Messengers

Released in 2007, Messengers is the second studio album by August Burns Red and the first to feature vocalist Jake Luhrs and bassist Dustin Davidson. This lineup change proved pivotal, as Luhrs' more powerful, consistent vocal delivery provided the necessary anchor for the band's increasingly complex arrangements. Produced by Tue Madsen, the album's sonic character is defined by its 'wall of sound' approach, utilizing dense layering and high-gain guitar tones that became a blueprint for the technical metalcore genre. Unlike their debut, Messengers leans heavily into polyrhythms and odd time signatures, largely driven by drummer Matt Greiner's innovative approach to the kit. The album was a commercial and critical success, debuting at number 81 on the Billboard 200 and establishing the band as leaders of the Solid State Records roster. It is widely considered a landmark release that bridged the gap between traditional hardcore and progressive metal.