Atreyu (band)
Encyclopedia
Atreyu is an American rock
band from Orange County, California
, formed in 1998. The band consists of vocalist/lyricist
Alex Varkatzas, guitarists Dan Jacobs and Travis Miguel, bassist Marc McKnight and drummer/vocalist Brandon Saller. The band was originally named "Retribution", but later changed their name to "Atreyu" (after the character of the same name from the fantasy book/movie The Neverending Story
), when they found out that another band from Hemet, California
had been using their original name.
Since their formation the band have since released five studio albums: Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses
, The Curse, A Death-Grip on Yesterday
, Lead Sails Paper Anchor
, and Congregation of the Damned
. In 2008, they were on the Projekt Revolution
tour with Linkin Park
and headlined the smaller Revolution Stage along with 10 Years, Hawthorne Heights
, and Armor for Sleep
.
released by underground label Tribunal Records and featured tracks that would be re-worked in later releases. Atreyu signed with Victory Records in 2001, and their most critically acclaimed works would be to come from these releases.
, later releasing in 2002 their first full-length album Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses
. The band also introduced a second singer, Brandon Saller, the drummer, who would become more prolific in their later releases. However for Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses
, his parts were largely confined to choruses. Music videos were filmed for the singles "Ain't Love Grand" and "Lip Gloss and Black." The latter video found significant airplay on Headbangers Ball
and Uranium
in fall of 2003, gaining Atreyu some of its initial mainstream attention.
The group's second album, The Curse, was released in 2004, selling 450,000 copies. The band was then featured on the soundtrack to the film Mr. and Mrs. Smith
with a cover of Bon Jovi
's "You Give Love a Bad Name"
. Atreyu was also featured on the soundtrack to Underworld: Evolution
with "Her Portrait in Black." "Right Side of the Bed" also appeared on the Burnout 3 Soundtrack
, a racing video game.
In 2006, Atreyu released its third studio album, A Death-Grip on Yesterday
, on March 28, 2006. The album peaked at number 9 on the Billboard 200, with sales of 69,000. The band gained further fame when the first single, "Exs and Ohs", appeared on the soundtrack to Madden NFL '07. The album was said to have a balance of Brandon Saller's melodic singing vocals and Varkatzas's aggressive screaming. The album was met with positive reviews."
for America and an international deal with Roadrunner Records
. With a new label, the band began to prepare its fourth studio album, Lead Sails Paper Anchor
. A jigsaw puzzle was released on the band's website, as the goal was to put all the audio clips of the single
"Becoming the Bull
" into correct order, forming the whole song.
Lead Sails Paper Anchor
was released on August 28, 2007, and debuted at number 8 on the Billboard 200 with first-week sales of 43,000 copies. The American release of the album had a bonus track, a cover of the song "Epic
" by Faith No More
while the European and Australian bonus track was a cover of "Clean Sheets" by The Descendents
. The album was received with mixed reviews, and was a notable change in sound for the band.
Atreyu toured in the United States on the Taste of Chaos
2008 tour, alongside bands such as Avenged Sevenfold
, Bullet for My Valentine
, D'espairsRay, Mucc
, and Blessthefall
. The band also toured with co-headliners Avenged Sevenfold
and Bullet for My Valentine
in Australia and New Zealand. They also played the UK Taste of Chaos tour, headlining with Story of the Year
and As I Lay Dying
.
On April 22, 2008, Lead Sails Paper Anchor was re-released with new cover art, two bonus tracks, a DVD, and a digital booklet
. From July to August 2008, Atreyu headlined the Revolution Stage of Linkin Park
's Projekt Revolution
. Their setlist consisted of 45 minutes of various songs. With them on the stage were 10 Years, Hawthorne Heights
, Armor for Sleep
, and Street Drum Corps
. Atreyu was also a part of the KROQ-FM
Epicenter '09 Show where they did a meet and greet to benefit the non-profit organization Music Saves Lives
.
, was released on October 27, 2009. The album, which was produced by Bob Marlette (who has worked with Ozzy Osbourne
and Airbourne
) and mixed by Rich Costey
(who has worked with System of a Down
and Rage Against the Machine
), was said to be "darker" and "heavier" than the band's previous albums. According to lead singer Alex Varkatzas, the record is a "mix of everything we've ever done. For every song that's more melodic or rock-driven there's a total shit-kicker, and I think that's what makes us a well-rounded band." Atreyu has also described the album to "Make more sense than the other ones because they finally realize what they are".
The band started a co-headlining tour with Hollywood Undead
, Escape The Fate
and The Sleeping
in October, and as promotion of album debut songs like "Bleeding Is A Luxury" at K-Rockathon 14 in New York State Fairgrounds, Syracuse, NY., and "Gallows". Atreyu also promoted the album with five webisode
s, released biweekly from September 1 to October 20. Congregation of The Damned debuted at #18 on the Billboard 200, selling 27,412 copies on its first week.
Atreyu recently announced that they will be recording an EP Covers of the Damned
with tourmates Chiodos
, blessthefall
, Endless Hallway, and Architects (UK). It was to be released on October 12, but was leaked on the internet on October 9. Atreyu is touring Australia in November with the No Sleep Til Festival
playing most locations with Dropkick Murphys
, Alkaline Trio
, Megadeth
and many more. In December, along with Bring Me The Horizon
they supported Bullet For My Valentine
across the UK.
In a short series of Twitter postings, Singer Alex Varkatzas confirmed that the band was taking a break from touring and recording to "recharge and focus on other parts of our lives." In these same twitter postings Alex also stated that he has been working on a new project with Bleeding Through
vocalist Brandan Schieppati
called I Am War.
Drummer and vocalist Brandon Saller's side project Hell or Highwater (formerly named "The Black Cloud Collective") have recorded an album titled "Begin Again" released on August 9th 2011. Saller is solely the lead vocalist in this band, and this album does not feature the same metalcore elements as those of Atreyu, voicing a sound similar to bands such as Avenged Sevenfold
and Three Days Grace
. The band uses only clean vocals.
Former members
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
band from Orange County, California
Orange County, California
Orange County is a county in the U.S. state of California. Its county seat is Santa Ana. As of the 2010 census, its population was 3,010,232, up from 2,846,293 at the 2000 census, making it the third most populous county in California, behind Los Angeles County and San Diego County...
, formed in 1998. The band consists of vocalist/lyricist
Lyricist
A lyricist is a songwriter who specializes in lyrics. A singer who writes the lyrics to songs is a singer-lyricist. This differentiates from a singer-composer, who composes the song's melody.-Collaboration:...
Alex Varkatzas, guitarists Dan Jacobs and Travis Miguel, bassist Marc McKnight and drummer/vocalist Brandon Saller. The band was originally named "Retribution", but later changed their name to "Atreyu" (after the character of the same name from the fantasy book/movie The Neverending Story
The Neverending Story
The Neverending Story is a German fantasy novel by Michael Ende, first published in 1979. The standard English translation, by Ralph Manheim, was first published in 1983...
), when they found out that another band from Hemet, California
Hemet, California
Hemet is a city in the San Jacinto Valley in Riverside County, California, United States. It covers a total area of , about half of the valley, which it shares with the neighboring city of San Jacinto. The population was 78,657 at the 2010 census....
had been using their original name.
Since their formation the band have since released five studio albums: Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses
Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses
Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses is the debut album by American metalcore band Atreyu, released on June 4, 2002, under Victory Records. The album featured re-worked versions of the songs "Living Each Day Like You're Already Dead," "Someone's Standing on My Chest" and "Tulips are Better", which...
, The Curse, A Death-Grip on Yesterday
A Death-Grip on Yesterday
A Death-Grip on Yesterday is the third studio album from the American metalcore quintet Atreyu. It was released on March 28, 2006 through Victory Records....
, Lead Sails Paper Anchor
Lead Sails Paper Anchor
-Album:-Singles:-Personnel:* Dan Jacobs– lead and rhythm guitars* Alex Varkatzas – lead vocals, lyrics* Brandon Saller – vocals, drums, percussion* Travis Miguel – rhythm and lead guitars* Marc McKnight – bass guitar, backing vocals...
, and Congregation of the Damned
Congregation of the Damned
Congregation of the Damned is the fifth studio album by American metalcore band Atreyu, released through Hollywood Records on October 27, 2009.-Writing and recording:...
. In 2008, they were on the Projekt Revolution
Projekt Revolution
Projekt Revolution is a music festival hosted by Linkin Park, bringing artists of various genres of music together. Linkin Park started Projekt Revolution in the year 2002 with just one stage...
tour with Linkin Park
Linkin Park
Linkin Park is an American rock band from Agoura Hills, California. Formed in 1996, the band rose to international fame with their debut album, Hybrid Theory, which was certified Diamond by the RIAA in 2005 and multi-platinum in several other countries...
and headlined the smaller Revolution Stage along with 10 Years, Hawthorne Heights
Hawthorne Heights
Hawthorne Heights is an American rock band from Dayton, Ohio, formed in 2001. Their line-up currently consists of lead-singer and rhythm guitarist JT Woodruff, lead-guitarist and vocalist Micah Carli, bassist and backing vocalist Matt Ridenour, and drummer Eron Bucciarelli...
, and Armor for Sleep
Armor for Sleep
Armor for Sleep was an American rock band from New Jersey, formed in 2001 and disbanded in 2009. The final lineup consisted of lead vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Ben Jorgensen, lead guitarist PJ DeCicco, bassist Anthony DiIonno and drummer Nash Breen....
.
1998–2000: Independent years
In 1998, Atreyu released an independent 7-track EP titled Visions. The album was sold at their live performances. Their second release, was a short 5-track EP titled Fractures in the Facade of Your Porcelain BeautyFractures in the Facade of Your Porcelain Beauty
- Credits :Band line-up* Alex Varkatzas - Vocals* Travis Miguel - Guitar* Daniel Jacobs - Guitar* Chris Thomson - Bass* Brandon Saller - Drums, VocalsAdditional credits* Alex Varkatzas and Chad Tafolla – Album concept and layout...
released by underground label Tribunal Records and featured tracks that would be re-worked in later releases. Atreyu signed with Victory Records in 2001, and their most critically acclaimed works would be to come from these releases.
2001–2006: Victory Records
In 2001, Atreyu signed with Victory RecordsVictory Records
Victory Records is a Chicago-based record label founded by Tony Brummel. It is a privately held corporation. It also operates a music publishing company called "Another Victory, Inc." and is the distributor of several smaller independent record labels....
, later releasing in 2002 their first full-length album Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses
Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses
Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses is the debut album by American metalcore band Atreyu, released on June 4, 2002, under Victory Records. The album featured re-worked versions of the songs "Living Each Day Like You're Already Dead," "Someone's Standing on My Chest" and "Tulips are Better", which...
. The band also introduced a second singer, Brandon Saller, the drummer, who would become more prolific in their later releases. However for Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses
Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses
Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses is the debut album by American metalcore band Atreyu, released on June 4, 2002, under Victory Records. The album featured re-worked versions of the songs "Living Each Day Like You're Already Dead," "Someone's Standing on My Chest" and "Tulips are Better", which...
, his parts were largely confined to choruses. Music videos were filmed for the singles "Ain't Love Grand" and "Lip Gloss and Black." The latter video found significant airplay on Headbangers Ball
Headbangers Ball
Headbangers Ball is a music television program consisting of heavy metal music videos airing on MTV2, MTV Australia, MTV Two , MTV Adria , MTV Brand New, MTV Portugal, MTV Finland, MTV Arabia, MTV Norway, MTV Sweden, MTV Denmark, MTV Greece, MTV Türkiye, MTV...
and Uranium
Uranium (TV series)
Uranium is an American television program about heavy metal which aired on Fuse TV in the early 2000s. After establishing herself as the host of MMUSA's Tastemakers program, Juliya Chernetsky, along with network producers, created Uranium as an outlet for the broad range of heavy metal subgenres...
in fall of 2003, gaining Atreyu some of its initial mainstream attention.
The group's second album, The Curse, was released in 2004, selling 450,000 copies. The band was then featured on the soundtrack to the film Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005 film)
Mr. & Mrs. Smith is a 2005 American romantic comedy action film directed by Doug Liman and written by Simon Kinberg. The original music score was composed by John Powell...
with a cover of Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi is an American rock band from Sayreville, New Jersey. Formed in 1983, Bon Jovi consists of lead singer and namesake Jon Bon Jovi , guitarist Richie Sambora, keyboardist David Bryan, drummer Tico Torres, as well as current bassist Hugh McDonald...
's "You Give Love a Bad Name"
You Give Love a Bad Name (song)
"You Give Love a Bad Name" is a song written by Jon Bon Jovi, Desmond Child, and Richie Sambora about a woman who has jilted her lover. Although originally written for the band Loverboy, the song was recorded by Bon Jovi...
. Atreyu was also featured on the soundtrack to Underworld: Evolution
Underworld: Evolution
Underworld: Evolution is the second installment in the Underworld series, following Underworld in 2003...
with "Her Portrait in Black." "Right Side of the Bed" also appeared on the Burnout 3 Soundtrack
Burnout 3 soundtrack
Burnout 3: Takedown is the third game in the Burnout series of video games. Released on September 7, 2004, developed by Criterion Games and published by Electronic Arts , the game drew critical acclaim and a large fanbase...
, a racing video game.
In 2006, Atreyu released its third studio album, A Death-Grip on Yesterday
A Death-Grip on Yesterday
A Death-Grip on Yesterday is the third studio album from the American metalcore quintet Atreyu. It was released on March 28, 2006 through Victory Records....
, on March 28, 2006. The album peaked at number 9 on the Billboard 200, with sales of 69,000. The band gained further fame when the first single, "Exs and Ohs", appeared on the soundtrack to Madden NFL '07. The album was said to have a balance of Brandon Saller's melodic singing vocals and Varkatzas's aggressive screaming. The album was met with positive reviews."
2007–2009: Hollywood Records
In early 2007, Atreyu signed a record deal with Hollywood RecordsHollywood Records
Hollywood Records is an American record label owned by Disney Music Group, a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Company.-History:Hollywood Records was founded in 1989 by then-Disney CEO Michael Eisner with the idea of expanding the music operations of the company and to develop and promote...
for America and an international deal with Roadrunner Records
Roadrunner Records
Roadrunner Records is an American record label that concentrates primarily on heavy metal bands. It is currently a subsidiary of Warner Music Group.-History:...
. With a new label, the band began to prepare its fourth studio album, Lead Sails Paper Anchor
Lead Sails Paper Anchor
-Album:-Singles:-Personnel:* Dan Jacobs– lead and rhythm guitars* Alex Varkatzas – lead vocals, lyrics* Brandon Saller – vocals, drums, percussion* Travis Miguel – rhythm and lead guitars* Marc McKnight – bass guitar, backing vocals...
. A jigsaw puzzle was released on the band's website, as the goal was to put all the audio clips of the single
Single (music)
In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
"Becoming the Bull
Becoming the Bull
Becoming the Bull is the 4th track and first single on Atreyu's 4th album Lead Sails Paper Anchor. It is their 2nd highest-charted single to date on Modern Rock Format , surpassing Ex's and Oh's...
" into correct order, forming the whole song.
Lead Sails Paper Anchor
Lead Sails Paper Anchor
-Album:-Singles:-Personnel:* Dan Jacobs– lead and rhythm guitars* Alex Varkatzas – lead vocals, lyrics* Brandon Saller – vocals, drums, percussion* Travis Miguel – rhythm and lead guitars* Marc McKnight – bass guitar, backing vocals...
was released on August 28, 2007, and debuted at number 8 on the Billboard 200 with first-week sales of 43,000 copies. The American release of the album had a bonus track, a cover of the song "Epic
Epic (song)
-American release:This version was released in America as a "Slash sticker" labelled 7" and as a cassette with a "Burning Splash" sleeve.-Australian release:The 7" and cassette versions of this release only had tracks 1 & 2, unlike the 12" which featured all 3....
" by Faith No More
Faith No More
Faith No More is an American rock band from San Francisco, California, formed originally as Faith No Man in 1981 by bassist Billy Gould, keyboardist Wade Worthington, vocalist Michael Morris and drummer Mike Bordin. A year later when Worthington was replaced by keyboardist Roddy Bottum, and Mike...
while the European and Australian bonus track was a cover of "Clean Sheets" by The Descendents
Descendents (band)
The Descendents are an American punk rock band from Hermosa Beach, California. As of 2011, they have released six studio albums, three live albums, three compilation albums and three EPs. The Descendents broke up and reformed several times over the years, sometimes with different musicians...
. The album was received with mixed reviews, and was a notable change in sound for the band.
Atreyu toured in the United States on the Taste of Chaos
Taste of Chaos
Taste of Chaos is a hardcore tour that was started in the winter of 2005 by Kevin Lyman, the creator of the successful Warped Tour along with friend and business partner, John Reese. The Taste Of Chaos tour caters for fans of the post-hardcore, screamo, and metal genres, while offering the same...
2008 tour, alongside bands such as Avenged Sevenfold
Avenged Sevenfold
Avenged Sevenfold is an American heavy metal band from Huntington Beach, California. Formed in 1999, the group consists of vocalist M. Shadows, lead guitarist Synyster Gates, rhythm guitarist Zacky Vengeance, bassist Johnny Christ....
, Bullet for My Valentine
Bullet for My Valentine
Bullet for My Valentine are a Welsh heavy metal band from Bridgend, formed in 1998. The band is composed of Matt Tuck , Michael Paget , Jason James , and Michael Thomas . They were formed under the name Jeff Killed John and started their music career by covering songs by Metallica and Nirvana...
, D'espairsRay, Mucc
Mucc
is a Japanese visual kei rock band formed in 1997. Named after a character from the Japanese children's TV show Hirake! Ponkikki, the band is also known by the nickname 69 since "six nine" can be pronounced "muku" in Japanese...
, and Blessthefall
Blessthefall
Blessthefall is an American metalcore band from Phoenix, Arizona, currently signed to Fearless Records. The band was founded in 2003 by guitarist Mike Frisby, drummer Matt Traynor, and bassist Jared Warth. Their debut album, His Last Walk, with original vocalist Craig Mabbitt, was released April...
. The band also toured with co-headliners Avenged Sevenfold
Avenged Sevenfold
Avenged Sevenfold is an American heavy metal band from Huntington Beach, California. Formed in 1999, the group consists of vocalist M. Shadows, lead guitarist Synyster Gates, rhythm guitarist Zacky Vengeance, bassist Johnny Christ....
and Bullet for My Valentine
Bullet for My Valentine
Bullet for My Valentine are a Welsh heavy metal band from Bridgend, formed in 1998. The band is composed of Matt Tuck , Michael Paget , Jason James , and Michael Thomas . They were formed under the name Jeff Killed John and started their music career by covering songs by Metallica and Nirvana...
in Australia and New Zealand. They also played the UK Taste of Chaos tour, headlining with Story of the Year
Story of the Year
Story of the Year is an American rock band formed in St. Louis, Missouri in 2000. The band was initially named 67 North but was then changed to Big Blue Monkey...
and As I Lay Dying
As I Lay Dying (band)
As I Lay Dying is an American metalcore band from San Diego, California. Founded in 2000 by Tim Lambesis and having completed their first Line-up in 2001, the band consists of vocalist Tim Lambesis, drummer Jordan Mancino, lead guitarist Nick Hipa, rhythm guitarist Phil Sgrosso, and bassist Josh...
.
On April 22, 2008, Lead Sails Paper Anchor was re-released with new cover art, two bonus tracks, a DVD, and a digital booklet
Digital booklet
Digital booklets are the digital equivalent of liner notes that often accompany digital music purchases. They are most commonly distributed in Portable Document Format. One well-known distributor of digital booklets with digital purchases is the iTunes Store; the first instance of this on the...
. From July to August 2008, Atreyu headlined the Revolution Stage of Linkin Park
Linkin Park
Linkin Park is an American rock band from Agoura Hills, California. Formed in 1996, the band rose to international fame with their debut album, Hybrid Theory, which was certified Diamond by the RIAA in 2005 and multi-platinum in several other countries...
's Projekt Revolution
Projekt Revolution
Projekt Revolution is a music festival hosted by Linkin Park, bringing artists of various genres of music together. Linkin Park started Projekt Revolution in the year 2002 with just one stage...
. Their setlist consisted of 45 minutes of various songs. With them on the stage were 10 Years, Hawthorne Heights
Hawthorne Heights
Hawthorne Heights is an American rock band from Dayton, Ohio, formed in 2001. Their line-up currently consists of lead-singer and rhythm guitarist JT Woodruff, lead-guitarist and vocalist Micah Carli, bassist and backing vocalist Matt Ridenour, and drummer Eron Bucciarelli...
, Armor for Sleep
Armor for Sleep
Armor for Sleep was an American rock band from New Jersey, formed in 2001 and disbanded in 2009. The final lineup consisted of lead vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Ben Jorgensen, lead guitarist PJ DeCicco, bassist Anthony DiIonno and drummer Nash Breen....
, and Street Drum Corps
Street Drum Corps
Street Drum Corps is a punk rock percussion band formed in Los Angeles, California in 2004 by Bobby Alt, of S.T.U.N. and Faculty X, Adam Alt, of Circus Minor, and Frank Zummo, of TheStart. To date the group have released two albums and have been part of tours such as Van's Warped Tour, Taste of...
. Atreyu was also a part of the KROQ-FM
KROQ-FM
KROQ-FM — branded 106.7 KROQ — is a commercial modern rock radio station licensed to Pasadena, California serving the Greater Los Angeles. The call sign is pronounced "kay rock." It is the flagship station of Loveline hosted by Dr...
Epicenter '09 Show where they did a meet and greet to benefit the non-profit organization Music Saves Lives
Music Saves Lives
Music Saves Lives is a not for profit 5013 organization and is listed in the IRS publication 78. Established in January 2006 by founder Russel Hornbeek in Seal Beach, California. Music Saves Lives has educated students and encouraged over 120,000 summer blood donations from youth under the age of 25...
.
2009-2011: Congregation of the Damned, Covers of the Damned, and hiatus
Atreyu's fifth studio album, Congregation of the DamnedCongregation of the Damned
Congregation of the Damned is the fifth studio album by American metalcore band Atreyu, released through Hollywood Records on October 27, 2009.-Writing and recording:...
, was released on October 27, 2009. The album, which was produced by Bob Marlette (who has worked with Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne
John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne is an English vocalist, whose musical career has spanned over 40 years. Osbourne rose to prominence as lead singer of the pioneering English heavy metal band Black Sabbath, whose radically different, intentionally dark, harder sound helped spawn the heavy metal...
and Airbourne
Airbourne (band)
Airbourne are an Australian hard rock band formed in Warrnambool in 2001. Mainstay members are Joel O'Keeffe on lead vocals and lead guitar, his brother, Ryan O'Keeffe on drums, and David Roads on rhythm guitar and backing vocals. They were later joined by Justin Street on bass guitar and backing...
) and mixed by Rich Costey
Rich Costey
Rich Costey is an American record producer, engineer, and mixer who has worked with many bands including Muse, Cave In, Thursday, Franz Ferdinand, Glasvegas, The Mars Volta, Doves, Bloc Party, Ontronik , Jimmy Eat World, My Chemical Romance, Supergrass, Audioslave, Rage Against the Machine, Nine...
(who has worked with System of a Down
System of a Down
System of a Down, also known by the acronym SOAD and often shortened to System, is a rock band from Southern California. The band was formed in 1994. It consists of Serj Tankian , Daron Malakian , Shavo Odadjian and John Dolmayan...
and Rage Against the Machine
Rage Against the Machine
Rage Against the Machine is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1991, the group's line-up consists of vocalist Zack de la Rocha, bassist and backing vocalist Tim Commerford, guitarist Tom Morello and drummer Brad Wilk...
), was said to be "darker" and "heavier" than the band's previous albums. According to lead singer Alex Varkatzas, the record is a "mix of everything we've ever done. For every song that's more melodic or rock-driven there's a total shit-kicker, and I think that's what makes us a well-rounded band." Atreyu has also described the album to "Make more sense than the other ones because they finally realize what they are".
The band started a co-headlining tour with Hollywood Undead
Hollywood Undead
Hollywood Undead is an American rap rock band from Los Angeles, California. They released their debut album, Swan Songs, on September 2, 2008, and their live CD/DVD Desperate Measures, on November 10, 2009. Their second studio album, American Tragedy, was released April 5, 2011...
, Escape The Fate
Escape The Fate
Escape the Fate is an American post-hardcore band from Las Vegas, Nevada formed in 2005 and originally from Pahrump, Nevada. They have released three EPs and three full-length studio albums. Dying Is Your Latest Fashion was the band's debut album and only album to feature vocalist Ronnie Radke...
and The Sleeping
The Sleeping
The Sleeping is an American rock band from Long Island, New York, formed in 2003. The band was founded by Cameron Keym, Sal Mignano, and Joe Zizzo from the remains of Skycamefalling, after auditioning twenty-two potential singers, they came across Doug Robinson, former singer/guitarist of the band...
in October, and as promotion of album debut songs like "Bleeding Is A Luxury" at K-Rockathon 14 in New York State Fairgrounds, Syracuse, NY., and "Gallows". Atreyu also promoted the album with five webisode
Webisode
A webisode is a short episode which airs initially as Internet television, either download or stream as opposed to first airing on broadcast or cable television. The format can be used as a preview, a promotion, as part of a collection of shorts, or a commercial.A webisode can be an episode...
s, released biweekly from September 1 to October 20. Congregation of The Damned debuted at #18 on the Billboard 200, selling 27,412 copies on its first week.
Atreyu recently announced that they will be recording an EP Covers of the Damned
Congregation of the Damned
Congregation of the Damned is the fifth studio album by American metalcore band Atreyu, released through Hollywood Records on October 27, 2009.-Writing and recording:...
with tourmates Chiodos
Chiodos
Chiodos is an American post hardcore band from Davison, Michigan. Formed in 2001, the group was originally known as "The Chiodos Bros," the band's name was a tribute to filmmakers Stephen, Charles, and Edward Chiodo, responsible for the film Killer Klowns from Outer Space. Chiodos released their...
, blessthefall
Blessthefall
Blessthefall is an American metalcore band from Phoenix, Arizona, currently signed to Fearless Records. The band was founded in 2003 by guitarist Mike Frisby, drummer Matt Traynor, and bassist Jared Warth. Their debut album, His Last Walk, with original vocalist Craig Mabbitt, was released April...
, Endless Hallway, and Architects (UK). It was to be released on October 12, but was leaked on the internet on October 9. Atreyu is touring Australia in November with the No Sleep Til Festival
No Sleep Til Festival
The No Sleep Til Festival was a music festival that was held across Australia and New Zealand in December 2010. The Festival was headlined by Megadeth, who played their album Rust in Peace in its entirety. Other bands included were NOFX, Dropkick Murphys, and Parkway Drive...
playing most locations with Dropkick Murphys
Dropkick Murphys
Dropkick Murphys are an Irish-American punk rock band formed in Quincy, Massachusetts in 1996. The band was initially signed to independent punk record label Hellcat Records, releasing five albums for the label, and making a name for themselves locally through constant playing and yearly St....
, Alkaline Trio
Alkaline Trio
Alkaline Trio is an American punk rock band that formed in McHenry, Illinois, in 1996. The band's line-up consists of Matt Skiba , Dan Andriano , and Derek Grant...
, Megadeth
Megadeth
Megadeth is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California which was formed in 1983 by guitarist/vocalist Dave Mustaine, bassist Dave Ellefson and guitarist Greg Handevidt, following Mustaine's expulsion from Metallica. The band has since released 13 studio albums, three live albums, two...
and many more. In December, along with Bring Me The Horizon
Bring Me the Horizon
Bring Me the Horizon are a British metalcore band from Sheffield, Yorkshire, who formed in 2004. Bring Me the Horizon constits of Oliver Sykes as the lead vocalist, lead guitarist Lee Malia, rhythm guitarist Jona Weinhofen, bassist Matt Kean and drummer Matt Nicholls...
they supported Bullet For My Valentine
Bullet for My Valentine
Bullet for My Valentine are a Welsh heavy metal band from Bridgend, formed in 1998. The band is composed of Matt Tuck , Michael Paget , Jason James , and Michael Thomas . They were formed under the name Jeff Killed John and started their music career by covering songs by Metallica and Nirvana...
across the UK.
In a short series of Twitter postings, Singer Alex Varkatzas confirmed that the band was taking a break from touring and recording to "recharge and focus on other parts of our lives." In these same twitter postings Alex also stated that he has been working on a new project with Bleeding Through
Bleeding Through
Bleeding Through is an American metalcore band from Orange County, California. Formed in 1999, the band blends influences stemming from modern hardcore punk, symphonic black metal, and melodic death metal...
vocalist Brandan Schieppati
Brandan Schieppati
Brandan Schieppati is the singer of metalcore band Bleeding Through. He is Straight Edge and lives in Orange County with his wife Nicole. While best known through his musical career, he was also a late-round draft pick for Major League Baseball's Montreal Expos out of high school, around 1998...
called I Am War.
Drummer and vocalist Brandon Saller's side project Hell or Highwater (formerly named "The Black Cloud Collective") have recorded an album titled "Begin Again" released on August 9th 2011. Saller is solely the lead vocalist in this band, and this album does not feature the same metalcore elements as those of Atreyu, voicing a sound similar to bands such as Avenged Sevenfold
Avenged Sevenfold
Avenged Sevenfold is an American heavy metal band from Huntington Beach, California. Formed in 1999, the group consists of vocalist M. Shadows, lead guitarist Synyster Gates, rhythm guitarist Zacky Vengeance, bassist Johnny Christ....
and Three Days Grace
Three Days Grace
Three Days Grace is a Canadian rock band, formed in Norwood, Ontario, Canada in 1992, originally under the name Groundswell. After a breakup in late 1997, the band regrouped in the same year under its current name and with a line-up consisting of guitarist and lead vocalist Adam Gontier, drummer...
. The band uses only clean vocals.
Band members
Current members- Alex Varkatzas — lead vocals (1998–2011)
- Brandon Saller — drums, percussion, lead vocals (1998–2011)
- Dan Jacobs — lead guitar, backing vocals (1998–2011)
- Travis Miguel — rhythm guitar (2000–2011)
- Marc McKnight — bass guitar, backing vocals (2004–2011)
Former members
- Tim Brooks — bass (2003)
- Chris Thompson — bass (2001–2003)
- Kyle Stanley — bass (1998–2001)
- Bryan O'Donnell — bass (1998)
Discography
Studio albums- Suicide Notes and Butterfly KissesSuicide Notes and Butterfly KissesSuicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses is the debut album by American metalcore band Atreyu, released on June 4, 2002, under Victory Records. The album featured re-worked versions of the songs "Living Each Day Like You're Already Dead," "Someone's Standing on My Chest" and "Tulips are Better", which...
(2002) - The Curse (2004)
- A Death-Grip on YesterdayA Death-Grip on YesterdayA Death-Grip on Yesterday is the third studio album from the American metalcore quintet Atreyu. It was released on March 28, 2006 through Victory Records....
(2006) - Lead Sails Paper AnchorLead Sails Paper Anchor-Album:-Singles:-Personnel:* Dan Jacobs– lead and rhythm guitars* Alex Varkatzas – lead vocals, lyrics* Brandon Saller – vocals, drums, percussion* Travis Miguel – rhythm and lead guitars* Marc McKnight – bass guitar, backing vocals...
(2007) - Congregation of the DamnedCongregation of the DamnedCongregation of the Damned is the fifth studio album by American metalcore band Atreyu, released through Hollywood Records on October 27, 2009.-Writing and recording:...
(2009)