Photo Credit: T. Cody Strubel

Christmas Burns Red – 15 Years of Constellations

3 mins read

Last weekend, the Christmas Burns Red festival in Lancaster, PA, was an unforgettable experience for fans of heavy music. Held on December 13 and 14 at the Lancaster County Convention Center, this two-day event showcased an impressive lineup of bands, making it a must-attend for metalcore enthusiasts.

Hillhaven kicked off the Christmas Burns Red festival with an electrifying live debut that set a high standard for the event. The band, composed of members from notable acts like Ice Nine Kills and From Ashes to New, immediately captured the audience’s attention with their opening track, “The God You Think You Are.” Their energetic performance, featuring the songs “Gaps” and “Sycophants,” ignited the crowd, resulting in a massive pit that showcased their infectious energy. Hillhaven’s blend of aggressive riffs and melodic hooks established them as a promising new force in the metalcore scene.

Deadlands took the stage next, marking a significant milestone as the first female-fronted band to perform at the Christmas Burns Red festival. Wasting no time, they launched into their opening track, “Villain,” instantly energizing the crowd and igniting a full-circle pit that matched their dynamic performance. Vocalist Kasey Karlsen showcased her impressive vocal range, effortlessly transitioning between harsh screams and melodic clean vocals while donning a festive Santa suit. The band orchestrated a thrilling wall of death during “Final Judgement,” resulting in a chaotic spectacle that captivated the audience. They closed their set with “House of Cards,” leaving attendees buzzing with excitement and eager to see what this trailblazing band will bring next.

Next up was Bodysnatcher, who kicked off their set with the fan-favorite “King of Rats,” which prompted an immediate reaction from the crowd, leading to spin kicks and even heavier moshing. Vocalist Kyle’s charismatic engagement with the audience added to the fervor as they closed with tracks “Twelve/Seventeen” and “Murder8.” Bodysnatcher’s heavy sound and commanding stage presence solidified their reputation as one of the standout acts of the night.

Erra followed with a captivating set that showcased their technical prowess and melodic sensibilities. Opening with “Cure,” the band immediately drew in fans with their intricate guitar work and dual vocal harmonies. The synergy between vocalists Jt and Jesse was palpable as they navigated through their set, which included closing highlight “Snowblood.”

Headlining Day 1 was The Devil Wears Prada, who brought an impressive mix of nostalgia and new material to their performance. Their set featured a range of songs from their extensive discography, including classics that had fans singing along passionately. The band’s stage presence was amplified by engaging visuals and powerful instrumentation, culminating in an unforgettable rendition of their hit songs. As they wrapped up their set, anticipation built for August Burns Red, who celebrated 15 years of Constellations with a special performance.

August Burns Red closed out Day 1 with a powerful performance that showcased a unique setlist blending both classic tracks and newer material. The band opened with an explosive cover of System Of A Down’s “Chop Suey!” before diving into fan favorites “Truth of a Liar” and “Invisible Enemy.” Their performance was marked by impressive pyrotechnics and heartfelt moments, including a dedication to those who have lost loved ones. The highlight was an encore featuring their beloved Christmas song “Carol of the Bells,” complete with festive theatrics that had the crowd buzzing long after the final note.

On Day 2, locals If Not For Me opened the night with a strong performance that set an energetic tone for the evening. Their blend of melodic elements and heavy riffs quickly engaged fans, showcasing their potential as rising stars in the metal scene. Following them was Orthodox, whose intense sound and commanding stage presence resonated throughout Freedom Hall, keeping the energy high.

Next on stage were Boundaries, who delivered a powerful set filled with raw emotion and heavy riffs. Their music struck a chord with attendees, creating an atmosphere ripe for catharsis as fans connected deeply with their lyrics. Gideon followed suit, bringing their signature blend of hardcore aggression and melodic elements to the forefront, captivating audiences with tracks that encouraged participation and unity among fans.

The night reached its zenith when The Ghost Inside took over, delivering an emotionally charged performance that resonated deeply within Freedom Hall. Their heartfelt connection to fans was evident as they performed beloved tracks that had everyone singing along, creating an unforgettable moment of camaraderie among metalheads.

Finally, August Burns Red returned to headline Day 2 with a spectacular show that celebrated their iconic album Constellations. They kicked off their set with the explosive “Thirty and Seven” before diving into fan favorites like “White Washed,” “Marianas Trench,” and “Crusades.” Their commanding stage presence and tight musicianship kept the energy high throughout the night. The band also included festive flair with their song “Winter Wilderness,” which perfectly encapsulated the holiday spirit of the event. As the festival wrapped up, fans were left exhilarated by two nights filled with heavy music, community spirit, and unforgettable performances from some of metalcore’s finest acts.

August Burns Red Tour

Christmas Burns Red Night 1 Photos

Hillhaven

Deadlands

Bodysnatcher

ERRA

The Devil Wears Prada

August Burns Red

Christmas Burns Red Night 2 Photos

If Not For Me

Orthodox

Boundaries

Gideon

The Ghost Inside

August Burns Red

T. Cody Strubel is the founder of Rock Documented, a platform he established in September 2015. As the Lead Photographer, Writer, and Editor, Cody has been instrumental in shaping the site's content and visual aesthetic. His exceptional work in music photography was recognized by the Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame, where he was voted "Best Photography" at their inaugural event. Cody's equipment of choice includes two Nikon Z8s, a NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S, a NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S, a NIKKOR Z 70-200/2.8 S VR, a NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR, and a Hold Fast Money Maker Shoulder Strap. His passion for music and photography, combined with his commitment to promoting local talent, makes him a vital voice in the Central Pennsylvania music scene.

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