August Burns Red – Guardian Sessions EP
Release Date: 16th April 2021
Label: Fearless Records
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Genre: Metalcore, Technical Metal.
FFO: The Ghost Inside, Architects, Sylosis.
Review By: Ross Bowie
August Burns Red have been consistently captivating throughout their career and their latest EP, Guardian Sessions, continues this trend. Whilst many bands have understandably struggled during the Covid-19 pandemic, August Burns Red have been busier than ever – with the 6-track record representing their fourth release in just twelve months.
As the name suggests, Guardian Sessions is a continuation from 2020’s album Guardians. This EP contains two new tracks, two covers and finishes off with two instrumental reprises of fan favourite tracks from the latest album. The two original songs kick off the EP and waste no time in delivering that trademark feel-good metalcore that August Burns Red are known for. As always, the musicianship is to an incredibly high standard with intricate riffs bursting through each of the tracks all while being held down by a precise rhythm section. Standing in The Storm delivers on what fans of this band have come to expect. It’s fun and keeps you hooked without losing any heaviness or intensity. It will happily hammer you with heavy and dissonant breakdowns before breaking into a Rockstar-esque guitar solo.
Icarus is the shining moment of this EP. It has the signature August Burns Red sound but takes it to new heights and hints at the band’s trajectory moving forward. Most notably, the track features clean vocals from bassist Dustin Davidson. Fans of Davidson’s other project, Best Case Scenario, have been hankering for his vocal flare for some time, and Icarus does not disappoint. His vocals escalate the track and stands in stark contrast with lead vocalist Jake Luhrs, making his delivery all the more menacing.
While the original tracks are the highlight of this release, the two covers are a mixed bag. Tackling one of the biggest songs in metal is no mean feat, but when that song is Chop Suey! you’re setting yourself up for a loss. I’m sure the band had fun recording this cover, but it might have been better off staying in the studio…!
However, the band’s cover of the Westworld theme song truly caught me by surprise. The cover goes harder than expected and even manages to sneak in a breakdown. It was joyful and quirky while sounding undeniably like August Burns Red.
Guardian Sessions is closed out by two instrumental reprises of tracks from the latest album. Although the musicianship over these songs is undeniable, it offers nothing to keep you hooked. Unless you’re a die-hard fan, you’ll most likely be skipping the ending.
Guardian Sessions is at its best when the band are playing new material, but you can’t blame them for having some fun and putting this out there for the fans. If Icarus is a sign of things to come, I am excited to see August Burns Red explore and develop their sound in the (hopefully) not-to-distant future. 
(3 / 5)
