Band:	August Burns Red
Album:	Leveler
Style:	Technical metalcore
Release date:	June 20, 2011
Guest review by:	Boxcar Willy

01. Empire
02. Internal Cannon
03. Divisions
04. Cutting The Ties
05. Pangaea
06. Carpe Diem
07. 40 Nights
08. Salt & Light
09. Poor Millionaire
10. 1/16/2011
11. Boys Of Fall
12. Leveler
13. Internal Cannon [Acoustic version] [Deluxe edition bonus]
14. Pangaea [Performed by Bells] [Deluxe edition bonus]
15. Boys Of Fall [Performed by Zachary Veilleux] [Deluxe edition bonus]
16. Empire [MIDI version] [Deluxe edition bonus]

I have been a fan of August Burns Red ever since a friend showed me the song "Back Burner". I was amazed at the technicality I was hearing, so when I got home I hopped on the computer and started downloading a few songs. Sadly, I wasn't too impressed, so I let my love die a little... until now.

Levelers is a very strong effort. It combines amazing technicality and melody, keeping you interested for the entire near-50 minute playback. The music is crazy technical, with amazing solos and extraordinary riffs. Needless to say, this is sure to please.

The first thing I loved when I heard this album was the intense guitar work. The awesome intro to "Empire" blew me away, although it's marred by the odd inclusion of a children's choir. And the bass is just as insane as the guitar... maybe even more insane. It follows along at points before deciding to step into the limelight on its own. And the drums are just as mad. They have odd beats within other beats that combine into one awesome musical extravaganza. The vocals on this album are the only letdown. Throughout most of the songs they are a pretty weak, and repetitive. However, he does sing/scream/growl in his own unique way, and in that essence, it is a plus.

Now most of you probably know that August Burns Red is a Christian band. Now, for the most part, they keep Jebus out of things - that is, until you reach the title track. It has quite a few forgive me Fathers and praise Jebus'. Thankfully that doesn't take away from the overall quality of the album.

Overall, this is quite the effort; it's technical yet melodic, and it must be heard. For fans of As I Lay Dying and All That Remains.

Highlights: "1/16/2011", "Boys of Fall"