After more than two decades in metalcore, August Burns Red could easily lean on familiarity, Instead the Pennsylvania band approached Season Of Surrender by looking inward rather than chasing whatever sound is currently dominating heavy music.
Speaking with us ahead of the album’s Friday, June 5th release, vocalist Jake Luhrs said the band consciously avoided taking “a crazy left turn” with their sound or following trends:
“For us, I think it was more of taking, like, a deeper look at ourselves as to, like, who ABR is,” Luhrs explained.
“We all progress and work really hard as individuals, as musicians, so we’re like, hey, let’s write the best ABR record we possibly can, the most modern ABR record.”
That mindset shaped what became the band’s tenth studio album, featuring guest appearances from The Devil Wears Prada’s Mike Hranica, Polaris vocalist Jamie Hails and Make Them Suffer.
August Burns Red ‘Behemoth’ video
Pushing the limits
Luhrs admitted he pushed himself harder than ever while recording the album, spending almost two full months tracking vocals instead of the usual couple of weeks.
“I really wanted to do that because I really felt like I wanted to make sure that I could do my best on this record and give it my all,” he said.
While August Burns Red continue evolving creatively, Luhrs still sounds amazed the band has lasted this long.
“My mind is still blown that you know this is my life,” he said. “We have some of the most die-hard fans, most committed people, and it’s really cool to see that we’ve kind of lived life together.”
August Burns Red ‘The Nameless’ lyric video
Making a difference
Outside of music, Luhrs has become heavily involved in mental health advocacy through his nonprofit HeartSupport while also building a strong focus on fitness and wellbeing, he credits both as things that entered his life because of the band’s journey.
“If I’m ever having a sluggish day, or I’m feeling overwhelmed, I’ll literally just put my whole life on pause,” he said. “I’m gonna go work out, get myself aligned, and then I’ll be back.”
August Burns Red return to Australia and New Zealand this September and October for their first headline tour down under in seven years, Luhrs said Australia remains one of his favourite places to visit.
“Australia is probably one of my most favorite places to tour,” he said. “We just love the energy and the culture.”
He also reflected on a conversation that stuck with him from a previous trip here:
“In America you guys live to work, and here in Australia, we work to live,” Luhrs recalled being told. “That stuck with me, because it’s true.”
August Burns Red 2026 Tour Dates
- Sunday, September 27th – Freo Social, Perth 18+
- Tuesday, September 29th – The Gov, Adelaide Lic AA
- Thursday, October 1st – 170 Russell, Melbourne 18+
- Friday, October 2nd – Liberty Hall, Sydney Lic AA
- Saturday, October 3rd – King St Bandroom, Newcastle 18+
- Sunday, October 4th – The Tivoli, Brisbane 18+
Find out more and get your tickets here.
August Burns Red ‘Season Of Surrender’ track list
- 01. Legions [Feat. Mike Hranica]
- 02. The Nameless
- 03. Behemoth
- 04. Den of Thieves
- 05. Sonic Salvation [Feat. Jamie Hails]
- 06. Cerebral Malfunction [Feat. Make Them Suffer]
- 07. Tear of the Clouds
- 08. Whispers Like Splinters
- 09. S.O.S.
- 10. New Horizons
- 11. Forged by Failure
Season Of Surrender arrives June 5th via Fearless Records, August Burns Red tour Australia and New Zealand from September 27th through October 8th with Bloom and I Promised The World.
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