After their official reunion in 2014, the American metalcore band Atreyu has released their first new album since 2009’s “Congregation of the Damned,” a collection of 12 mind blowing tunes called “Long Live.” In a genre filled with a multitude of new bands, Atreyu is an act that has been sorely missed. Their classic metalcore sound, top notch musicianship, and excellent songwriting set them apart from the rest of the pack.
The album is a wicked contrast between the brutality of frontman Alex Varkatzas’s screams and growls and the pure melodies of drummer Brandon Saller’s cleans. The rhythm section of Saller and bassist Marc McKnight set the pounding backbone for the blistering guitar attack of Dan Jacobs and Travis Miguel. The first single “Do You Know Who You Are” is an anthemic rocker that will have you on your feet and the growls of Varkatzas on tracks like “Live To Labor” will please even the toughest audience. “Brass Balls” is a beast of a track as Atreyu shows what they’ve got. “Revival” provides a nice change up with a beautiful acoustic interlude. A not to be missed song is “Moments Before Dawn.” With its music box opening and brilliant guitar work, it is both epic and glorious.
“Long Live” is a perfect album for Atreyu’s return to the scene putting them solidly back on top where they belong.
