August Burns Red

This choice Christian metalcore outfit has always garnered attention with flawless intensity and surprisingly intricate musicianship. Yet they've managed to further expand their chops on this third full-length. From the opening notes of "Thirty and Seven" onward, the aggression is unrelenting, the guitars are clean and the vocals swing from a biting, throaty bark to pained shouts. Underneath, an aural assault pummels through the verses, changing pace not only for breakdowns but for some killer solos ("Existence," "Marianas Trench"). Don't skip "White Washed" or "The Escape Artist," either.