Album Reviews

I’ve always liked Atreyu ever since I heard “Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses” back in 2002. I followed them throughout their Victory years and – unlike many others out there – didn’t even turn my back to them when they signed with Hollywood (US) and Roadrunner (for Europe) and released the way more accessible “Lead Sails Paper Anchor”.

“Congregation Of The Damned” sees the band doing an Avenged Sevenfold, focusing way more than ever on the rock and metal influences in their music with tons of guitar solos guiding us through all thirteen songs straight to the slick singalong choruses. I’m sure producer Bob Marlette (Ozzy Osbourne, Airbourne) had something to do with it but Atreyu really does sound epic on this one! So who cares that they lost sight of their screamo roots more than ever? I sure as hell don’t.

Alex still screams like he used to but isn’t afraid to experiment with different vocal styles just the same while cool dual riffage is setting him up for yet another bigass chorus. It’s almost too smooth at times. Almost becoming a guilty pleasure with both the vocal melodies and guitar riffs being so damn catchy you’ll remember them after just a couple of spins.