Pronunciation: [az sˈɪtiz bˈɜːn] (IPA) 
The spelling of the band name "As Cities Burn" may seem straightforward, but there are some nuances to its pronunciation. The initial sound of "As" is pronounced as the "æ" sound, as in "cat," while the "it" in "Cities" is pronounced with a soft "ih" sound, similar to "sitting." The "Burn" portion is straightforward, with the "ur" sound as in "burned." So the full pronunciation would be /æz ˈsɪtiz bərn/.
As Cities Burn refers to an American post-hardcore/math rock band that emerged in 2002 in Mandeville, Louisiana. The band's name signifies the transformation that occurs within urban landscapes, metaphorically representing the concept of personal growth and change.
With their fusion of various genres such as post-hardcore, alternative rock, and math rock, As Cities Burn embraced an eclectic sound that incorporated melodic elements, ambient textures, technical guitar riffs, and dynamic shifts. Their music often featured introspective lyrics and emotionally charged vocals, delivering powerful and introspective themes.
Throughout their career, As Cities Burn showcased a distinct sonic evolution and experimentation. Their debut album "Son I Loved You at Your Darkest" (2005) captured the essence of their early emo-infused post-hardcore sound. Subsequent albums, such as "Come Now Sleep" (2007) and "Hell or High Water" (2009), ventured into more melodic and atmospheric territories. These albums displayed the band's growth and maturity as they explored introspective themes of faith, doubt, and personal struggle.
As Cities Burn disbanded in 2009 but reunited in 2011, releasing the album "Hell or High Water" before going on indefinite hiatus again. With their unique blend of genres and thought-provoking lyrics, As Cities Burn left a lasting impact on the post-hardcore scene, solidifying their position as an influential band in the genre.
