August Burns Red have returned with their twelfth studio album, Season of Surrender, and it’s proving be one of the strongest releases of their career. Their 2023 record Death Below was generally well-received by critics and fans, but Season of Surrender feels like a far more confident piece of work. So far, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many longtime listeners already calling it the band’s best work in years.
This record doesn’t mess around, getting straight to the action with opening track “Legions” featuring Mike Hranica of The Devil Wears Prada. It’s aggressive, energetic and packed with intensity- the perfect introduction to the chaos that follows. Lead single “Behemoth” remains a highlight even after repeated listens, delivering massive riffs and crushing breakdowns- it’s no wonder this was chosen as the first taste of the record.
One of Season of Surrender’s biggest strength is its pacing. Instead of delivering short, punchy tracks, they give each song room to really breathe. With most tracks sitting comfortably between four and five minutes long, they’re able to explore tempo changes and dramatic transitions without the risk of it feeling rushed or overcrowded.
“Den of Thieves” is a personal favourite, driven by a guitar riff that anchors the entire song- a definite ear worm. Elsewhere, “Cerebral Malfunction” sees the band team up with Make Them Suffer, resulting in one of the most natural collaborations on the record, feeling genuinely integrated into the song rather than existing purely for novelty value.
Another hidden gem is “Whispers Like Splinters”. It kicks off with a surprisingly melodic introduction and gradually builds into a big dramatic moment. It showcases the band’s ability to balance melody and heaviness without compromising their sound. The album closes with “Forged By Failure”, an ambitious seven-minute epic that takes the listener on a journey. Its eerie, stripped-back introduction immediately sets it apart from the rest of the record before slowly building towards a massive, satisfying finale. The song constantly shifts between crushing verses and emotional peaks, creating a sense of momentum that doesn’t let up. By the time it reaches the end, it’s the perfect summary of everything that makes this album work so well.
Season of Surrender is the perfect example of a veteran band finding new ways to challenge themselves, rather than coasting on their legacy. It captures everything fans love about August Burns Red, with enough new ideas to keep things interesting. Vocalist Jake Luhrs delivers one of the strongest vocal performances of his career across this album, with his range, power and control remaining consistently impressive, and the guitar work stands out as their most creative in recent years. Overall, this is a solid record.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
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