August Burns Red
// Matt Greiner, drummerAUGUST BURNS RED are a Christian metalcore band from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. “Looks Fragile After All [EP & DVD]” (2004) was available from CI Records, “Thrill Seeker” (2005), “Messengers” (2007), “Lost Messengers: The Outtakes [EP]” (2009), and “Constellations” (2009) are all available from Solid State Records. August Burns Red’s main influences include Between The Buried and Me, Misery Signals, and Hopesfall. They have also toured with All That Remains, Enter Shikari, Iwrestledabearonce, and Blessthefall.
Website: www.augustburnsred.com
Photo: Parker Young / AugustBurnsRed.com
Interview:
I do have strong convictions that music has a spiritual significance. Some of the most profound “God” moments I’ve had have been while watching and singing along to bands outside of the worship genre. I’m convinced that God has intentions of music being prayer without words. There are many forms of spiritual expression. Lifecenter, a church I attend when home in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, allows the congregation to express themselves in various ways during the service. It’s not uncommon to see people painting on easels, waving flags, singing, sitting, or laying down with arms spread.
I do think music, like other forms of expression, can be neutral, bearing no spiritual weight. For instance, August Burns Red is often labeled a Christian band but I don’t believe there is anything about our breakdowns or thrash riffs that make us a spiritual band. Regarding what is implied by a “Christian” band, I’ve found that it’s not at all about which notes are played or which chords are strummed. It usually always comes down to the lyrical content or the lyricists having spiritual convictions.
“I’m convinced that God has intentions of music being prayer without words.”
– Matt Greiner, drummer in August Burns Red
