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Biography
Atreyu was founded in 1998 by vocalist Alex Varkatzas, guitarist Dan Jacobs, bassist Brian O’Donnell, and drummer Brandon Saller, although at the time they toured under the name Retribution. They later changed their name upon discovering that it was already taken by another Californian band.
Atreyu started their career playing an aggressive blend of metal doused in raw ethos and set a flame with searing guitar riffs, blood curdling screams, and thunderous drums. The band is strongly influenced by the expected heavy metal legends (i.e. Slayer, Black Sabbath), but also cites less predictable sources of inspiration like Swedish post-hardcore pioneers Refused, experimental art punk king Nick Cave, and formative emo acts like Hot Water Music.
The group released their first EP “Visions” independently in 1999. It came out through the California based label Die Trying Records and has since become a highly sought after rarity due to it’s limited production run. Atreyu’s 2nd EP “Fractures In the Facade of Your Porcelain Beauty” came out in 2001, this time through Tribunal. This EP like their previous one is incredibly hard to find and is also their first release to feature the implementation of two guitarists.
Atreyu entered into one of Victory record’ notoriously rigorous contracts in 2001, producing some of their most critically acclaimed material during this period. Their debut album “Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses” came out in 2002 and though it initially only generated a cult following, it later tapped into the mainstream thanks to repeated plays on shows like Headbangers Ball and Uranium.
Their sophomore effort “The Curse” came out in 2004 and sold close to half a million copies following its release. The band’s profile started to rise shortly after, primarily due to several appearances in films (“Mr. and Mrs. Smith” and “Underworld: Evolution”) and video games (“Burnout 3”).
“A Death-Grip On Yesterday”, the third album by Atreyu exceeded the commercial success of their previous releases and was likewise revered by critics. Though it was leaked through the P2P website BitTorrent before its official release, the album still ended up doing incredibly well on the charts peaking at No. 9 on the Billboard 200. Their next release “The Best Of... Atreyu” appeared at No. 103 on the Billboard 200 and No. 6 on the Top Independent Albums chart. It also marked their last release through Victory records.
In 2007 the band signed on with world renowned metal label Roadrunner Records and released their album “Lead Sails Paper Anchor” later that year. This release rose to No. 8 on the Billboard 200 and featured 3 singles, including the stand out tracks “Falling Down” and the Hot Topic exclusive “Becoming the Bull”. The re-release included the cover songs “Epic” by Faith No More and “Clean Sheets” by the Descendants. Atreyu promoted this release on both the US and UK legs of the Taste of Chaos tour playing alongside Bullet for My Valentine, Avenged Seven Fold, As I Lay Dying, D’esparis Ray, and Mucc.
The band’s next album “Congregation of the Damned” proved to be dynamically varied in terms of style and technique, but was also cited as the group’s most coherent release. It also featured credits from Ozzy Osbourne collaborator Bob Marlette and sound mixer Rich Costey, an affiliate of System of a Down and Rage Against the Machine. They promoted the release on an extensive co-headlining tour with Hollywood Undead, Escape the Fate, and the Sleeping.
Producer Bob Marlette returned to work with the band on their 5th studio album, which featured contributions from members of Chiodos, blessthefall, Endless Hallway, and Architects. Atreyu went on a series of tours backing this release before taking a three year break starting in 2011.
Atreyu ended their hiatus in 2014, releasing the free of cost track “So Other’s May Live” on their website. Atreyu also began playing live shows that year, performing at festivals such as South By So What?! and Slipknot’s Knotfest.
Live reviews
I had not been able to see Atreyu since Reading Festival 2009, when I did not have the best experience. So when I heard that they were coming to my home town for a far more intimate show (300 capacity), I instantly rallied the troops and ordered my tickets. Needless to say I was not disappointed.
Fighting my way to the front, I was stunned by the level of showmanship and crowd interaction which the band engaged in. Delivering a high energy, riff heavy set, they battled through sweat and exhaustion to engage the crowd in some of their greatest hits and introduce some new material at the same time. A worthy inclusion was Her Portrait In Black, a song I had not seen them perform before, and there was not a single hand that wasn't in the air for You Give Love A Bad Name. Other noteworthy moments included Bleeding Mascara, Becoming The Bull and Right Side of the Bed.
As an aside, meeting the band afterwards was a fantastic experience. They are humble and kind, willing to take pictures and chat for as long as they can. All in all, one of the best concerts I have been to in a long time, in one of the most charismatic small capacity venues in Essex.
steffipickle
Was one of the worst shows I have ever attended. The first 3 opening bands had terrible acoustic issues where you couldn’t even hear the vocals. You would think the amount of time they spent between ages tuning and setting up that those issues wouldn’t occur considering after 3 and a half hours of being at the show I watched maybe an hour of music and the rest was set up and running. White chapel just growled the whole time but that’s just not my type of band but by the time they got on stage the acoustic issues were resolved. Doors were at 6 and ATREYU didn’t roll onto stage until 10 and by this point I was over the show and the terrible performances. ATREYU sounded good for the first half hour but I was already turned off at this point and decided I had enough. For this being their 20 year anniversary tour you would think they could get some better openers, staging, and crew to set up. If I had known what I was in for I would have just shown up at 10 for Atreyu and not wasted my entire night.
hockey-pauk
Recently reunited metal core collective Atreyu have clearly been missed on the live circuit by their devoted fan base. Having achieved a cult-like reputation following the release of their first few albums, the audience gather to hear the classic material merged alongside the new tracks that are ready to test drive.
'Becoming the Bull' evokes huge reaction from the baying masses while Alex Varkatzas whips them into further frenzy as he takes to the front of the stage and performs the difficult guitar hook. All the members seem happy to be back onstage and playing as a collective and the time away has most likely helped their creativity. They have clear passion for Atreyu during the recognisable 'You Give Love a Bad Name' their infamous Bon Jovi cover. By the finale the audience is also clearly pleased to have the rock outfit back by the rapturous cheers and applause.
sean-ward
Atreyu was amazing!
This was the first stop on their Death Grip on Yesterday 10 Year Anniversary, so they played that classic album straight through, before coming back out for the rest of their hits. At one point the lights and part of the sound went out, so Brandon (drums) did an acapella cover of the Fresh Prince theme song. When they finally got everything fixed, they still decided to play the next song with the lights out, lit only by cell phones.
I was a bit worried about the show, as I know they've had some vocal issues over the years, but honestly, I think they sounded better than the records. They were so energetic, constantly getting down close to the crowd (bass player joined the mosh pit during one song). These guys still love what they're doing and it shows.
pjmd
After three years of working on other projects, though, they reunited earlier this month to work on a new album, and lined up their first live date since 2010 at Aftershock Festival this coming September. Whether or not they’ll be ready to unveil any new material remains to be seen, but if their last UK tour is anything to go by - opening arena dates for Bullet for My Valentine - they’ll tear through classics like ‘Bleeding Mascara’ with genuine venom; Varkatzas, switching between screaming and singing, will take on his customary role as conduit for the crowd’s energy, covering an impressive amount of ground while the band keep it as tight as ever behind him.
Joeg_67
In our wake tour:
Sleep Signals
Ice Nine Kills
Memphis May Fire
Atreyu
Of course Atreyu rocked the place. Talk about up close and personal, wow. The venue(Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center)was small but very accommodating and the acoustics was alright for it's size. All the bands got everyone involved and all had a great time from what I seen. A little rowdy with the slam dancing but also fun to watch. Overall it was a great show.
greg-e.-freed
ATREYU FUCKIN ROCKS! You played almost all of your great hits. I loved the new song "Long Live" and also "Do you know who you are?" That song is FUCKIN AWESOME! MUCH LOVE! LONG LIVE ATREYU \m/
kyle-graziano
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