Messengers is the second studio album by the American metalcore band August Burns Red. It was released on June 19, 2007, through Solid State Records. Produced by Adam Dutkiewicz of Killswitch Engage, the album marked a significant turning point in the band's career, establishing their signature blend of technical musicianship, intricate guitar riffs, and melodic breakdowns within the metalcore genre.
Background and Production: Following their debut album, Thrill Seeker (2005), August Burns Red embarked on recording Messengers with Adam Dutkiewicz, a well-known producer in the metalcore scene. The collaboration with Dutkiewicz helped to refine the band's sound, emphasizing tighter performances and a more polished, yet still aggressive, production quality. Lyrically, the album maintains the band's Christian themes, often exploring introspection, hope, and resilience.
Musical Style: Messengers is characterized by its highly technical and complex instrumentation. It features fast-paced drumming, intricate and often harmonized guitar work, frequent time signature changes, and powerful breakdowns. Jake Luhrs's raw, aggressive vocal delivery is a prominent feature, contrasting with the album's melodic sensibilities. The album solidified August Burns Red's reputation for highly skilled and compositionally sophisticated metalcore.
Release and Reception: Upon its release, Messengers received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its musicianship and the band's progression from their debut. The album was commercially successful for an independent metalcore release, peaking at number 81 on the Billboard 200 chart, number 21 on the Top Rock Albums chart, and number 8 on the Top Christian Albums chart. It featured popular tracks such as "Composure," "The Eleventh Hour," and "Truth of a Liar," which became staples in the band's live performances. The album is widely considered a landmark release within the metalcore genre and a foundational work for August Burns Red's subsequent success.