Rescue & Restore

Ambitious in scope and daring in execution, August Burns Red’s sixth album reduces Christian metalcore clichés to smoldering rubble. The Lancaster, Pa., quartet has been poised for such a breakthrough since the release of its well-regarded Leveller in 2011. Still, even loyal fans might be caught offguard with the genre-busting audacity of these tracks. ABR infuses the album with a rich melodic sense that borrows from rock, pop, and even Latin influences without sacrificing the assaultive force of their instrumental work. Tunes like “Treatment,” “Spirit Breaker," and “Creative Captivity” combine impressive complexity with gut-punching power, shifting between hard-charging rhythms and grinding breakdowns. JB Brubaker deserves special praise for his subtle and often-virtuosic guitar leads, taking the band deep into progressive rock territory. Vocalist Jake Luhrs transcends harsh vocal conventions with performances that are at once ferocious and sensitive. “The First Step” embodies the album’s fiery affirmation of the Spirit with a final volcanic outpouring that should leave listeners dazzled and ultimately renewed.