The 5 Major Reasons August Burns Red’s 10th Album & 2026 Tour Will Redefine Metalcore

The landscape of modern metalcore is about to be violently reshaped, as August Burns Red, the genre’s most consistently technical and enduring force, prepares for a major new chapter. As of today, December 15, 2025, the Lancaster, Pennsylvania titans are deep into the final stages of recording their highly anticipated 10th studio album, a monumental release slated to drop in 2026. This news, confirmed by vocalist Jake Luhrs, has sent shockwaves of excitement through the global heavy music community, confirming that the band's legacy of complex riffs, intricate drumming, and positive lyrical themes is far from over. This upcoming release, coupled with an extensive 2025-2026 tour schedule, positions August Burns Red for one of the biggest years of their career.

The band, known for their relentless touring and commitment to their signature sound, has been a pillar of the metalcore scene since their formation in 2003. Their unique blend of technical proficiency, time-signature shifts, and melodic breakdowns has influenced countless acts. With a new album on the horizon and major festival appearances locked in, it's the perfect time to explore the current state of August Burns Red and why their next steps are essential viewing for any heavy music enthusiast.

August Burns Red: The Current Lineup and Complete Band Biography

August Burns Red was forged in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in March 2003, originally founded by a group of high school friends. The band's name itself is a piece of metalcore folklore, allegedly stemming from a tragic story involving a former lead singer's ex-girlfriend, "August," setting fire to his dog house. While the lineup has seen some minor shifts over two decades, the core creative engine remains intact, delivering a powerful and consistent vision across their entire discography.

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Current August Burns Red Members (The Creative Core)

• Jake Luhrs (Vocals): Joined in 2006, replacing Josh McManness. Known for his powerful, distinct growl and his work with the mental health non-profit HeartSupport.
• John Benjamin "JB" Brubaker (Lead Guitar): A founding member and the primary songwriter responsible for the band's signature technical, progressive riffing and complex song structures.
• Brent Rambler (Rhythm Guitar): A founding member who provides the rhythmic backbone and a significant portion of the band's driving energy.
• Matt Greiner (Drums, Piano): A founding member whose polyrhythmic drumming, blast beats, and signature fills are considered some of the most influential in modern metalcore.
• Dustin Davidson (Bass, Backing Vocals): Joined in 2006. Provides the low-end groove and is often credited with adding depth to the band's technical complexity.

Key Moments in August Burns Red History

• 2003: Band formed in Lancaster, PA.
• 2005: Release of debut album, Thrill Seeker, establishing their aggressive, technical style.
• 2007: Release of Messengers, the first album with vocalist Jake Luhrs, which cemented their place in the scene.
• 2009: Release of Constellations, widely regarded as a metalcore classic and a commercial breakthrough.
• 2015: Received their first Grammy Award nomination for Best Metal Performance for "Identity" from the album Found in Far Away Places.
• 2023: Released their ninth studio album, Death Below, which was met with critical acclaim and commercial success.
• 2025: Confirmed to be in the final stages of recording their 10th studio album.

The Countdown: Everything We Know About ABR's 10th Studio Album

The anticipation for a new August Burns Red record is always high, but the band’s 10th full-length effort carries extra weight. Following the success of 2023’s Death Below, the new material is expected to push the boundaries of their already progressive metalcore sound. The latest updates confirm the recording process is nearing completion, with a projected release date sometime in 2026.

The band has consistently evolved their sound, moving from the raw intensity of Thrill Seeker to the polished, symphonic complexity of later works like Rescue and Restore. Fans are eagerly speculating whether the new album will lean into the melodic side, double down on the technical, rhythmic complexity that drummer Matt Greiner is famous for, or introduce entirely new elements to their established formula.

Guitarist JB Brubaker, the band’s primary creative force, is known for his intricate, often challenging guitar work, which seamlessly blends heavy chugging with sophisticated leads and tapping sequences. This musical intelligence, coupled with the positive, often faith-based themes in their lyrics, gives August Burns Red a unique voice in the aggressive music scene. The new album is expected to continue this tradition of technical brilliance and emotional depth, offering a fresh batch of anthems for the next generation of metalcore enthusiasts.

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The Massive 2025-2026 Tour: Festivals, Co-Headlines, and Christmas Burns Red

August Burns Red is famous for their relentless touring schedule and high-energy live performances, and the 2025-2026 calendar is no exception. The band is set to dominate stages across North America and beyond, giving fans plenty of opportunities to hear both their classic tracks and, eventually, new material from the 10th album.

The tour schedule highlights the band's enduring appeal across the entire heavy music spectrum, from massive outdoor festivals to their own intimate, fan-favorite annual event.

Key 2025-2026 Tour Dates and Appearances:

• Major Festival Slots: August Burns Red is confirmed for several massive festivals in 2025, including the Aftershock Festival and the Louder Than Life Festival. These appearances place them alongside some of the biggest names in rock and metal.
• Co-Headlining Tours: The band is also scheduled to appear on a major North American co-headline tour with other prominent bands like Bullet For My Valentine and Trivium, showcasing their longevity and drawing power.
• Christmas Burns Red 2025: The annual, highly anticipated "Christmas Burns Red" event has been finalized for December 2025. This hometown holiday show in Lancaster, PA, is a staple for the band and their dedicated fanbase, often featuring a diverse and exciting lineup of supporting acts.

The sheer scale of this touring effort serves as a powerful reminder of August Burns Red's topical authority within the metalcore genre. They are a band that has consistently delivered high-quality music and an unparalleled live show, making them a must-see act on any festival bill.

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The ABR Sound: Why Their Technical Metalcore Endures

August Burns Red is generally categorized as a metalcore band, but their sound is far more nuanced, often sharing traits with progressive metal and even classical music in its structure. This technicality is the cornerstone of their enduring appeal.

Their musical style is characterized by:

• Technical Riffing: JB Brubaker's guitar work is known for its complex, high-speed, and often dissonant riffing, frequently employing alternate picking and tapping techniques.
• Polyrhythmic Drumming: Matt Greiner’s drumming is legendary, featuring intricate patterns, unexpected time-signature changes, and a masterful use of cymbals that adds layers of complexity rarely heard in the genre.
• Melodic Counterpoint: Despite the aggression, the band expertly weaves in melodic guitar leads and clean passages, providing a crucial contrast that elevates their sound beyond standard heavy music.
• Positive Lyrical Themes: Unlike many heavy bands, August Burns Red maintains a distinctly positive and inspirational lyrical focus, often touching on themes of hope, perseverance, and faith, earning them the label of Christian metalcore.

This commitment to technical intelligence and positive messaging is what sets August Burns Red apart. Albums like Constellations, Messengers, and Rescue and Restore are considered essential listening, not just for metalcore fans, but for anyone interested in the evolution of modern heavy music. The forthcoming 10th album is poised to build upon this legacy, ensuring the band remains a dominant and highly influential force for years to come.