August Burns Red

'Tis the season ― well, sort of. August Burns Red Presents: Sleddin' Hill: A Holiday Album has an October release date. While that's not exactly the season for Santa Claus, it does give the listener ample time to get into the spirit. Although the album's inspiration is very specific, the execution in the songs varies a bit more ― some numbers follow August Burns Red's melodic metalcore riffing (with the notes of popular Christmas songs) and breakdowns, while many bring a flurry of other influences in. Whether it's the punk-y "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer," the lounge-esque break in "Sleigh Ride" or the addition of strings and brass ("Oh Holy Night" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," respectively), the record exhibits a side of August Burns Red not seen before. Unfortunately, vocalist Jake Luhrs is also seldom heard from, which leads to a slightly tedious romp through instrumental songs. But, hey, you know the words anyway, right, Scrooge? So sing along now because you won't want to listen in the summer.