AUGUST BURNS RED AT VIBES EVENT CENTER IN SAN ANTONIO
August Burns Red’s 2021 “Leveler Tour” featuring Fit For a King, Erra, and Like Moths to Flames is as stacked of a lineup as any metalcore fan could ask for.
The tour made its way through the Vibes Event Center in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday, December 4th and each band delivered a powerful set to the rowdy crowd. Opening the night was Like Moths to Flames. They got the pit going early and got the crowd warmed for the night to come.
Next up was Erra. The crowd was extra hyped to see them. As soon as they started their first song, crowd surfers were already making their way towards the stage. Between the big, heavy breakdowns, shreddy lead guitars, and epic choruses, Erra gave a well-rounded performance that left fans pleased.
Not long after Erra, Texas-based Fit For A King took the stage and took command of the packed room. The crowd participation was off the charts as the fans jumped, crowd surfed and got a circle pit going, all at the band’s command. This run of shows was extra special for the band, as it was their first show playing as a five-piece since 2013. It was also the last tour for their longtime drummer, Jared Easterling. Despite a few technical difficulties, the band proved to be a worthy opener for the metalcore kings.
Then came the moment everyone was waiting for: August Burns Red. They took the stage and the crowd went nuts. They kicked things off with “X”, the intro off their 2021 re-release of Leveler. Then they went right into “Empire” and got the crowd off of their feet. It’s always an epic moment when the bridge hits, the room lights up and everyone sings along.
It’s important to note that ABR’s lead singer Jake Luhrs wasn’t with the band due to an emergency. Mike Felker from the band Convictions assumed the vocal duties and was a worthy replacement for hopping on the tour on such short notice.
The band went on to rip through the rest of the album. I particularly enjoyed hearing “Carpe Diem” and the extra-heavy “Poor Millionaire”. They closed Leveler with the title track and then the band exited the stage as drummer Matt Greiner went right into an epic, double-bass filled solo.
The band came back and played an encore that included “Defender”, “Bloodletter”, and ultimately ended with “White Washed''. There’s never a more perfect end to the night than having the crowd jumping around belting the intense lyrics.