For January, (Err, what's left of it) the Band of The Month is August Burns Red. Not only are these guys incredible musicians, lyricists, and performers, they raise the bar for all other metal bands out there. Let's state the obvious and note their appearance on the album X Christmas, in which they debut their cover of Carol of The Bells. Let's just say that turn Xmas into hXc-mass. They create a symphony from the classic christmas ballad and transform so much that the Jewish kids are singing it. Then there is the performance factor. I've seen them live twice and both times they outstaged the bands they toured with. I have never seen a crowd get into live music as much as they do at an ABR show. Sure there is moshing and arm waving at all shows, but at the ABR shows I've seen, a level of emotional intensity is radiated throughout the crowd. I see concert -goers with their eyes shut, tossing themselves into a pit, raising their arms and bowing their heads, seems a bit religious in my opinion. However, the band controls there set. In one of the shows a girl who wasn't quite willing to get into a moshpit was dragged in. The lead singer saw this and stopped his song, and told the pit to retreat so that her boyfriend could come and save her, and free her from the wall of over 300 sweaty men. Once she was out everyone clapped and the show carried on without falter. It takes more than just talent to be a great band, but being composed of caring human beings is what sets them apart from other bands out there. Anyone write a song, but it's true talent when you can escape fame getting to your head. ABR, I salute you!
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