In the world of artist revivals a few names have been more sought-after than others. Disturbed recently broke their stream of silence with a monstrous alternative metal comeback and now Atreyu are making a heralded return to the metalcore fold.
It’s hard to believe 6 years have passed since Atreyu’s last release ‘Congregation of The Damned’. It’s understandable that fans would be anxious to hear a follow-up record after waiting so long. ‘Long Live’ is the band’s answer, a title as much a definition of the band’s legacy as it is a message to those fans who have waited so patiently. Instead of opting for a strictly aggressive comeback similar to ‘The Curse’ or diving deeper into the active rock world as on ‘Lead Sails Paper Anchors’ the sound for this record combines both of those ideas into a nostalgic framework. Doing so provides at least one song that an Atreyu fan of any variety can enjoy.
As an album ‘Long Live’ is a welcome addition by slightly attempting to introduce a few new ideas, something no Atreyu album has tried very much up until this point. The opening title track is a reliably defiant and catchy slab of 2000’s metalcore complete with vocal trade-offs, gang-shouts, impressive drum patterns and heavy guitars that add a rock flavor to the choruses. This is the ultimate invitation to be welcomed back into the Atreyu family with open arms. 2 tracks later ‘I Would Kill, Lie, Die For You’ improves this exact formula with a slower tempo, stocked with one of the band’s most meaningful and soaring choruses sang by drummer/singer Brandon Saller that depicts a touching ode to screaming vocalist Alex Varkatzas’ son. Things begin to get a little more interesting when ‘A Bitter Broken Memory’ starts displaying some much-needed bite and grit, ala ‘A Deathgrip On Yesterday’s’ material. Especially interesting is ‘Do You Know Who You Are’s stomping, anthemic Queen-esque dramatic rock outline that is surprisingly satisfying in execution, showing the best of both vocalists.
Following ‘Do You Know Who You Are’ is a literal interlude that fades into the definitive album track ‘Heartbeats & Flatlines’. If you’re a fan of ‘The Curse’ and Atreyu’s signature 80’s shred style of guitarwork this will be an instant favorite for you. ‘Brass Balls’ continues the high with an excellent usage of sleazy rock groove in the verses and another awesome solo from underrated duo Dan Jacobs & Travis Miguel. The final 3 tracks are reliably good, ‘Moments Before Dawn’ especially memorable due to a more melodic approach. The tracks that received no mention are only discluded due to the fact that they are merely okay and continue the typical metalcore formula other tracks on the album display better. This just so happens to be the album’s blemish: It includes more filler than is necessary. Lyrics about revenge and aggression abound in most of the songs. The themes of rebirth and reminders of identity are more satisfyingly portrayed. Said filler is well-executed thanks to Atreyu’s level of experience, however the simple fact remains that other songs on ‘Long Live’ are far more worth mentioning due to their creativity.
‘Long Live’ bears a vital question: Do Atreyu need to exist in 2015? The answer is a yes with no hesitation. Despite the shortcomings of the album itself Atreyu as musicians prove to be masters of their craft and the slight nuances displayed subtly throughout show you can still teach an old dog new tricks. After hearing songs like ‘Brass Balls’ and ‘Do You Know Who You Are’ that put full focus on the talent and flexibility within the musician’s capabilities ‘Long Live’ excites me for a future with Atreyu around.
