Photos by Lacey Davey – For over two decades, August Burns Red has served as the gold standard for technical precision and emotional depth in the metalcore genre. Hailing from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the five-piece—comprised of Jake Luhrs, JB Brubaker, Brent Rambler, Dustin Davidson, and Matt Greiner—has built a legacy on a foundation of intricate guitar work, complex time signatures, and an unrelenting positive message. From their early breakthrough with Messengers to multiple Grammy nominations for “Identity” and “Invisible Enemy,” the band has managed the rare feat of staying sonically aggressive while consistently evolving, solidifying their place as one of the most respected and enduring forces in heavy music.
The band’s journey in 2026 marks a triumphant homecoming to Fearless Records and the release of their eleventh studio album, Season of Surrender, scheduled for June 5th. This new chapter is spearheaded by the bludgeoning single “The Nameless,” a track that bassist Dustin Davidson describes as a bridge between the band’s storied roots and their technical future. Featuring guest appearances from genre heavyweights like Mike Hranica (The Devil Wears Prada) and Jamie Hails (Polaris), the album explores themes of self-reflection and the strength found in detaching from toxic expectations, proving that ABR’s creative well remains as deep and vital as ever.
Currently, August Burns Red is dominating the live circuit with a massive co-headlining North American tour alongside The Amity Affliction. This run has seen them crushing stages at major festivals like Sonic Temple and delivering sold-out performances in cities like Toronto and Montreal. With a reputation for high-octane live shows that feature everything from massive breakdowns to Greiner’s legendary drum solos, the band continues to set the bar for live production in the alternative scene. Whether they are performing in their hometown for the annual “Christmas Burns Red” or headlining arenas in Australia later this year, the message remains clear: August Burns Red is a band that leads by example, prioritizing authenticity and technical excellence above all else.
THE AMITY AFFLICTION
Over the last two decades, The Amity Affliction has evolved from a burgeoning Gympie, Queensland outfit into one of Australia’s most successful and emotionally resonant musical exports. Comprised of Joel Birch (vocals), Ahren Stringer (bass/vocals), Dan Brown (guitar), and Joe Longobardi (drums), the band has defined a generation of post-hardcore with their signature duality: Birch’s raw, visceral screams paired with Stringer’s melodic, anthemic choruses. Their discography is a roadmap through the darker corners of the human experience, tackling themes of mental health, grief, and survival with a vulnerability that has earned them four consecutive Number 1 albums in their home country and a massive, dedicated global following.
In 2026, the band remains a dominant force on the international stage, currently co-headlining a massive North American tour alongside August Burns Red. This run has seen them commanding crowds at major festivals like Sonic Temple and Welcome to Rockville, delivering sets that balance the crushing weight of their heavier catalog with the atmospheric, synth-driven textures found on their more recent records. As they move through this “modern classic” era of their career, The Amity Affliction continues to prove that their longevity is rooted in honesty; they remain a vital lifeline for fans who find solace in the heavy, heart-on-sleeve storytelling that has become their hallmark.
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