April 9th, 2012 
James Shotwell 
Artist: Upon A Burning Body
Album: Red. White. Green.
Genre: Metalcore
Label: Sumerian
The farther we plunge into 2012, the clearer it becomes that the tides of the industry are again undergoing change. The metalcore and post hardcore sound that so heavily dominated the alternative scene over the last half decade has begun to sound dull on the ears of even the most diehard fans, leaving dozens of bands with slipping sales and increased competition for worthwhile tour packages. It had to happen at some point I guess, and just like the resurgence of pop punk over the past few years these genres will surely be return to the limelight, but for now the once thriving community has transformed into a post war battlefield littered with fallen knockoffs, young bands who never got a chance, and the few warriors still able to hoist their breakdown-loving flags high.
On their second album with Sumerian Records, Texas’ Upon A Burning Body traverse the war zone known as the modern music industry with energy and fury to spare. “Game Over” kicks things off with a call to arms and brotherhood, which slides seamlessly into the one-two single punch of “Sin City” and “Once Upon A Time In Mexico.” UABB then return to partying ways with “Texas Blood Money,” which is destined to be their new crowd favorite, and ease their way into the middle of the record with an acoustic instrumental entitled “El Marachi.”
“Desperado” brings back the heavy with a thunderous drum-lead that turns into an all out metal riot. Likewise, “Mimic” does its best to push listeners to their mosh loving limits with nearly three-and-a-half minutes of nonstop drive and energy. This intensity is then expanded on tracks “Predators” and “From Dusk Til Dawn,” both of which are surely destined to appear on future setlists, then subdued ever-so-slightly to convey messages of living well and remember your roots on the album’s epic closers (“Planet Terror” and “The Island Of The Lost Dream”).
Even though the metal genre has undergone its fair share of setbacks and downfalls as of late, Upon A Burning Body prove with Red. White. Green. that there is still plenty to celebrate. The album is not perfect, in fact some moments of instrumentation can be downright simple, but the passion, fun, and feeling of renewed excitement for the genre never leaves the record. Find it, try it, and even if you don’t buy it at go forward in life with the knowledge there are still bands in the world who know how to have a good time without leaning on cliche’d crutches, selling themselves or their fans short, or simply remaking the same album again and again in hopes of gaining popularity.
SCORE: 8/10
Review written by: James Shotwell (Twitter)
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Who is the guest vocalist?
Fronz from Attila does guest vocals in Mimic. Johnny Plague from Winds of Plague does guest vocals in another song, I’m not sure which. And Nate Johnson from Fit For An Autopsy does guest vocals in Predators I think. The only one I’m positive on for the song is Mimic. But those are all three guests vocalists.