Review Summary: For older fans of Atreyu, you're are probably disappointed. For newcomers of the band, welcome to a new and improved Atreyu.
Atreyu is a metalcore/screamo band that turned butt rock. That’s what I’ve picked up from the other reviews I’ve read and I would like to disagree. I only have a handful of Atreyu’s older material, but what I have from the older days is decent metalcore, but nothing spectacular. Now a friend of mine showed me the songs When Two Are One and Becoming the Bull. I new I had to buy the album because I was completely drawn in by the mix of screamed and singing vocals (especially that of drummer Brandon Saller) and the extremely technical guitar solos. Now I was expecting a supurb CD, but an excellent one is not far off and a great addition to my collection.
When I first listened to the CD starting with Doomsday, I learned it on guitar and totally rocked out with. It’s got two short but tasteful solos, and the whole song just rocks out. Then Honor comes and keeps my expectations high for the rest of the album with a nearly epic chorus and killer intro riff. The only songs that don’t keep the energy like these two throughout the album are Falling Down, No One Cares, Slow Burn, and Lead Sails (And A Paper Anchor).
Now Falling Down is just sort of corny pop rock song but if you listen to it long enough it grows on you. And if you’ve seen the music video you will at least like the song. No One Cares is a total emo song and just doesn’t belong on the album at all along with Slow Burn. To me they are just awkward non-fitting songs that took nearly zero effort to create. And the way Alex tries to sing through Slow Burn is just pathetic. On the other hand Lead Sails (And A Paper Anchor) is actually a really good song with some country elements, good lyrics, and some great tunes in it and ends the album on a good note.
Now the most memorable songs on the album are definitely When Two Are One, Doomsday, and Blow (which has such an anthem like chorus). If you are not convinced with the CD at least listen to these three.
So if you’ve never listened to Atreyu before, then this CD just might float your boat. But if you’re a diehard fanboy of this band, then you’re probably drowning in your own tears while slitting your wrist listening to Bleeding Mascara over and over.
