August Burns Red is in the midst of commemorating the 10th Anniversary of their influential metalcore album, “Rescue and Restore.” The band brought along a lineup of formidable acts, including the Japanese metalcore group Crystal Lake, Canadian metal outfit Brand of Sacrifice, and the powerhouse band Spite. The night unfolded as an energetic spectacle that maintained its intensity from beginning to end. The presence of circle pits and crowd surfers right from the start signaled a phenomenal show.
The opening act, Crystal Lake, a Japanese metalcore quintet, stormed the stage with ferocity, delivering powerful breakdowns that set the tone for a raucous evening. Lead singer John Cenorrino prompted the opening of a circle during the second song, igniting the first pit of the night. A wave of crowd surfers followed, escalating the energy throughout the impressive 30-minute set.
Brand of Sacrifice took the stage next, unleashing a blistering opener that necessitated additional security guards at the front to handle the enthusiastic fans. The band’s entrance with the Pokémon theme foreshadowed their intense performance. Describing the Canadian group as a powerful force would be an understatement, with a sound reminiscent of Lorna Shore and a stage presence that commanded attention. The atmospheric lighting, inspired by the Berserk manga, added a horror house feel, creating a visually captivating experience.
Spite continued the adrenaline-filled lineup, maintaining the momentum with a performance that saw an increase in crowd surfers and the initiation of a wall of death within the first quarter of the set. Front man Darius Tehrani rallied the crowd, creating an atmosphere akin to the rowdiness of EDM shows. The headbanging performance generated an epic energy vacuum.
The main event, August Burns Red, took the stage with a stellar presence and light show, eliciting thunderous responses from the crowd. The Pennsylvania metalcore band kicked off with “Provision,” leading to a fully staffed front barricade catching multiple crowd surfers simultaneously. Covering the entire “Rescue and Restore” album from start to finish, the band established a unique connection with the audience. In a surprising turn, the band delivered a massive five-song encore, starting with an unexpected rendition of the classic metal cover “Carol of the Bells.” This transitioned seamlessly into one of their heaviest songs, “Bloodletter.” The band’s craftsmanship and epic performance reinforced the exceptional nature of the album being celebrated.
The August Burns Red Rescue and Restore 10th Anniversary Tour proved to be a powerful and heavy night of metal, showcasing the enduring vitality of the genre. The tour is a must-attend for fans, affirming that metalcore is thriving, and August Burns Red remains a force to be reckoned with in the music scene.
August Burns Red’s Rescue and Restore 10 Year Anniversary Tour continues through December 12th of 2023.
For upcoming shows, visit https://augustburnsred.com/#tour.
Follow August Burns Red, Spite, Brand of Sacrifice and Crystal Lake on their socials below:
August Burns Red: Instagram // Facebook
Spite: Instagram // Facebook
Brand of Sacrifice: Instagram // Facebook
Crystal Lake: Instagram // Facebook
Photos and Review by Adam Colwell (@pixelsoftheimagination)
