Atreyu: Congregation Of The Damned Review

Atreyu is a band that quickly gained underground fame for their harder, more aggressive, pulse-pounding rock accompanied by thundering instruments, compelling and intense lyrics, and of course, a good amount of hearty screaming. From their debut album "Suicide Notes And Butterfly Kisses" to bigger success with "The Curse" and "A Death-Grip On Yesterday", Atreyu fans could always count on dark and almost morbid themes to be presented in a heavy and dramatic fashion that could only be described as cool. Then came "Lead Sails Paper Anchor". Many older fans were disappointed and labeled the album as a sell-out, a departure from metalcore into mainstream rock. While I could understand older fans' grievances, it is also true that it was still a damn good album for what it was. It did not meet more hardcore fans' expectations, but I think that album represented growth for overall production value of the music. This is not much consolation for the fans who were disgusted or disappointed with Atreyu's new direction, but the fact of the matter is that Atreyu still advanced their sound and produced something memorable. "Congregation Of The Damned" is an attempt to mix the harder and more intense elements of older albums with the catchy and appealing nature of "Lead Sails Paper Anchor", and while it sometimes misses the mark, for the most part, it does a great job in appeasing older fans while continuing to impress and perhaps even expanding the musical horizons of those who jumped aboard the bandwagon in 2007. The album's darker and more morbid theme mixes well with the nature of the music itself, and Atreyu delivers on their most noteworthy characteristics once again; namely, provoking and compelling lyrics from lyricist/vocalist Alex Varkatzas, intense and mind-blowing guitar from Dan Jacobs and Travis Miguel, numerous F-bombs, solid bass from Marc McKnight and dual vocals: lighter (in comparison) vocals from drummer/vocalist Brandon Saller and from Alex Varkatzas, of course, hearty screaming that would make anyone want to pop a Hall's just listening to it. In short, Atreyu is back and should grab your attention once again.
1. Stop! Before It's Too Late And We've Destroyed It All- I like the way that this song really sets the tone for the whole album in the very beginning with some ridiculous fretwork on the guitars accompanied by some quick drumming. Listening to this intro, this is the kind of guitar shredding that kids listen to and are inspired to play guitar. The dark and foreboding mood manifests itself first here and lets listeners know this is not for the faint of heart. Or ear. The chorus is a great rock anthem that one can just imagine a crowd pumping their fists in unison with the chanted "TAKE, TAKE!" and "KILL, KILL!" This song deals with the negative influence humanity has on the earth. There is a sick breakdown near the end of the song with screaming, background chanting, and haunting guitar. This is a solid start and should automatically reaffirm any fan's interest in the band. 9.5/10
2. Bleeding Is A Luxury- A sick beginning akin to Monty Are I's style of music gives way to some switching between screaming and singing between the two vocalists before the chorus comes and singing is the dominate force with accompanying screams to add to the intensity already shown through the instruments. The lyrics here are stellar, and the point of the song is phenomenal. The guitar scheme is incredible, the thundering drums and use of cymbals really stand out give the song a unique feel, and there is a sick breakdown in the middle of the song that utilizes violin to add to the drama of the song. In short, this is Atreyu at their best, not only taking the title of best song on the album, but maybe even the best Atreyu song in general. 10/10
3. Congregation Of The Damned- The song bearing the title of the album does it justice and relates to the overall dark and desperate theme. Saller's bellowing that straddles the line between screaming and singing dominates the song and does a really great job. The shrill guitar gives the song a unique feel, and the chorus gets in your face and doesn't let up. The drums are once again superb and a great guitar solo accompanied by chanting voices, fast-paced drumming, and quick strumming in the background add to the dark nature of the song. Alex is given an opportunity to warm up his vocalizer and he makes the most of it when the time comes. This song does the title of the album justice. 9.5/10
4. Coffin Nails- One would think that after three consecutive ass-kickers, the pace would slow down, but Atreyu keeps laying it on, even if technically the pace does slow down a little bit. The dramatic chorus draws the listener in for another musical beatdown and one might not even recognize that the pace has slowed down. Atreyu starts off the song by once again displaying their gift for making intros interesting, and the lugging chorus builds up into the more dramatic chorus. As demonstrated by the background chanting "Break free!" this song is about breaking free but the message is delivered with the metaphor of being pronounced as dead and trying to break free of the coffin nails. This really cool concept adds to the desperation portrayed in the song itself. 9.5/10
5. Black Days Begin- This song has its own cool style, but it doesn't really appeal to my tastes. This is one instance where the merging of older and harder elements with newer appeal does not mix as well. The song is characterized by the constant guitar-chugging and it sends off the right emotions in regard to the theme of humanity becoming immersed in these dark times. This song does do a good job in adding some diversity to the album, and when the chugging mixes with some guitar scaling up and down, the result is really cool, especially when the guitar solo after that finishes the job. There is no doubt the guitars and bass shine the brightest here, but it may not appeal to everyone. 8.5/10
6. Gallows- This song returns to the feel established in the first four songs and once again, the intro reveals the intensity to come with great drumming and guitar fretwork. At this point, almost every song on the album would be one of the last songs to be conquered on Guitar Hero (just to put things in perspective). Lyrically, this song is about facing the truth of who you are in the face of death (gallows). The imagery in the lyrics is really solid, and the ending sends it off on a great and dramatic note. 9.5/10
7. Storm To Pass- Some of the best lyrics on the album are accompanied by instruments and vocals that really combine to accurately portray the feelings expressed in a way that is not often successfully accomplished. This song deals with the foreboding and desperation involved in facing the impending doom we face. It is extremely dramatic and appealing, and the Saller's vocals in the chorus are pure gold when he proclaims the best lines of the album: "I'll be watching, waiting, dreadful, shaking. Will the storm pass over us today? Will lightning strike our sins away? Watching, waiting, falling, shaking. Will the storm pass over us today? Or is the future looking grey?" The screaming chants of "OH NO!" also add to the drama felt by the guitars and drums. This is extremely close to taking the spot of the best song on the album, and is actually my favorite, but I cannot deny "Bleeding Is A Luxury" the credit it deserves. Still, this song is another to add to Atreyu's best, and one that even the general population can enjoy without it losing its edge. 10/10
8. You Were The King, Now You're Unconscious- Aside from having a really cool name, this song begins in a live setting with some cool marching-band style drumming and some chanting that builds up with the help of some technology. One can picture Atreyu beginning a live performance exactly like this. This buildup turns into a quick little drum solo that soon is accompanied by thundering guitars. The pace then quickens significantly and both are given the chance to rock out before the vocals kick in. Some will not really take a liking to the vocals because they waver a little bit but I like them. This song seems to be directed at leadership overthrown for being corrupt, and the Sick Puppies-style guitar near the end really ends it on a strong note. 9.5/10
9. Insatiable- A great guitar intro gives way to some antagonistic lyrics that relate to the theme of insatiable greed. The vocals dominate this song, and while the screaming is good, the actual singing is too forceful and seems to cross too far into wavering territory for me to greatly enjoy. There is a really solid set of guitar solos in the middle of the song that once again testifies to how awesome it would be to be able to play the guitar like this. 9/10
10. So Wrong- The shrill guitar returns at the beginning of this song before transitioning into a slow verse of very soft vocals. This quickly changes with the help of some screaming that goes into the chorus with a vengeance. Lyrically, this song is focused on admitting being wrong. There is a solid little breakdown with thundering drums and shrill guitar near the end, and the screaming of "All that I know is that I KNOW NOTHING!" is a nice addition. 9/10
11. Ravenous- An extremely fast-paced guitar shredding mixes with the quick beat to set up some intensity. This song is closer to the older days and the guitar and screaming reminds me of Demon Hunter a little bit. This song does not let up until it is over, which seems appropriate given the theme of humanity taking more than it needs. This song is shorter but is sure to appease the harder fans. In my opinion this song is not really anything special (aside from an admittedly wicked breakdown near the end), but it is a nice addition. 8.5/10
12. Lonely- This is probably my least favorite song on the album because it seems to be too light and does not really show off the musical power this band possesses. The shining aspect of this song is actually the lyrics, and while some might like this song because it diversifies the album, I am not really ready to start singing its praises. I'm not saying this is a bad song, but there are a lot stronger songs here. This probably won't appeal to the harder, older fans either, but there is a pretty good guitar solo in the middle. 8/10
13. Wait For You- This song fits the category of slow songs, which further adds to the album's diversity. The soft lyrics from both Brandon and Alex are a nice change of pace and this song really translates well as a transition into slow song territory. The guitar is pleasant and soothing especially near the end, the slow drums keep the beat well, and the final notes of the song are terrific. This is a great closer to the album and ends it on a more hopeful note. 9.5/10
Overall: 120/130
"Congregation Of The Damned" represents a merging of the old and new Atreyu, and the translation, while it may not be extremely smooth or polished at times, comes across well. Atreyu is back and in my opinion, better than ever. This is not a complete reversion to the old days, but the band certainly draws on its roots in order to take their music in a new direction. Do not be afraid of this statement, Atreyu fans, because this is a good thing, and I think that all the older Atreyu fans who said that the band sold out and would never be the same have been proven wrong. As the final tally indicates, this album is damn good. "Congregation Of The Damned" gives fans a dose of musical smackdown and sticks to its morbid and almost political theme extremely well. This is a great effort by Atreyu and I look forward to what comes next. Thanks for tuning in, later this week will be reviews for The Almost and Weezer. Rock on.