Atreyu

Atreyu is a US metalcore band from Yorba Linda, California, formed in 1998 and active to the present. The group is known for combining heavy metal, metalcore and rock, and its line-up has changed several times since its early years.

Formation and early years

The band originally uses the name Retribution before changing it after discovering another group already uses that name. It takes its new name from the character in The Neverending Story. In its early period, Atreyu releases the independent EP Visions, sold at live shows, followed by Fractures in the Facade of Your Porcelain Beauty on Tribunal Records.

Albums and label work

Atreyu signs with Victory Records in 2001. Its first full-length album, Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses, arrives in 2002 and establishes the band with its raw, aggressive sound and a mix of harsh vocals and melodic choruses. The Curse follows with a stronger focus on song structure, darker lyrics and more singing. A Death-Grip on Yesterday appears in 2006 and pushes the group further towards the mainstream while retaining a heavy sound; it includes the tracks “Ex’s and Oh’s” and “The Theft”.

In 2007, Atreyu signs to Hollywood Records and releases Lead Sails Paper Anchor, which leans further towards singing and away from the band’s earlier screaming style. Congregation of the Damned follows in 2009 and is described by the band as drawing together different parts of its sound. The album debuts at No. 18 on the Billboard 200. Atreyu later releases Long Live in 2015, which reaches No. 26 on the Billboard 200, then In Our Wake in 2018. Baptize arrives in 2021 through Spinefarm Records and includes the single “Warrior”, which features Travis Barker.

Line-up changes and hiatus

The band’s core membership includes Brandon Saller, Dan Jacobs, Travis Miguel, Marc McKnight and Kyle Rosa, with Alex Varkatzas as the original lead vocalist until his departure in 2020. Brandon Saller begins as drummer and later becomes the main clean vocalist. Marc McKnight takes over bass and unclean vocals, while Kyle Rosa joins on drums in 2020. Earlier members include Kyle Stanley on bass, Chris Thomson on bass, and Brian O’Donnell.

Atreyu goes on hiatus in 2011 and reforms in 2014. After returning, it resumes live activity and releases new material, including the song “So Others May Live” in 2014 and the single “Save Us” in 2020.

Tours and festival appearances

The band tours widely, including runs with Every Time I Die, Chiodos and From First to Last, and appearances on Ozzfest, Taste of Chaos, Family Values Tour and Projekt Revolution. It also performs at Knotfest, and marks its 20th anniversary with a tour in 2019.

Labels and style

Across its career, Atreyu works with Victory Records, Hollywood Records and Spinefarm Records, and is also associated with Atreyu Records, Roadrunner Records, Search and Destroy, and Inc./Hollywood Records as listed label affiliations. Its sound moves between hardcore-influenced metalcore, melodic metalcore and heavier metal and rock elements, with a long-running contrast between clean singing and aggressive vocals.