ACB released its first full length album, Son, I Loved You At Your Darkest, on June 21 of 2005, and was featured in Solid State's Young Bloods Tour with The Chariot, Showbread, and He Is Legend.
Earlier in the year, the band released a statement saying that vocalist TJ was getting married and leaving the band, so they decided to call it quits. However, partially through their 'farewell tour', they decided to stay together, but eventually T.J. decided to depart from the band and go his own way.
The band's second album, titled "Come Now Sleep" was released August 14, 2007, on Tooth and Nail Records. Different from their previous recordings, however, the genre featured on Come Now Sleep has been classified by the band themselves as Rock / Indie / Progressive.
As Cities Burn's third studio album was released on April 21, 2009, with the title "Hell or High Water". The band's music evolved even more with their final album, venturing into indie rock territory but while still maintaining their unique post-hardcore sound.
On the bands myspace on July 17, 2009, the band announced that they had broken up and were going to pursue other interests.
As of 2012 they have re-united for a reunion tour with the original line-up from their first full length album SILYAYD. including TJ on Vocals
2013 - they are Currently supporting Underoath on their farewell tour. They have stated that they are only playing song off of Son, I loved you at your darkest.
Members:
T.J Bonnette-lead vocals
Cody Bonnette-vocals, guitar
Colin Kimble-Bass guitar/guitar/backup vocals
Aaron Lunsford-Drums
Chris Lott- Guitar
Former Members:
Bryan Dixon- Drums
Pascal Baronne-Bass
Empire
As Cities Burn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Between two wayward ones
I was more deserving of my parent's love
I had an angel's smile
Hiding a vulture?s bite
I had no use for Your redeeming blood
Aren't I glory, glorious?
Glory, glorious
Aren't we glory, glorious?
Aren't we worthy, worthy of
Hearts at our feet?
?Cause I was a Pharisee
I never saw my need for grace
Then your love, it came to me
Stood next to mine
And I saw that I was poor
It showed me I was poor
Show us, we are
Show us, we are
Glory, glorious
We are glory, glorious
Not from what good we have done
But from being the least
Glory, glorious
We are glory, glorious
Not from what good we have done
But from being the least
Glory, glorious
Glory, glorious
Oh, I don't know
How I was made
My heaven tower sways
Atop their fleeting praise
God, I don't know
How I was made
Glory, glorious
Are we glory, glorious?
Are we worthy, worthy of
Hearts at our feet?
Glory, glorious
We are glory, glorious
Not from what we've done
But being the least
I was a wicked one
who believed himself to be righteous. The song "Empire" by As Cities Burn is about the realization of one's own wrongdoing and the humbling experience of accepting grace. The lead singer admits to being the middle child between two wayward siblings, and feeling the need to prove himself as deserving of his parents' love by presenting a facade of perfection. He describes his smile as an angel's, but his actions as a vulture's, bringing to mind the phrase "wolf in sheep's clothing". He tries to justify his actions, saying that he has no use for redemption.
The chorus of the song questions the listener's perception of glory, asking if they truly believe themselves to be worthy of having hearts at their feet. The second verse reveals that the lead singer was a Pharisee, a member of an ancient Jewish sect that adhered strictly to religious laws. He believed himself to be above those who needed grace, until he finally saw the value and power of love that accompanied it. The song draws attention to the humility it takes to recognize one's own shortcomings and to accept undeserved grace, rather than relying on acts of righteousness to earn favor.
Line by Line Meaning
And I was a middle son
I was the middle child between two siblings who were not following the rules.
Between two wayward ones
My siblings were disobedient and rebellious.
I was more deserving of my parent's love
I felt that I deserved more love from my parents because I was not causing as much trouble as my siblings.
I had an angel's smile
I appeared to be innocent and good on the surface.
Hiding a vulture?s bite
But underneath, I had a cruel and predatory nature.
I had no use for Your redeeming blood
I did not think that I needed the love and forgiveness of God.
Aren't I glory, glorious?
Am I not wonderful and worthy of admiration?
Cause I was a Pharisee
I was like the religious leaders who thought they were better than others and did not see their own faults.
I never saw my need for grace
I did not understand that I needed God's love and forgiveness.
Then your love, it came to me
But then I experienced the love of God.
Stood next to mine
I saw the contrast between my own love and God's perfect love.
And I saw that I was poor
This made me realize that I was spiritually impoverished and needed God.
It showed me I was poor
God's love revealed my own shortcomings.
Show us, we are
Help us to see our own faults and need for grace.
Not from what good we have done
We are not worthy of God's love based on our own actions or accomplishments.
But from being the least
We are only worthy of God's love because of his grace, despite our flaws and weaknesses.
My heaven tower sways
My sense of self-importance is unstable and insecure.
Atop their fleeting praise
The praise of others is temporary and not a true measure of my worth.
God, I don't know How I was made
I do not fully understand who I am or my purpose.
Are we glory, glorious?
Are we not also wonderful and worthy of admiration?
Are we worthy, worthy of Hearts at our feet?
Do we deserve the love and worship of others?
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, Capitol CMG Publishing
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Bryan Baez
One of the most under appreciated bands in the history of everything.
Benjamin Ranchwood
Couldn't agree more.
Mr. Biven
It's been 10+ years since I found these guys.... Love having that nostalgic memory hit me that brings me back!
Mike Williams
So refreshing to see this still holds up. Those riffs though.
Alexander David
This band is amazing...
The best song of them.
out of the bloom
Most underrated band ever
Dana Onifer
This is still one of my favorite songs. Over and over and over again.
Adam O'Connor
This band is so incredibly underrated. Always one of my favs :)
Ethan McBee
Fantastic band. Also, this is from their best album by far.
Natalie Sari
2019 and still just as in love.🖤