August Burns Red is generally credited as a melodic metalcore band, and have also been said to share traits of other genres such as progressive metal, and thrash metal but blending it with hardcore, extreme metal and post hardcore August Burns Red songs have technical or odd time signatures and heavy breakdowns, growled vocals, melodic guitar riffs, and complex instrumentation with a variety of influences including Meshuggah, Between the Buried and Me, Poison the Well, Symphony in Peril and Misery Signals.
While the group has stated that they don't mind being classified as melodic metalcore, Brubaker has grown to a distaste in the genre's usual bands: "I feel like anyone who can pick up and play a guitar and learn to play a metalcore riff and any drummer who can learn to play a thrash beat over a breakdown is doing it. It's almost become very formulaic, and metal to me was never a formulaic genre."
August Burns Red was founded in March 2003 when all the members were attending high school. The original practice sessions of the band began in drummer, Matt Greiner's old egg house and basement on the Greiner family's farmland. After playing many local shows within Lancaster, they recorded their first EP, titled Looks Fragile After All with label CI Records in 2004.
Vocalist Jon Hershey eventually quit the band during the same year, which led to Josh McManness to take on the position as lead singer, and after several months of playing with McManness, August Burns Red signed to Solid State Records in 2005. Hershey would later go on to form instrumental post-rock band Bells. August Burns Red released Thrill Seeker, their first full-length album, on November 8, 2005. In 2006, drummer Matt Greiner was endorsed by Truth Custom Drums following the release of the album.
McManness departed from the band in 2006, exhausted by the band's constant touring. He was replaced with Columbia, SC resident, Jake Luhrs during the same year. Bassist Jordan Tuscan also left the band in 2006 for similar reasons as McManness. He was replaced by bassist Dustin Davidson, a friend of the band. The band's second album, Messengers, was released on June 19, 2007. Marking the debut for Luhrs fronting the group, it managed to become the band's breakthrough album, reaching number 81 on the Billboard 200. The album has sold a total of 108,000 copies as of May 2011.
Throughout 2008, August Burns Red toured with several acts across North America and Europe to promote Messengers. From April to May they toured with As I Lay Dying and Misery Signals across the United States and Canada. In September and October of that same year, they headlined a tour with A Skylit Drive, Sky Eats Airplane, Greeley Estates, and This or the Apocalypse in the United States. The band also visited Europe for a month-long headlining tour in November, playing in Germany, Finland, Norway, Sweden, The United Kingdom, Republic Of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Italy, Belgium, The Netherlands, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and France.
After this series of tours, the band recorded two covers of popular songs. They recorded an instrumental version of the classic song, “Carol of the Bells” for the X Christmas compilation album, which was featured in trailers for the film, The Spirit, released Christmas Day 2008. They also recorded a cover of “…Baby One More Time” by pop singer Britney Spears for the Punk Goes Pop, Vol. 2 compilation album, released in March 2009.
On February 24, 2009, the band released an EP, entitled Lost Messengers: The Outtakes. It contains material that is related or was decided not to be included in the final, mastered version of Messengers. August Burns Reds' first trip to the Middle East took place on March 6, 2009 with the band playing at the Dubai Desert Rock Festival. The band's last tour before their next album release took place in the United States, where they toured with metalcore band All That Remains throughout April and May.
To promote their upcoming album, August Burns Red released several new tracks and a music video during June 2009. The tracks Thirty and Seven, Existence, and Ocean of Apathy were all released on the 15th, 21st, and 29th, respectively. A music video for the song Meddler was also released during this month. On July 7, a week before the album's release, August Burns Red began streaming the full album on their Myspace profile for a limited time.
August Burns Red released their third full-length album, Constellations, on July 14, 2009. During the week of August 1, 2009, the album charted at spot 24 on the Billboard 200. Another United States tour was organized with August Burns Red headlining and support from Blessthefall, Enter Shikari, All Shall Perish, and iwrestledabearonce. After this tour, the band joined a short tour in Australia with Architects in support of Australian band Parkway Drive. August Burns Red toured alongside Underoath and Emery in November and December 2009 as well.
The band released their first live CD/DVD, Home, on September 28, 2010. The group co-headlined an Alternative Press tour throughout November. On February 23, 2010, Constellations was nominated for the Dove Award for "Best Rock Album".
August Burns Red toured Australia and New Zealand in December 2010 on the No Sleep Til Festival. The band played alongside Parkway Drive, A Day to Remember, NOFX, Dropkick Murphys, Suicide Silence, Megadeth, Descendents, Gwar and many others.
On July 27, 2010, lead guitarist, Brubaker stated that the band would be taking time off tour to write their next record, On February 12, 2011, the band announced via their official Facebook page that they had completely finished writing their new record and that they would be entering the studio on Valentine's Day which, following into March of the next year, the band announced that the record was finished, and that it was (at that point) time for mixing. On the April 5, August Burns Red revealed the name of this upcoming record as Leveler. On May 16, 2011, the band released the song “Empire” as a preview before its release. They also later premiered three other songs: "Internal Cannon", "Divisions", and "Poor Millionaire", on May 31, June 6, and June 14, respectively.
Leveler was released on June 21, 2011 in two forms; standard and deluxe. The deluxe version of Leveler contains four extra songs, including an acoustic version of the song "Internal Cannon". The album sold particularly well compared to their other releases, with 29,000 of its opening first week-copies being sold in the United States alone. These sales had the record land at position 11 on The Billboard 200 chart. After the release, August Burns Red took part on the main stage of the 2011 Vans Warped Tour.
August Burns Red headlined their own "Leveler" tour on the first quarter of 2012 with Silverstein, Texas In July, I The Breather and Letlive. Later in 2012, August Burns Red embarked on a European tour with The Devil Wears Prada and Veil of Maya, and an American tour with Of Mice & Men and The Color Morale. August Burns Red released their first Holiday album, entitled August Burns Red Presents: Sleddin' Hill on October 9, 2012. On February 8, 2013 the band was officially announced as part of Warped Tour 2013 alongside Bring Me the Horizon, NeverShoutNever, Black Veil Brides, 3OH!3, Crizzly and Bowling for Soup.
On May 5, they announced that the album, Rescue & Restore was set to release June 25, 2013. The album debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200. On August 30, they announced that they would release a documentary DVD titled Foreign & Familiar before the end of the year.
On August 5, 2014, it was announced the band had signed to Fearless Records and Found in Far Away Places would be available for pre-order on April 13, 2015 along with their new single "The Wake".
The band embarked on the Frozen Flame Tour from January 22 to March 8, 2015 along with Miss May I, Northlane, Fit for a King and ERRA, for 39 shows in Canada and the United States, sponsored by Rockstar Energy.
On December 7, 2015 August Burns Red was nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Metal Performance Category for their song "Identity".
The Messengers 10th Anniversary Tour in Europe and the United States started on January 4, 2017 with supporting artists, Protest the Hero, In Hearts Wake and '68. On July 26, 2017, August Burns Red announced their new album, Phantom Anthem, released on October 6, 2017. The first single from the album, "Invisible Enemy," premiered on the SiriusXM Liquid Metal show the same day as the album announcement.
Paradox
August Burns Red Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This pain is worth more than what you have to say.
Swallow your pride because silence is golden,
And I wouldn't pay a penny to hear your thoughts.
Lie down your guard and surrender.
All that you're proving is your ignorance.
Lie down your guard and surrender.
Choose your words carefully.
He that keeps his mouth keeps his life;
He that opens his lips too wide
Shall bring on his own destruction [Proverbs 13:3].
Bite your tongue until it bleeds.
The pain is worth more than what you have to say.
Swallow your pride.
Swallow your pride because silence is golden,
And I wouldn't pay a penny to hear your thoughts.
Lie down your guard.
Lie down your guard and surrender.
Lie down your guard and surrender.
Lie down your guard and surrender.
Lie down your guard and surrender.
Lie down your guard and surrender.
Lie down your guard and surrender.
The lyrics of August Burns Red's song "Paradox" seem to explore the idea of self-control and the benefits it brings, versus the negative consequences that can result from speaking or acting impulsively. The phrase "bite your tongue until it bleeds" is a vivid image that suggests the pain and effort necessary to stop oneself from speaking out of turn or saying something hurtful. The idea that "silence is golden" and that it's better to keep quiet than to say something that might cause harm is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the importance of self-restraint. The reference to Proverbs 13:3 further reinforces this message by warning that those who speak too much or too carelessly may bring about their own downfall.
The lyrics also touch on the theme of surrender, both in terms of giving up one's ego and accepting the limitations of one's own knowledge and understanding. The line "all that you're proving is your ignorance" suggests that stubbornness and defensiveness can prevent us from learning or growing, whereas humility and a willingness to admit when we don't know something can open us up to new ideas and perspectives.
Overall, "Paradox" seems to be a call for self-reflection and introspection, urging listeners to consider the value of self-discipline and self-awareness.
Line by Line Meaning
Bite your tongue until it bleeds.
Endure the pain of holding back your words, knowing that the discomfort is worth avoiding potential harm or negative consequences.
This pain is worth more than what you have to say.
The price of not speaking up is worth more than any potential benefits from saying what is on your mind.
Swallow your pride because silence is golden,
Choose to remain silent and humble in order to avoid causing or escalating conflict.
And I wouldn't pay a penny to hear your thoughts.
Your contribution to this situation is not valuable or necessary and I would not benefit from hearing your input.
All that you're proving is your ignorance.
By refusing to listen or consider alternative viewpoints, you are demonstrating a lack of knowledge or understanding.
Choose your words carefully.
Be intentional and thoughtful about the words you use, as they can have significant impact on the outcome of a situation.
He that keeps his mouth keeps his life;
Those who remain silent and do not speak impulsively can avoid danger and negative consequences.
He that opens his lips too wide
Those who speak too much or too freely may bring trouble upon themselves.
Shall bring on his own destruction [Proverbs 13:3].
Speaking without caution can lead to negative consequences and self-destruction, as noted in a biblical proverb.
Lie down your guard and surrender.
Let go of your defensive or combative stance and submit to the situation, in order to move forward and seek resolution.
Contributed by Camilla E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jett Philip
This is such an underrated song in their discography... the guitar work and drumming is untouchable
Bradley Beard
I absolutely love the fact that this band can make me feel like I can take on the whole world by myself. ABR will forever be my favorite metal band
FenwayO4
This band seriously makes me feel good. ive had some problems lately and when I listen to their songs I feel SO much better. Especially when I read the lyrics. I dont know why its just something about them that blows my mind. They are really gifted. they made me start reading the Bible again. I still cant find a band that is better, in my opinion of course.
HOTBALLZ
They can't make a bad song
Neil Fletcher
This band I look up to and cherish. Their music is what keeps my head up everyday and to keep moving forward
justin Michael
+Neil Fletcher amen
AndEyesRBloodShot
"Bit your tongue until it bleeds, the pain is worth more than what you have to say. Swallow your pride. Swallow your pride, because silence is golden. And i wouldnt pay a penny to hear your thoughts." how amazing please??? <3
Lacey Jantzi
no doubt about it, God's given these guys an amazing talent, and they're using it in amazing ways, to bring Him glory. They're an incredible band, whether you're religious or not! <3
Chad Smiley
Spiritual war music. These guys pump me up in the best way!
SanAntonio501
One of the best songs in my opinion. Lyrically and musically.