Getting Leveled with JB Brubaker of August Burns Red

     Metal is burning…in a good way. August Burns Red are one of the biggest bands in the world right now, taking the genre by storm (well, a firestorm). August Burns Red formed not too far from me in Lancaster, PA back in 2003. Their last two albums, 2009’s Constellations, and 2011’s Leveler, both cracked the Top 25 on the Billboard Top 200 thanks in part to JB’s heavy monster riffs. The latter release peaked at No. 11. Their heavy brand of hard rock landed them a headlining spot on the main stage of the 2011 Vans Warped Tour alongside contemporaries Attack Attack! and more.

     ABR explore new territory a bit on their latest record. JB told me that it’s their most “ambitions” record to date. There’s a sense up upliftingness on some songs, without sacrificing their trademark heaviness. It’s menacing, as well as melodic, throughout. It’s arguably the band’s most well-rounded release. JB and I talked about the band’s style, and what genre he sees his band fit best in. The band recently completed a massive US Tour run with Silverstein, which was their biggest headlining tour ever! They are soon embarking on a world tour that will bring them to Japan, Australia, France, Mexico, and many more places around the globe. JB told me that the band will be sure to hit up a lot of festivals this spring and summer, so be sure to catch the guys on tour! CRANK IT UP!