyice said:

August Burns Red is pretty much my favorite band. Thrill Seeker, aside from the recording, was amazing… Messengers was very impressive. Yeah it may have been hard to pick out each track on that album, but they nailed the brutal breakdowns, and matt is a drum god as far as locking in with the other muscians. Ive heard some of constellations, and i am pumped about it coming out. It may sound like their last album but i have no problem with that. They’re absolutely sick at what they play, and i give them props for at least trying to incorpoate a “new sound” with a more guitar solos and whatnot. I just hope the recording sounds just as good as Messengers…
On 07/10/09 6:38 PM, Bill Power said:

Hoping to keep this utterly inane conversation going. Bump.
On 07/10/09 6:43 PM, chargethegnar said:

Why bother reviewing metalcore albums if you’re so obviously jaded towards the entire genre? The it-all-sound-the-same argument is pretty ineffective for this style of music.
On 07/10/09 10:10 PM, Dylan said:

Hey Bill Power! cool!

but, yeah, on topic, Jay has said multiple times that he has nothing against metalcore as a genre, but when a genre is flooded with generic, samey bands (like ABR) there is hardly any reason to care, because, though they may be technically apt, they aren’t doing anything new or different. sometimes that kind of mindless similarity is okay, if you just are in the mood for something that “sounds like so and so” but Jay is writing a review for a website about a band that is supposed to be something special, he personally disliked it and gave his honest opinion…if you disagree, then go start a blog, write your own review and post it on ABR’s myspace. The point of music reviews isn’t to be blindly supportive of every record ever released…they exist to raise to light the few shining gems that are out there and to unabashedly cast down the dull releases, that’s how its always been and how it will always be forever and ever. I would hate to see the day where it was impossible to go to someone whose opinion you trust to give you a short guide to a release you had not yet heard to determine if it was worth the time it would take to listen to the record because no one dared to offer a contrary word against a band for fear of stepping on someone’s toes
On 07/10/09 10:33 PM, Cool dude said:

oh, i was mistaking life in your way with kids in the way. a band that was on flicker records (they broke up) and is far from metal. i was wondering what the heck was wrong with jay to call ABR bad when he was in a band that isn’t impressive at all and that he thinks is metal but clearly is just rock. lol
On 07/10/09 10:50 PM, Ty said:

I would also say that Embodyment’s first release was pretty spectacular too.
On 07/10/09 10:51 PM, Ty said:

First solid state release that is.
On 07/10/09 11:06 PM, Jay DiNitto said:

I don’t know, Bill. I think this thread has gone places. Dark, scary, fart-stench places…

Cool Dude- wow…Kids In the Way? I don’t think I’ve ever heard them.
On 07/10/09 11:20 PM, Cool dude said:

Iv thought they’re name was as retarded as anyone who likes Jeffree Star
On 07/11/09 12:25 AM, samsisdead said:

Dark, scary, fart-stenched places < August Burns Red < Blenderhead
On 07/11/09 3:22 PM, lucas said:

no one speaks ill of blenderhead.
On 07/11/09 4:34 PM, Jay DiNitto said:

I’m pretty sure samsisdead is putting them above ABR. The word wrap confuses things.

But yes…Blenderhead was/is fabulous. Muchacho Vivo is still a favorite jam of mine.
On 07/11/09 6:54 PM, Dylan said:

Figureheads is easily one of the best records I’ve ever heard
On 07/12/09 12:28 PM, Dozr said:

I’ve listened to Constellations all the way through quite a few times since they put it up on their MySpace. I agree with most of what was said in the review, but I still thoroughly enjoy the CD. It’s a fun listen even if it’s not breaking any new ground.

I think my only problem with the review is the score. 2/10? And yet, you even state in your review “The release isn’t terrible”. I can’t help but feel the score is so low because this band has achieved a certain level of mainstream popularity. Or maybe you just wanted to generated some buzz to get people to come to the site (looks like it probably worked if that was the case). Anyway, you were in LiYW, so I can’t really be angry at you.

To sum up, this CD is really enjoyable, and I’ll definitely be picking it up.
On 07/12/09 2:05 PM, Irepress said:

Ok Jamey Jasta agree to disagree. Coheed is a completely different genre of music so you really can’t compare Coheed to DEP or Meshuggah. Totally different styles and influences.

Your right about SolidState, I agree with you there.
On 07/13/09 11:50 AM, Kyle said:

everyone. QUIET.
On 07/13/09 5:47 PM, Dave said:

DREAM THEATER Rules!!!

(Bill Power hawked a loogie next to me at the Crucified reunion show in 1995…I think he was sick…)
On 07/14/09 12:54 AM, bboy34 said:

Let’s not forget about the POINT that should be made…believer or not, the guys in ABR are christians…and that is what they promote…I would like to think that is what SS promotes as well, but maybe the focus has been lost over time…I was @ cornerstone 09 and believe me, the SS bands were there doing what they always do…play amazing shows…Living Sacrifice played their hearts out…and sounded amazing doing it…I cannot think of many tighter bands out there after 15-20 years (this is not an invitation to start a war…i’m a DT fan!)…OH, Sleeper is nothing short of amazing live…and their passion and love for everyone is so inspiring to see…I have seen ABR live, about a year ago with AS I LAY DYING, and they are passionate and actually HAPPY to be there…it’s not always about the way the music SOUNDS, as much as it is the way the music makes you FEEL…I have not heard the entire new album, and maybe i will end up disappointed…but i do know what they put INTO it will count for something…you can have some FAITH in that!
On 07/14/09 10:42 AM, lucas said:

bboy34- first of all, i can think of plenty of bands that are tighter than LS. not to say that they arent tight live, but any band should be playing perfectly together after what you said 15-20 years.

also, about abr being christians and what they promote. who cares? they should promote coherant songwriting and musicianship. thats the biggest problem with christians bands in general(for all genre’s). just watered down versions of secular band. who cares what a band puts into it if the end result is not good. i don’t listen to music for bands that deserve a participation award for what “they put into it”. i listen to it for a beautiful product at the end.
On 07/14/09 11:10 AM, Jay DiNitto said:

bboy34 has a decent point, but we have to keep in mind that no one outside Christianity cares that much about our cause, except for maybe trivia purposes. On the surface, I don’t see why the church’s goal as artists shouldn’t be all that different than a normal artist’s goal. Should Christian plumbers be work differently than nonbeliever plumbers?

There is something to be said about Christian bands aping off of non-Christian counterparts (which normal bands do. too), even though this isn’t a commentary on the art itself but the culture surrounding the art. But as the church we should on average maintain the same or higher standards for ourselves artistically.

As Madeleine L’Engle sagely pointed out, perhaps a bit broadly, bad art is bad religion.
On 07/14/09 11:44 AM, David M said:

So I went into listening to this cd not expecting anything and…well…I was moderately impressed? I think it’s better than their last release. I don’t think it’s anything incredible or special, but I’d rather listen to this than, say, Attack Attack or any of that stuff that’s been coming out lately. *shrugs* I don’t know what I’d rate it, but it’s not “horrible.” Just not “great.” I don’t get excited listening to it like I do with Miseration or the Famine.
On 07/14/09 11:52 AM, David M said:

I love the song “Marianas Trench” but he REALLY should’ve double-checked the vocals. Not only do some of the screams sound weak, he does this shouting thing that makes me want to shut down iTunes.
On 07/14/09 1:56 PM, Bill Power said:

Every time you argue about differences between metalcore bands an angel loses it’s wings and Jesus weeps.

Sorry about the spit, Dave. It wasn’t on purpose, I’m sure.
On 07/14/09 2:05 PM, composure420 said:

that has to be one of the worst reviews, not just about constellations, but of any metal cd i have ever read in my entire life. just because you use big words dosent mean you know what your talking about. you can go home and play with yourself, ill go listen to constellations..
On 07/14/09 2:17 PM, uhiuhi said:

so…the album sucks cause theyre doing everything that they used to get praise for? they havent changed? so if i liked their old releases i’d probably like this one if i wanted to hear the same old riffs?

is this correct?
On 07/14/09 2:53 PM, Jay DiNitto said:

I use big words? You could’ve just said you disagree with my review instead of blatantly lying.
On 07/14/09 2:57 PM, Jay DiNitto said:

uhiuhi – yes
On 07/14/09 3:27 PM, lucas said:

jay- i have to disagree with you(which is rare). now i will say first of all, that i am no longer a christian and am now agnostic and i still do care about “your cause”(the general you) as i find it to be very dangerous, but that discussion is not for here.
now when you say “I don’t see why the church’s goal as artists shouldn’t be all that different than a normal artist’s goal. Should Christian plumbers be work differently than nonbeliever plumbers?” those are apples and oranges. when i was still a christian and was in societies finest, we would always say we’re a band, not a christian band(after solid state days). my argument was that there is no such thing as christian bands any more than there are, christian plumbers. there are bands and there are plumbers. now i realize that there is actually a huge difference between the 2, especially if you are a christian. if you’re a christian band, then your main goal should be winning people over to christ and saving souls, otherwise you are not using your “god given talents” the way god wants you to use them. if you’re not a christian band, your main goal should be writing the best music you can. the main reason could be because they’re not wasting time trying to save people. now to use your plumber reference, being a christian makes no bearing. he isnt there to save your soul, he’s there to a job. you can’t compare a job to the arts when it comes to christianity(or any religion) because if they are religious, then that will be their motivation for playing.

as far as secular bands ripping eachother off, well thats obvious as well. the whole metalcore genre is nothing more than bands ripping each others pretty mundane ideas. but outside of this stale genre, you see christian bands as basically the “christian alternative” to secular bands. i remember in the early-mid 90’s getting catalogs from tooth and nail and slacker 66 and so on, and alot of them would have a little comparision chart of “if you like this secular band, then you’ll like this christian band because they sound like them”. which really they sounded like a cheesy version of their secular counterpart.
i completely agree with “But as the church we should on average maintain the same or higher standards for ourselves artistically.” especially because you guys are playing for a “greater cause”, but again, that greater cause is at the expense of earning the participation award in music. yeah you showed up and participated, but it didnt matter because there are plenty others that are way better. as a whole, christian music should have a higher standard, but it isnt there. i blame the fans and the church more than the bands themselves though. with so many kids growing up only being allowed to christian music, they arent exposed to the wealth of information and beauty that is out there, musically. it’s like thinking spam is great meat, but you only think that because you dont know about all the amazing steaks and burgers and everything else thats out there.

and now i’ve officially wasted to much time at work…
On 07/14/09 3:34 PM, z said:

i agree with the review and the fact that constellations lacks smooth transitions, parts that really stand out, and that they are staying the course. thrill seeker was by far their most brilliant album and i dont believe they could recreate it at this point. yes constellations is fast and brutal, but it lacks originality.
On 07/14/09 4:58 PM, samsisdead said:

“Dark, scary, fart-stenched places < August Burns Red < Blenderhead”

Yea, the reversal was a bit confusing. Translated: Blenderhead is greater than August Burns Red. August Burns Red is greater than dark, scary, fart-stenched places. Backwards math was my only justification for a blenderhead reference in this thread.

- There are no one’s, only zero’s and two’s –

Yesssssss.
On 07/14/09 6:28 PM, Bill Power said:

So, how about those Supreme Court confirmation hearings? That’s some fun, huh?
On 07/14/09 6:34 PM, z said:

i was as bored listening to this album as seeing dragonforce live. the pace never changes so you just kinda space out in the middle of the song and wake up when its over. its the same 4/4 circle pit beat over and over except for the 5/4 they throw in meridians trench. the breakdowns are weak and uninteresting; not nearly as complex as in thrill seeker. you cant hear anything over matts repetitive symbols and typical – snare, high tom, mid tom, floor tom fills just like in messengers.
On 07/15/09 1:11 AM, Shawn Bradley said:

@lucas, there is a difference in christian plumbers and non. to plumb or make music or to do anything else is a vehicle to spread the word and save souls.The greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.The second is this Love ur neighbor as yourself.There is no commandment greater than these. – so if u do this with music or plumbing its ok, whatev works for you
On 07/15/09 8:20 AM, Jay DiNitto said:

The reason for plumbing isn’t….water?
On 07/15/09 10:06 AM, lucas said:

@shawn i’ve never seen a plumber stop working to tell me his motivation(assuming he’s christian) for fixing my toilet(jesus blessed him with these skills). probably because if he did, i’d kick him out and get a plumber who’s there to do the job i’m paying him to do. same would go for basically any other job. now when you talk about the arts(music, writing, paiting, etc), motivation and inspiration are big factors, not just “god gave me these skills to save people”. that is not disagreeable. the problem is that since people like the motivation, inspiration, or have a similiar faith, they don’t care as much of the end product because as long as it goes along with their ideals(possibly due to the fact that when people agree with you it is essencially a natural high) they can get behind it. on the otherhand if something disagrees with them humans tend to put up a wall, and no matter how great the end product is, the person will refuse to give it a chance and let it challenge them if necessary. then again it’s no wonder why no one ever really grows up(generally speaking) musically or mentally.
On 07/15/09 10:14 AM, Jay DiNitto said:

the problem is that since people like the motivation, inspiration, or have a similiar faith, they don’t care as much of the end product because as long as it goes along with their ideals(possibly due to the fact that when people agree with you it is essencially a natural high) they can get behind it.

This.
On 07/15/09 11:36 AM, uhiuhi said:

@ jay

cool…just making sure I read correctly. Probably will not be investing in this album then.
On 07/15/09 12:08 PM, Bill Power said:

See what happens? We’re back to the Christian plumber analogy. I knew this was going to be a slippery slope! Next thing you know men are going to want to marry animals. Are you sure August Burns Red are Christians? I mean, they do wear flip-flops after all. And you know what it says in Leviticus about flip-flops and shellfish!
On 07/15/09 12:14 PM, Bill Power said:

Hey Dylan – I like this. Nice work. http://blurdylanblur.tumblr.com/post/139687229/bill-power-outage
On 07/15/09 12:50 PM, Jay DiNitto said:

Bill, the literal translation from Hebrew is “thong,” referring to the underwear not the sandal type (the thong was worn by Baalite priests during worship/sacrifice).

The NIV and I think the NLT both drop the ball on that translation, but if you have a good study Bible it will note the usage.
On 07/15/09 2:35 PM, lucas said:

@jay, the NIV and NLT are filled with mistranslations. granted so is kjv, but whatever.
On 07/15/09 2:42 PM, lucas said:

@bill, remember a lot of christians don’t follow leviticus or much of the old testament at all(except when it’s convenient to make a point they want to make). christianity isnt the same as judaism, except for the fact that they’re both silly.
On 07/15/09 3:30 PM, bboy34 said:

wow…this is quite the long thread…haha…i wasn’t trying to spark a debate…sometimes the “idea” gets in the way of the “purpose”…do i think a band singing about their girlfriend cheating on them, and the heartbreak that ensued, who happens to be on a ‘chrisitan’ label but doesn’t really attest to their faith – as a viable candidate for winning others to the faith…probably not…there is a fine line…and that line is attacked everyday by the forces of evil that are out there…some can get caught up in it…some CHOOSE to stay away from it…others take it on openly…music is MUSIC…good or bad…art imitates life…just as others try to dress like others, think like others, talk like others…musicians aspire to BE like other musicians…their ‘idols’ or their ‘heroes’…it’s a human flaw…and it is real…i don’t think one should be judged for it…i love metal…and i WILL openly admit i’ll listen to a band if it sounds like something i would like…and if they do it well, i will support them…we don’t always have to be searching for the next best thing…i have been in music for almost 17 years now…i have heard/seen it all as far as the bands/genres go…and i can admit each one has it’s own place…but what they ALL have is an human idea or emotion…and that’s what counts…
On 07/15/09 4:29 PM, Jay DiNitto said:

lucas, come on now. Christians aren’t really meant to follow laws meant for non-exilic Israelites. I don’t mind that you’re not a Christian, but this is church theology 101 – you should know this if you were a believer at one point.
On 07/15/09 4:49 PM, Bill Power said:

I don’t think young people get my jokes.
On 07/15/09 4:51 PM, Bump Galletta said:

“Lame”
On 07/15/09 5:44 PM, lucas said:

@bill – i got the sarcasm, i was more making the point of how some christians will essentially use the same argument for tattoo’s or whatever else. christians tend to use whatever translation of the bible that defends their view, hence verses being used out of context constantly. old and new testament.
@jay – “Christians aren’t really meant to follow laws meant for non-exilic Israelites.” i know. thats basically what i meant when i said “a lot of christians don’t follow leviticus or much of the old testament at all”.
@bboy34 – even though i just woke up my puppy because i started laughing after you started talking about forces of evil, i won’t hold it against you. now i guess this could open up a completely different never ending debate; you said that art imitates life but it but those examples sounded more of life imitating art. don’t tell me you don’t get pumped up when you hear the rocky theme song. one of the reasons i think Led Zeppelin is the greatest band of all time is that they have the ability to make the listener feel like the coolest guy in the planet, plus they wrote(well kind of) basically the greatest songs ever which helps. but to the point, people heard them(or whatever your favorite band is) and to some it changed their lives, maybe to the point to where they started a band and created their own art. i won’t argue that art imitates life, but life imitates art even more.
…and my puppy fell back asleep. awesome.
On 07/15/09 6:12 PM, Dave said:

Bill, it wasn’t a big deal… I was able to use some “Matrix” style moves to get out of the way. I actually believe that’s what started the “Hardcore Dancing” as the kids call it. And I’m sorry…
On 07/16/09 11:41 AM, Jay DiNitto said:

lucas- gotcha. I regarded your comment that you were implying that Christians should be observing Levitical laws. My fault.
On 07/16/09 11:42 AM, lucas said:

being that these comments are no longer about this review or this cd specifically, i say it’s time to let this one die.
On 07/16/09 12:19 PM, Irepress said:

No one gets your jokes Bill Powers. Your not funny.
On 07/16/09 3:36 PM, lucas said:

jay- no problem. it was kind of poor wording on my part. thats why i shouldnt post at work.
On 07/16/09 4:09 PM, Jay DiNitto said:

Posting at work is fun, though! I do that much.
On 07/16/09 6:14 PM, Bill Power said:

@Irepress: There’s no “s” in my name. Why don’t you come out of hiding and use your real name? Also, why don’t you learn to use english? It’s “you’re”, as in “you are”. Not the possessive “your” you’re trying to use. Was that funny enough for you?
On 07/16/09 7:50 PM, Shawn Bradley said:

lol grammar police : I
On 07/17/09 7:29 PM, bboy34 said:

back to the album…one thing i did notice which i enjoyed were some “flashes” of AT THE GATES…
On 07/21/09 4:15 PM, Seth W's Beard said:

I want to hear more about how Bill Power spits at people and how ABR rapes faces and then sends Twitter updates about it.

But what I don’t want to hear is ABR. I just listened to a couple of their songs, and they fall squarely into that category of “If you’ve already got four metalcore CD’s by anybody, you’ve already heard these guys.”
On 07/28/09 1:32 AM, metalchickkkkkkk said:

Although you may disagree, this doesn’t beat Messengers, but hell, its still a great album, one that I can actually listen to compared to some of the mediocrity that I’ve heard elsewhere. I think these guys sound great together, and they tend to do great live as well. I really enjoy listening to “White Washed” simply because its different and has so many different things in the song. Love ABR. Love the album. Hate the haters.
On 07/28/09 2:27 PM, Thad said:

You might want to fix your “k” key, I think it sticks.
On 07/31/09 6:35 PM, sambo said:

i love ABR. i don’t mind your opinion at all about their music. as far as ABR’s new album goes, i think it is their best. but this comment is not really for jay. @lucas

“abr do not write good songs. yeah they have technical music ability but they are not using it to their best. their drummer is a perfect example. a great drummer, but if he toned it down and didnt over-play, he could be increadible. that is what seperates drummers like the one in meshuggah with greiner. of course thats just my opinion(and the thousands that voted him best metal drummer years in a row). calling abr meshuggah or dep lite is a disgrace to those bands. they properly incorporate theory and coheorent song structures. additionally, they also grow and expand with each record, both dillinger and meshuggah. abr is staying the course.”

first off, who in their right mind would compare ABR to meshuggah? meshuggah sounds like a slowed down slipknot that have their strings tuned down so low you can’t even understand what is being played. i have no clue how you and other people think that the meshuggah drummer is better than every other drummer, i know of plenty of drummers that are better. all he ever does is double bass on their nonstop “breakdowns” for 3 minutes, hit the china, and sometimes do a couple of snare hits here and there. it’s terrible. so if greiner COMPLETELY toned down like the meshuggah drummer, then he would be a great drummer? i don’t understand your logic behind your argument. i’m glad ABR is keeping their sound. if they changed the way they played, i would be devastated. for example, go listen to bury your dead. listen to their old stuff then listen to the new. it’s a COMPLETE transition from pretty decent music to god awful. they sold out. ABR has managed to keep their sound, and everything else, and they havent sold out, theyve just made more fans and fame. in meshuggah’s music i hear absolutely nothing that grabs me. it’s boring. i’m not saying they are bad musicians, it’s just not attention grabbing to me. i’m 21 and i know a lot of people my age and older that like ABR. saying that ABR is “nonsensical” is like saying meshuggah is the greatest band out there. quit spreading your hate for ABR and fans on here. your arguments are pathetic and merely a way for you to express your sad opinions on music. it’s very sad to see someone on here that knows very little about music when all they can compare a band (ABR) that sounds NOTHING like meshuggah to…well meshuggah and dillinger.
On 07/31/09 7:12 PM, Jay DiNitto said:

“first off, who in their right mind would compare ABR to meshuggah?”

Not reading your entire comment (I know it wasn’t directed at me to begin with), but I compared their “breakdowns”, not their overall style. The off-time/polyrhythmic breakdowns is a huge trend now. Some of it’s good or fresh-sounding, but other times it sounds like they lifted patterns from Chaosphere or Functioning On Impatience.
On 08/1/09 10:47 PM, buenokid said:

i am closet connoisseur of metalcore, scremo, posthardcore, and basically anything else that you could call terrible music.

music reviews and every other review… what does it matter. stop trying to defend ABR and just go listen to them.

plus RISE records will be missing us if we spend too much time here trying to talk about how good ABR is.
On 08/2/09 10:22 PM, lucas said:

@sambo – i’m going to try to avoid a whole drummer argument but if you think thats all the drummer for meshuggah does, you’re not listening close enough. it’s about subtlety and accenting the right parts and adding the right dynamic to the the part in accordance to the riff before and after. now i can see why someone(probably most of them arent drummers, or musicians in general) would think he’s boring when they listen to abr. but i don’t like to hear non-stop fills. as far as meshuggah’s breakdowns go, they amount of breakdowns they have are pretty few(especially in their newer records) compared to most metalcore now a days, in your typical open strum drop d or drop c tuning anyways. i’m guessing these breakdowns in which you speak of, arent really breakdowns at all. the way the play a lot of their riffs are just sound slow because the riffs are extended due to them being polyrythmic(usually). also i’m pretty sure they have these long parts because they’re perfect for stoners. they’re like a metal version of a jam band in some ways.
as far as bury your dead goes, you know when they were best? when they had their best drummer, that guy that was in btbam afterwards(or during, i forget). if abr’s drummer left and they got someone else, it would be bury your dead all over again. of course it was a long time ago when i was 21 and thought bury your dead was good.
On 08/5/09 11:15 AM, sambo said:

@lucas – i never said bury your dead was good. i was giving an example of selling out. bury your dead used to have an ok sound, but now they have that new vocalist and they are now going for a more accepted poppy sound that you would hear from a nu metal band that sings. all i’m saying is that abr has not sold out, they have not changed their style, and yet they have progressed. they have become more technical in their writing while still maintaining their sound. there are lots of bands out there that try to do the whole metalcore thing, but i think abr is by far the best one out there. i’m not even a big fan of metalcore. i prefer btbam and veil of maya and animosity and other progressive metal type stuff over as i lay dying and as blood runs black (any typical metalcore). i just like abr on their continuous style and not selling out. abr has unique music when you compare them to other metalcore bands such as aild and abrb. aild and abrb all sound the same to me…so as far as meshuggah goes, if you like them and their “polyrythmic” music, that doesn’t bother me at all. all i am saying is compare abr to another metalcore band and not a band like meshuggah. it ticked me off a little when i read that is all. not trying to start a huge argument here.

and one more thing, i noted my age being 21 because of what you said about abr’s fan base having an average age of “17″, which i disagree with entirely.
On 08/5/09 11:21 AM, sambo said:

@buenokid – i dont know if your comment is for me but i think it is….i do listen abr, i actually know how to play most of their songs on guitar and drums. i’ve been playing guitar for 11 years and drums 2 years. all i was trying to do in my comments is not compare abr to a band that’s not in the same genre as abr. i like to defend what i listen to
On 08/5/09 1:02 PM, Jay DiNitto said:

So as of this comment, Constellations is #1 on the Billboard Christian charts and ranking high on other charts. I’m surprised no one has used its commercial success yet as a (poor) argument for the quality of this album.
On 08/5/09 1:32 PM, lucas said:

ear cancer > august burns red

i win
On 08/5/09 4:55 PM, Jay DiNitto said:

Ear cancer the band or the affliction?
On 08/5/09 8:50 PM, Red7burns7august7 said:

ABR IS FOR DWEEBS
On 08/6/09 10:32 AM, lucas said:

thats a band? nevermind then, they win.
On 10/1/09 3:03 PM, GuitarBoyPat said:

I completely agree with the reviewer on this. While August Burns red does amazing guitar work, it doesn’t add a whole lot to the band. Not enough to make them stand out from the rest of the bands in this genre. It seems like every “hardcore” band out there is more concerned with making a BRUTAL!! record, than actually writing good music. By the middle of this record, it all begins to sound like one giant breakdown.
On 10/2/09 6:16 PM, Derek said:

Good review.

If I didn’t like it, here’s (apparently) the best way to say so:

1. Say something incredibly unique, like “your review sucks.”

2. Complain about the subjectivity/objectivity of the review, the record, or music in general, or whatever. Generally, just throw around the words.

3. Insist that the review doesn’t give reasons for it’s criticisms and opinions.

4. Offer your own criticisms of other music, mostly just by saying “they suck!!!11″ and, despite #3 above, neglect to give any reasoning or argument for your claims.

5. Get bonus points for steadfastly getting “your” and “you’re” wrong.

6. Pretend metalcore is good, and pour hatred upon everybody who knows better.

7. Get bonus points for including insults.