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Atreyu is an American
metalcore Metalcore is a broadly defined fusion genre combining elements of extreme metal and hardcore punk, originating in the 1990s United States and becoming popular in the 2000s. Metalcore typically has aggressive verses and melodic choruses, combined ...
band from
Yorba Linda, California Yorba Linda is a suburban city in northeastern Orange County, California, United States, approximately southeast of downtown Los Angeles. It is part of the Los Angeles metropolitan area, and had a population of 68,336 at the 2020 United States ...
, formed in 1998. The band's current line-up consists of clean vocalist
Brandon Saller Brandon Kyle Saller (born June 24, 1983) is an American musician, singer and multi-instrumentalist. He is best known as the vocalist, keyboardist and former drummer of the metalcore band Atreyu, of which he is also a founding member. He is the ...
, guitarists Dan Jacobs and Travis Miguel, bassist and
unclean vocalist The death growl, or simply growl, is an extended vocal technique usually employed in extreme styles of music, particularly in death metal and other extreme subgenres of heavy metal music. Sometimes death growl vocals are criticized for their ...
Marc "Porter" McKnight and drummer Kyle Rosa. The band has released nine studio albums: ''
Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses ''Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses'' is the debut studio album by American metalcore band Atreyu. It was released on June 4, 2002, under Victory Records. The album featured re-worked versions of the songs "Living Each Day Like You're Already De ...
'' (2002), '' The Curse'' (2004), '' A Death-Grip on Yesterday'' (2006), ''
Lead Sails Paper Anchor ''Lead Sails Paper Anchor'' is the fourth studio album by American metalcore band Atreyu. It is the band's first release with Hollywood Records, and the album had a significantly different sound to it than their previous albums, moving away from ...
'' (2007), ''
Congregation of the Damned ''Congregation of the Damned'' is the fifth studio album by American metalcore band Atreyu. It was released through Hollywood Records and Roadrunner Records on October 27, 2009. The album debuted at No. 18 on the ''Billboard'' 200, selling 26, ...
'' (2009), '' Long Live'' (2015), ''
In Our Wake ''In Our Wake'' is the seventh studio album by American metalcore band Atreyu. It was released on October 12, 2018, through Spinefarm. It is the final album to feature vocalist and founding member Alex Varkatzas before his departure from the ban ...
'' (2018), ''
Baptize Baptism (from ) is a Christian sacrament of initiation almost invariably with the use of water. It may be performed by sprinkling or pouring water on the head, or by immersing in water either partially or completely, traditionally three ...
'' (2021), and ''
The Beautiful Dark of Life ''The Beautiful Dark of Life'' is the ninth studio album by American metalcore band Atreyu. It was released on December 8, 2023, through Spinefarm Records. The album contains all tracks from three four-track EPs released earlier in the year alon ...
'' (2023).


History


Independent years (1998–2000)

Originally named Retribution, the band changed their name to "Atreyu" after the character of the same name from
Michael Ende Michael Andreas Helmuth Ende (12 November 1929 – 28 August 1995) was a German writer of fantasy and children's fiction. He is known for his epic fantasy '' The Neverending Story'' (with its 1980s film adaptation and a 1995 animated television ...
's fantasy book ''
The Neverending Story ''The Neverending Story'' () is a fantasy novel by German writer Michael Ende, published in 1979. The first English translation, by Ralph Manheim, was published in 1983. It was later adapted into a film series and a television series. Plot T ...
''. The name change came because of a change of members and a progression in their musical styling. In 1998, Atreyu released an independent seven-track EP titled '' Visions''. The album was sold at their live performances. Their second release, was a short five-track EP titled ''
Fractures in the Facade of Your Porcelain Beauty ''Fractures in the Facade of Your Porcelain Beauty'' is the second EP by American metalcore band Atreyu. It was originally released on November 20, 2001, and released again on January 29, 2002, under the independent label Tribunal Records. The ...
'' released by underground label Tribunal Records and featured tracks that would be re-worked for later releases. Atreyu signed with Victory Records in 2001, and their most critically acclaimed works would be to come from these releases.Torreano, Bradley.
Atreyu Atreyu is an American metalcore band from Yorba Linda, California, formed in 1998. The band's current line-up consists of clean vocalist Brandon Saller, guitarists Dan Jacobs and Travis Miguel, bassist and unclean vocalist Marc "Porter" McKn ...
AllMusic. Retrieved December 8, 2007.
The lineup originally consisted of Alex Varkatzas (
lead vocals The lead vocalist in popular music is typically the member of a group or band whose voice is the most prominent melody in a performance where multiple voices may be heard. The lead singer sets their voice against the accompaniment parts of the ...
), Dan Jacobs (guitar), Travis Miguel (guitar), Kyle Stanley (
bass guitar The bass guitar (), also known as the electric bass guitar, electric bass, or simply the bass, is the lowest-pitched member of the guitar family. It is similar in appearance and construction to an Electric guitar, electric but with a longer nec ...
). At the time of this lineup, they did not have a drummer until 1999 when Ryan Saller, a friend of the band, invited his younger brother
Brandon Saller Brandon Kyle Saller (born June 24, 1983) is an American musician, singer and multi-instrumentalist. He is best known as the vocalist, keyboardist and former drummer of the metalcore band Atreyu, of which he is also a founding member. He is the ...
to join as the drummer.


Signed to Victory Records (2001–2006)

In 2001, Atreyu signed with
Victory Records Victory Records is a Chicago-based record label founded by Tony Brummel. It operates a music publishing company called "Another Victory, Inc." and is the distributor of several record labels. It has featured many prominent artists including Thu ...
, later releasing in 2002 their first studio album ''
Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses ''Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses'' is the debut studio album by American metalcore band Atreyu. It was released on June 4, 2002, under Victory Records. The album featured re-worked versions of the songs "Living Each Day Like You're Already De ...
''. Brandon Saller sang for the band as a second singer, 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 Lip Gloss and Black is the second single from American metalcore band Atreyu's debut album, ''Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses'' released in 2002. The song features the lyrics "Live, Love, Burn, Die" which has become one of Atreyu's signature p ...
". The latter video found significant airplay on ''
Headbangers Ball ''Headbangers Ball'' is a music television program that consists of heavy metal music videos airing on MTV and its global affiliates. The show began on MTV on April 18, 1987, playing heavy metal music videos from both well-known and more obsc ...
'' and ''
Uranium Uranium is a chemical element; it has chemical symbol, symbol U and atomic number 92. It is a silvery-grey metal in the actinide series of the periodic table. A uranium atom has 92 protons and 92 electrons, of which 6 are valence electrons. Ura ...
'' in fall of 2003, gaining Atreyu some of its initial mainstream attention. Kyle Stanley quit the band was replaced first by Chris Thomson, and then by Marc "Porter" McKnight in 2004. The band'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 Bon Jovi is an American Rock music, rock band formed in Sayreville, New Jersey in 1983. The band consists of singer Jon Bon Jovi, keyboardist David Bryan, drummer Tico Torres, guitarists John Shanks and Phil X, percussionist Everett Bradley ...
's "
You Give Love a Bad Name "You Give Love a Bad Name" is a song by American rock band Bon Jovi, released as the first single from their 1986 album '' Slippery When Wet''. Written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and Desmond Child about a woman who has jilted her lover ...
". Atreyu was also featured on the
soundtrack A soundtrack is a recorded audio signal accompanying and synchronised to the images of a book, drama, motion picture, radio program, television show, television program, or video game; colloquially, a commercially released soundtrack album of m ...
to '' Underworld: Evolution'' with "Her Portrait in Black". "Right Side of the Bed" also appeared on '' Burnout 3: Takedown'', a racing video game. 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, Ex's and Oh's appeared on the soundtrack to ''
Madden NFL 07 ''Madden NFL 07'' is an American football video game based on the NFL that was published by EA Sports and developed by EA Tiburon. It is the first in the video game series to debut for the PlayStation 3 and Wii consoles as launch titles and the ...
''. The album was said to have a balance of Brandon Saller's melodic singing vocals and Varkatzas's aggressive screaming, and it was met with positive reviews."


Signed to Hollywood Records (2007–2009)

In early 2007, Atreyu signed a record deal with
Hollywood Records Hollywood Records is an American record label owned by the Disney Music Group which focuses on pop, rock, alternative, hip hop and country genres, also specializing in recordings for a more mature audience not suitable for the flagship Wal ...
for America and an international deal with
Roadrunner Records Roadrunner Records is a Dutch–American record label focused on Heavy metal music, heavy metal and hard rock music. Founded in the Netherlands in 1980, it is now a division of Warner Music Group and is based in New York City. Formerly seen as ...
. With a new label, the band began to prepare its fourth studio album, ''
Lead Sails Paper Anchor ''Lead Sails Paper Anchor'' is the fourth studio album by American metalcore band Atreyu. It is the band's first release with Hollywood Records, and the album had a significantly different sound to it than their previous albums, moving away from ...
''. A jigsaw puzzle was released on the band's website, as the goal was to put all the audio clips of the
single Single may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media * Single (music), a song release Songs * "Single" (Natasha Bedingfield song), 2004 * "Single" (New Kids on the Block and Ne-Yo song), 2008 * "Single" (William Wei song), 2016 * "Single", by ...
" 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 Epic commonly refers to: * Epic poetry, a long narrative poem celebrating heroic deeds and events significant to a culture or nation * Epic film, a genre of film defined by the spectacular presentation of human drama on a grandiose scale Epic(s) ...
" by
Faith No More Faith No More is an American Rock music, rock band from San Francisco, California, formed in 1979. Before September 1983, the band performed under the names Sharp Young Men and later Faith No Man. Bassist Billy Gould, keyboardist/rhythm guitarist ...
while the European and Australian bonus track was a cover of "Clean Sheets" by The
Descendents The Descendents are an American punk rock band formed in Manhattan Beach, California, in 1977, by guitarist Frank Navetta, bassist Tony Lombardo and drummer Bill Stevenson (musician), Bill Stevenson as a power pop/surf music, surf punk band. I ...
. 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 (or "TOC") was a live music tour that was started in the winter of 2005 by Kevin Lyman, the creator of the successful Warped Tour along with his friend and business partner, John Reese. The Taste of Chaos tour catered to fans of ...
2008 tour, alongside bands such as
Avenged Sevenfold Avenged Sevenfold (abbreviated as A7X) is an American Heavy metal music, heavy metal band from Huntington Beach, California, formed in 1999. The band's current lineup consists of vocalist M. Shadows, rhythm guitarist Zacky Vengeance, lead gui ...
,
Bullet for My Valentine Bullet for My Valentine, often abbreviated as BFMV, are a Welsh heavy metal band from Bridgend, formed in 1998. The band is currently composed of Matthew Tuck (vocals, rhythm guitar), Michael Paget (lead guitar), Jason Bowld (drums) and J ...
,
D'espairsRay D'espairsRay (formerly stylized as DéspairsRay or +DéspairsRay+) was a Japanese visual kei heavy metal band active from 1999 to 2011. The lineup of Hizumi on vocals, Karyu on guitar, Zero on bass and Tsukasa on drums remained the same, with t ...
,
Mucc is a Japanese visual kei Rock music, rock band, formed in Ibaraki Prefecture in 1997. The classic line up of Tatsuro (singer), Tatsuro on vocals, Miya (musician), Miya on guitar, Yukke on bass, and Satochi on drums was solidified in 1999 foll ...
, and
Blessthefall Blessthefall (stylized as blessthefall or BLESSTHEFALL prior to 2013) is an American metalcore band from Phoenix, Arizona, signed to Rise Records. The band was founded in 2004 by guitarist Mike Frisby, drummer Matt Traynor, and bassist and vo ...
. The band also toured with co-headliners Avenged Sevenfold and
Bullet for My Valentine Bullet for My Valentine, often abbreviated as BFMV, are a Welsh heavy metal band from Bridgend, formed in 1998. The band is currently composed of Matthew Tuck (vocals, rhythm guitar), Michael Paget (lead guitar), Jason Bowld (drums) and J ...
in Australia and New Zealand. They also played the United Kingdom Taste of Chaos tour, headlining with
Story of the Year Story of the Year is an American rock band formed in St. Louis, Missouri, Story of the Year at Allmusic.comAccessed May 17, 2007. in 1995 under the name 67 North. The band eventually changed their name to Big Blue Monkey in 1998, and then subs ...
and
As I Lay Dying ''As I Lay Dying'' is a 1930 Southern Gothic novel by American author William Faulkner. Faulkner's fifth novel, it is consistently ranked among the best novels of the 20th century.The New Lifetime Reading Plan: The Classical Guide to World Lit ...
. 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 Linkin Park is an American Rock music, rock band formed in Agoura Hills, California, in 1996. The band's current lineup consists of vocalist/rhythm guitarist/keyboardist Mike Shinoda, lead guitarist Brad Delson, DJ/turntablist Joe Hahn, bass ...
's
Projekt Revolution Projekt Revolution was 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. Then, in 2004, they announced the Revolution Stage ...
. Their setlist consisted of 45 minutes of various songs. With them on the stage were
10 Years 10 Years or Ten Years may refer to: *Decade, a period of ten years Film *10 Years (2011 film), ''10 Years'' (2011 film), a film starring Channing Tatum *Ten Years (2015 film), ''Ten Years'' (2015 film), a Hong Kong film Music *10 Years (band), a ...
,
Hawthorne Heights Hawthorne Heights is an American rock band formed in Dayton, Ohio in 2001. Originally called A Day in the Life, their lineup currently consists of JT Woodruff (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Matt Ridenour (bass, backing vocals) and Mark McMillon ...
, Armor for Sleep, and
Street Drum Corps Street Drum Corps is an American rock band formed in Los Angeles 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 four albums and have been part of tours ...
. Atreyu was also a part of the
KROQ-FM KROQ-FM (106.7 MHz) is a commercial radio station licensed to Pasadena, California, serving Greater Los Angeles. Owned by Audacy, Inc., it broadcasts an alternative rock format known as "The World Famous KROQ" (pronounced "kay-rock"). The sta ...
Epicenter '09 Show where they did a meet and greet to benefit the non-profit organization
Music Saves Lives Music Saves Lives is an American not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization and is listed in the Internal Revenue Service publication 78. Established in January 2006 by founder Russel Hornbeek in Seal Beach, California, Music Saves Lives has educate ...
.


''Congregation of the Damned'' and ''Covers of the Damned'' (2009–2010)

Atreyu's fifth studio album, ''
Congregation of the Damned ''Congregation of the Damned'' is the fifth studio album by American metalcore band Atreyu. It was released through Hollywood Records and Roadrunner Records on October 27, 2009. The album debuted at No. 18 on the ''Billboard'' 200, selling 26, ...
'', was released on October 27, 2009. The album, which was produced by Bob Marlette (who has worked with
Ozzy Osbourne John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne (born 3 December 1948) is an English singer, songwriter, and media personality. He rose to prominence during the 1970s as the lead singer of the heavy metal music, heavy metal band Black Sabbath, during which per ...
and Airbourne) and mixed by
Rich Costey Richard Costey is an American music producer, mixer, and engineer. He has worked with musicians across genres including rock, indie, pop, hip-hop, and electronica. Notable collaborators include Fiona Apple, Vampire Weekend, Foo Fighters, Sig ...
(who has worked with System of a Down and
Rage Against the Machine Rage Against the Machine (often abbreviated as RATM or shortened to Rage) was an American Rock music, rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1991. It consisted of vocalist Zack de la Rocha, bassist and backing vocalist Tim ...
), 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 is an American rap rock band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 2005. All of the band members use pseudonyms and previously wore their own unique mask, most of which were based on the common goaltender mask, hockey goalten ...
,
Escape the Fate Escape the Fate is an American rock band from Las Vegas, Nevada, formed in 2004. Originally from Pahrump, Nevada, the group currently consists of lead vocalist Craig Mabbitt, guitarists Matti Hoffman, Erik Jensen and drummer Robert Ortiz. Ortiz ...
and
The Sleeping The Sleeping is an American post-hardcore band from Long Island, New York, United States, initially active from 2003 to 2012 before announcing their permanent reunion in 2023. They are known for their emotive lyrics, unpredictable sound, and dy ...
in October, and as promotion of album debut songs like "Bleeding Is a Luxury" at K-Rockathon 14 in New York State Fairgrounds, Syracuse, New York., and "Gallows". Atreyu also promoted the album with five
webisode A webisode (portmanteau of "web" and "episode") is an episode of a series that is distributed as part of a web series or on streaming television. It is available either for download or in streaming, as opposed to first airing on broadcast or cab ...
s, released biweekly from September 1 to October 20. Congregation of The Damned debuted at No. 18 on the Billboard 200, selling 27,412 copies on its first week. Atreyu announced that they would be recording an EP '' Covers of the Damned'' with tourmates
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 f ...
,
blessthefall Blessthefall (stylized as blessthefall or BLESSTHEFALL prior to 2013) is an American metalcore band from Phoenix, Arizona, signed to Rise Records. The band was founded in 2004 by guitarist Mike Frisby, drummer Matt Traynor, and bassist and vo ...
, Endless Hallway, and
Architects An architect is a person who plans, designs, and oversees the construction of buildings. To practice architecture means to provide services in connection with the design of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the buildings that h ...
(UK). It was to be released on October 12, but was leaked on the internet on October 9. Atreyu toured Australia in November 2010 with the
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, Dropkic ...
playing most locations with
Dropkick Murphys Dropkick Murphys are an American Celtic punk band formed in Quincy, Massachusetts in 1996. The current lineup consists of co-lead vocalist and bassist Ken Casey, drummer Matt Kelly, co-lead vocalist Al Barr (on hiatus from the band since 202 ...
,
Alkaline Trio Alkaline Trio is an American punk rock band from Chicago. The band's current members are Matt Skiba (guitar, vocals), Dan Andriano (bass, vocals), and Atom Willard (drums). Founded in late 1996 by Skiba, bassist Rob Doran, and drummer Glenn Por ...
,
Megadeth Megadeth is an American thrash metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1983 by vocalist and guitarist Dave Mustaine. Known for their technically complex guitar work and musicianship, Megadeth is one of the "big four" of American thrash metal—alo ...
and many more. In December, along with
Bring Me the Horizon Bring Me the Horizon are a British Rock music, rock band, formed in Sheffield, England in 2004. The group currently consists of lead vocalist Oli Sykes, drummer Matt Nicholls, guitarist Lee Malia and bassist Matt Kean (musician), Matt Kean. T ...
they supported
Bullet for My Valentine Bullet for My Valentine, often abbreviated as BFMV, are a Welsh heavy metal band from Bridgend, formed in 1998. The band is currently composed of Matthew Tuck (vocals, rhythm guitar), Michael Paget (lead guitar), Jason Bowld (drums) and J ...
across the United Kingdom.


New projects and hiatus activities (2011–2013)

In January 2011, vocalist Alex Varkatzas confirmed, in a short series of Twitter postings, 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, Varkatzas also stated that he has been working on a new project with
Bleeding Through Bleeding Through is an American metalcore band from Orange County, California, formed in 1999. Influenced largely by hardcore punk and Swedish melodic death metal, the band was established by lead vocalist Brandan Schieppati as a personal projec ...
vocalist
Brandan Schieppati Brandan Schieppati (born August 3, 1980) is an American musician. He is the singer of metalcore band Bleeding Through and a former guitarist/songwriter of the fellow Orange County metalcore band Eighteen Visions, for which he played from 1997 ...
called I Am War. Drummer and vocalist Brandon Saller's side project Hell or Highwater (formerly named "The Black Cloud Collective") has recorded an album titled ''Begin Again'' released on August 9, 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
Breaking Benjamin Breaking Benjamin is an American Rock music, rock band from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, formed in 1999 by lead singer and guitarist Benjamin Burnley and drummer Jeremy Hummel. The first lineup of the band also included guitarist Aaron Fink an ...
and
Three Days Grace Three Days Grace is a Canadian Rock music, rock band formed in Asphodel–Norwood, Norwood, Ontario, in 1992 originally as Groundswell. Groundswell played in various local Norwood backyard parties and area establishments before disbanding in 1 ...
, the band uses only clean vocals. In December 2011, Travis Miguel added his own endeavors to the list of Atreyu side projects with Fake Figures and their release of the EP "Hail the Sycophants". This project features an all-star lineup which includes Miguel on guitar, Rus Martin (Hotwire), Robert Bradley (Scars of Tomorrow), and Justin Pointer and Heather Baker who were both former members of Nightfall, a project that bassist Marc McKnight played for in 2003 before joining Atreyu. As of July 2012, Steve Ludwig joined Fake Figures as their new drummer and for around 18 months between 2013 and 2014 Travis played as a touring guitarist with
Trapt Trapt is an American rock band formed in Los Gatos, California. Nine studio albums have been recorded to date: ''Amalgamation'' (1999), '' Trapt'' (2002), '' Someone in Control'' (2005), '' Only Through the Pain'' (2008), '' No Apologies'' (2 ...
. On May 11, 2013, the band posted a statement asking their Facebook fans to repost their message "if you want Atreyu to write a new song for your ears to bleed to.", with a second statement explaining that they hope to return to a sound more reminiscent of their second studio album, '' The Curse''.


Official reunion and ''Long Live'' (2014–2017)

On July 1, 2014, the band officially announced that they're back making new music. It was also announced that the band plans to play live again, starting with a headlining show at Chain Reaction on September 11, 2014, and an appearance at the Aftershock Festival on September 14, 2014. On September 5, 2014, the band released a new song on their YouTube account titled "So Others May Live" and is available on their official website, free of charge. The band was announced as one of the acts to perform in the South by So What?! festival in March at QuikTrip Park in Grand Prairie. Atreyu played in
Slipknot The slip knot is a stopper knot which is easily undone by pulling the tail ( working end). The slip knot is related to the running knot, which will release when the standing end is pulled. Both knots are identical and are composed of a slipp ...
's ''
Knotfest Knotfest is a music festival created in 2012 by American rock band Slipknot and their longtime manager and CEO of 5B Artist Management, Cory Brennan. The event has been held both as a destination festival and touring festival in several countries ...
'' on the weekend of October 25–26, 2014. On April 18, 2015, a 7" vinyl was released exclusively for Record Store Day. "So Others May Live" was presented on the vinyl followed by a new song "When the Day Is Done". Only 1,000 copies were made. In April 2015, the new album, titled '' Long Live'' was announced to be released in September. On July 17, 2015, the band released the video for their latest single, "Long Live", via
YouTube YouTube is an American social media and online video sharing platform owned by Google. YouTube was founded on February 14, 2005, by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim who were three former employees of PayPal. Headquartered in ...
. On September 18, 2015, the album ''Long Live'' was released. It peaked at number 26 on the ''Billboard'' 200.


''In Our Wake'' and departure of Alex Varkatzas (2018–2020)

On May 22, 2018, Metal Injection reported that Atreyu frontman Alex Varkatzas had sat down with HardDrive Radio's Lou Brutus at Rock on the Range, and implied a possible new album will drop in the fall of 2018. On August 23, 2018, Atreyu released a single titled "Anger Left Behind" and announced that their upcoming album ''
In Our Wake ''In Our Wake'' is the seventh studio album by American metalcore band Atreyu. It was released on October 12, 2018, through Spinefarm. It is the final album to feature vocalist and founding member Alex Varkatzas before his departure from the ban ...
'' will be released on October 12, 2018. As of September 11, Atreyu has released 3 singles including Anger Left Behind, In Our Wake, and The Time Is Now including a music video for the song In Our Wake. Atreyu did a tour to support In Our Wake throughout the Fall of 2018.
Memphis May Fire Memphis May Fire is an American metalcore band formed in Denton, Texas, and currently signed to Rise Records. The band currently consists of lead guitarist Kellen McGregor, lead vocalist Matty Mullins, bassist Cory Elder, and drummer Jake Garla ...
,
Ice Nine Kills Ice Nine Kills is an American heavy metal band from Boston, Massachusetts, who are signed to Fearless Records. Best known for its horror-inspired lyrics, Ice Nine Kills formed in its earliest incarnation in 2000 by high school friends Spenc ...
and Sleep Signals all joined up as support. On August 19, 2019, Atreyu announced an anniversary tour to celebrate 20 years since the band's formation. The setlist for the tour was a 20-song setlist and was chosen by fans in an online poll. The tour spanned 27 cities and featured support from
Whitechapel Whitechapel () is an area in London, England, and is located in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. It is in east London and part of the East End of London, East End. It is the location of Tower Hamlets Town Hall and therefore the borough tow ...
,
He Is Legend He Is Legend is an American alternative metal band from Wilmington, North Carolina. It was founded in 2003 by high school friends. The band's current lineup is frontman Schuylar Croom, guitarist Adam Tanbouz, bassist Matty Williams, and drummer ...
, Tempting Fate, and Santa Cruz. In late August 2020, it was rumored that vocalist Alex Varkatzas had left the band. After some uncertainty following these reports, the band officially announced that they were parting ways with Varkatzas a month later on September 30.


''Baptize'' (2020–2023)

In October 2020, the band released a single titled "Save Us". They also announced several lineup changes, including the addition of new drummer Kyle Rosa, as Brandon Saller would focus on clean singing only. Meanwhile, bassist Marc McKnight would take over screaming vocals. On March 4, 2021, the band announced that their eighth studio album ''
Baptize Baptism (from ) is a Christian sacrament of initiation almost invariably with the use of water. It may be performed by sprinkling or pouring water on the head, or by immersing in water either partially or completely, traditionally three ...
'' would be released on June 4, 2021, through
Spinefarm Records Spinefarm Records is an international record label. Founded in Finland in 1990, Spinefarm was acquired by Universal Music Group in 2002. History Spinefarm Records began as a mailorder distribution company, founded by Riku Pääkkönen. The c ...
. Ahead of the release, they also released two singles: "Warrior" featuring
Blink-182 Blink-182 is an American Rock music, rock band formed in Poway, California, in 1992. Its current and best-known line-up consists of bassist and vocalist Mark Hoppus, guitarist and vocalist Tom DeLonge, and drummer Travis Barker. Though its so ...
drummer
Travis Barker Travis Landon Barker (born November 14, 1975) is an American musician, songwriter, and music producer who is the drummer for the rock band Blink-182. He has collaborated with hip hop artists, is a member of the rap rock group Transplants ...
and "Underrated".


Series of EPs and ''The Beautiful Dark of Life'' (2023–present)

On April 17, 2023, the band released an EP titled ''The Hope of a Spark''. On August 18, the band released a second EP, ''The Moment You Find Your Flame'', and revealed there would be a series of EPs released in 2023, in which all the songs would end up on ''
The Beautiful Dark of Life ''The Beautiful Dark of Life'' is the ninth studio album by American metalcore band Atreyu. It was released on December 8, 2023, through Spinefarm Records. The album contains all tracks from three four-track EPs released earlier in the year alon ...
'', which is their next full-length album, due by the end of the year. The third and final EP of the series, ''A Touch in the Dark'', was released on November 3. That same day, it was revealed ''The Beautiful Dark of Life'' would be released on December 8.


Musical style and influences

Atreyu has been described as
metalcore Metalcore is a broadly defined fusion genre combining elements of extreme metal and hardcore punk, originating in the 1990s United States and becoming popular in the 2000s. Metalcore typically has aggressive verses and melodic choruses, combined ...
,
alternative metal Alternative metal (also known as alt-metal) is a genre of heavy metal music that combines heavy metal with influences from alternative rock and other genres not normally associated with metal. Alternative metal bands are often characterized by ...
,
post-hardcore Post-hardcore is a punk rock music genre that maintains the aggression and intensity of hardcore punk but emphasizes a greater degree of creative expression. Like the term " post-punk", the term "post-hardcore" has been applied to a broad conste ...
, and
hard rock Hard rock or heavy rock is a heavier subgenre of rock music typified by aggressive vocals and Distortion (music), distorted electric guitars. Hard rock began in the mid-1960s with the Garage rock, garage, Psychedelic rock, psychedelic and blues ...
. According to Adrien Begrand of ''
PopMatters ''PopMatters'' is an international online magazine of cultural criticism that covers aspects of popular culture. ''PopMatters'' publishes reviews, interviews, and essays on cultural products and expressions in areas such as music, television, ...
'', "Atreyu is too goth to be emo, too metal to be punk, and too brazenly emotional to be metal". According to Begrand, Atreyu's music often features elements of heavy metal,
psychedelic rock Psychedelic rock is a rock music Music genre, genre that is inspired, influenced, or representative of psychedelia, psychedelic culture, which is centered on perception-altering hallucinogenic drugs. The music incorporated new electronic sound ...
,
gothic rock Gothic rock (also called goth rock or simply goth) is a style of rock music that emerged from post-punk in the United Kingdom in the late 1970s. The first post-punk bands which shifted toward dark music with gothic overtones include Siouxsie an ...
,
hardcore punk Hardcore punk (commonly abbreviated to hardcore or hXc) is a punk rock music genre#subtypes, subgenre and subculture that originated in the late 1970s. It is generally faster, harder, and more aggressive than other forms of punk rock. Its roots ...
,
thrash metal Thrash metal (or simply thrash) is an Extreme metal, extreme subgenre of heavy metal music characterized by its overall aggression and fast tempo.Kahn-Harris, Keith, ''Extreme Metal: Music and Culture on the Edge'', pp. 2–3, 9. Oxford: Berg, ...
,
blues rock Blues rock is a fusion music genre, genre and form of rock music, rock and blues music that relies on the chords/scales and instrumental improvisation of blues. It is mostly an electric ensemble-style music with instrumentation similar to electri ...
,
emo Emo () is a genre of rock music characterized by emotional, often confessional lyrics. It emerged as a style of hardcore punk and from the Washington, D.C., hardcore scene, where it was known as emotional hardcore or emocore. The bands ...
, hard rock,
screamo Screamo (also referred to as skramz) is a subgenre of emo that emerged in the early 1990s and emphasizes "willfully experimental dissonance and dynamics".Jason Heller, "Feast of Reason". ''Denver Westword'', June 20, 2002 Access date: June 15, 2 ...
and
melodic death metal Melodic death metal (also referred to as melodeath) is a subgenre of death metal that employs highly melodic guitar riffs, often borrowing from traditional heavy metal (including New Wave of British Heavy Metal). The genre features the heavines ...
. In an interview, guitarist Dan Jacobs stated he is a really big '80s rock fan. He then went on to quote "I love all that stuff and I think that is one generation where music was done right and I try to apply that as much as possible to our music". He also went on to discuss Atreyu's influence from the Gothenburg metal scene. A few bands he mentioned that the band loves are:
Arch Enemy Arch Enemy is a Swedish melodic death metal band, originally a Supergroup (music), supergroup from Halmstad, formed in 1995. Its members were in bands such as Carcass (band), Carcass, Armageddon (Swedish band), Armageddon, Carnage (band), Carna ...
,
In Flames In Flames is a Swedish Heavy metal music, heavy metal band, formed by guitarist Jesper Strömblad in Gothenburg in 1990 out of the Swedish death metal, Swedish death metal scene. Their lineup has changed several times, with vocalist Anders Frid ...
,
Soilwork Soilwork is a Swedish melodic death metal band from Helsingborg. They have released twelve studio albums. Formed in late 1995 by Björn Strid and Peter Wichers, the band was originally known as ''Inferior Breed''. In late 1996, they changed t ...
, and all those type of bands. In an interview with ''Metal Underground'', bassist Porter McKnight spoke of his influences: In an interview with ''
Rock Sound ''Rock Sound'' is a British magazine that covers rock music. The magazine aims at being more " underground" and less commercial, while also giving coverage to better-known acts. It generally focuses on pop punk, post-hardcore, metalcore, punk, ...
'', frontman Alex Varkatzas stated


Band members

Current members(2025), https://www.spinefarmrecords.com/14/artists/atreyu, Retrieved May 20, 2025 * Dan Jacobs – lead guitar, backing vocals (1998–2011, 2014–present) *
Brandon Saller Brandon Kyle Saller (born June 24, 1983) is an American musician, singer and multi-instrumentalist. He is best known as the vocalist, keyboardist and former drummer of the metalcore band Atreyu, of which he is also a founding member. He is the ...
– clean vocals, keyboards, piano, programming, additional guitars (2001–2011, 2014–present); drums (1998–2011, 2014–2020) * Travis Miguel – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2000–2011, 2014–present) * Marc "Porter" McKnight – bass (2004–2011, 2014–present); unclean vocals (2020–present), backing vocals (2004–2011, 2014–2020) * Kyle Rosa – drums, backing vocals (2020–2024, 2025–present; touring 2019) Former members * Brian O'Donnell – bass (1998) * Kyle Stanley – bass (1999–2001) * Chris Thomson – bass (2001–2004) *
Alex Varkatzas Alex Varkatzas (born January 17, 1982) is an American musician, best known as the former lead vocalist of metalcore band Atreyu from its inception in 1998 until his departure from the band in 2020. In 2011, during the band's hiatus, Varkatzas also ...
– unclean vocals (1998–2011, 2014–2020); clean vocals (2006–2011, 2014–2020) Former touring musicians * Johnny Concannon – drums (2024–2025) Timeline


Discography

Studio albums * ''
Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses ''Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses'' is the debut studio album by American metalcore band Atreyu. It was released on June 4, 2002, under Victory Records. The album featured re-worked versions of the songs "Living Each Day Like You're Already De ...
'' (2002) * '' The Curse'' (2004) * '' A Death-Grip on Yesterday'' (2006) * ''
Lead Sails Paper Anchor ''Lead Sails Paper Anchor'' is the fourth studio album by American metalcore band Atreyu. It is the band's first release with Hollywood Records, and the album had a significantly different sound to it than their previous albums, moving away from ...
'' (2007) * ''
Congregation of the Damned ''Congregation of the Damned'' is the fifth studio album by American metalcore band Atreyu. It was released through Hollywood Records and Roadrunner Records on October 27, 2009. The album debuted at No. 18 on the ''Billboard'' 200, selling 26, ...
'' (2009) * '' Long Live'' (2015) * ''
In Our Wake ''In Our Wake'' is the seventh studio album by American metalcore band Atreyu. It was released on October 12, 2018, through Spinefarm. It is the final album to feature vocalist and founding member Alex Varkatzas before his departure from the ban ...
'' (2018) * ''
Baptize Baptism (from ) is a Christian sacrament of initiation almost invariably with the use of water. It may be performed by sprinkling or pouring water on the head, or by immersing in water either partially or completely, traditionally three ...
'' (2021) * ''
The Beautiful Dark of Life ''The Beautiful Dark of Life'' is the ninth studio album by American metalcore band Atreyu. It was released on December 8, 2023, through Spinefarm Records. The album contains all tracks from three four-track EPs released earlier in the year alon ...
'' (2023)


References


External links

* *
– Atreyu's artist page at Roadrunner Records
{{Authority control 1998 establishments in California American alternative metal musical groups American post-hardcore musical groups Heavy metal musical groups from California Hollywood Records artists Metalcore musical groups from California Musical groups established in 1998 Musical groups from Orange County, California American musical quintets Roadrunner Records artists Spinefarm Records artists Victory Records artists