Guardians
August Burns Red · 2020
49 min · 11 tracks · metalcore
A dynamic blend of intricate guitar riffs and powerful, melodic vocals that capture the essence of modern metalcore.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Narrative Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Bones — This track features a compelling narrative about resilience, underscored by aggressive instrumentals and soaring melodies that encapsulate the band's signature style.
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Defender — With its anthemic chorus and heavy breakdowns, this song highlights the balance between melody and aggression that defines the album's overall sound.
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Empty Heaven — The emotional weight of this track is conveyed through its introspective lyrics and atmospheric instrumentation, making it a standout moment on the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases intricate compositions and strong performances but lacks a fully cohesive flow.
What we noticed
- Vocals alternate between melodic singing and aggressive screaming, often within the same track, creating a dynamic contrast.
- Several tracks incorporate orchestral elements, such as strings and piano, which enhance the emotional weight of the music.
- The final track, 'Three Fountains', serves as a reflective conclusion, slowing down the tempo significantly compared to earlier songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo journey
- emotionally charged anthems
- engaging narrative progression
- thoughtful reflections on resilience
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification
- seek purely upbeat tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — The album showcases the band's artistic growth and received critical acclaim.
- Themes
- personal resilience· metalcore legacy
- Career context
- Released in 2020, Guardians is August Burns Red's eighth studio album, coming after their 2017 record Phantom Anthem. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their legacy within the metalcore scene while continuing to explore new musical directions.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Killswitch Engage· Parkway Drive· The Devil Wears Prada
Tracklist
- 1 The Narrative Start here 4:09
- 2 Bones 4:15
- 3 Paramount 4:48
- 4 Defender 4:21
- 5 Lighthouse 4:13
- 6 Dismembered Memory 4:09
- 7 Ties That Bind 4:18
- 8 Bloodletter 3:40
- 9 Extinct by Instinct 4:43
- 10 Empty Heaven 4:25
- 11 Three Fountains 6:21
What to play next
Death Below
2023
Continues the dynamic metalcore sound with fresh energy and themes.
Phantom Anthem
2017
Sets up the sonic landscape that leads into the explorative sound of Guardians.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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