Atreyu’s sophomore release The Curse is packed solid with throat shredding vocals, fiery guitar riffs and tight overall rhythms that make it difficult to pass up. Unfortunately, some critics have already dismissed Atreyu as “pop-metal.” Can someone tell me what the hell that is? Perhaps I understand the connotation, but I’m just not getting that sort of vibe from The Curse. The album is definitely abrasive, but also has a certain melodic magnetism. Atreyu seems to fall somewhere between Converge and Avenged Sevenfold.
“Bleeding Mascara” is the first vocal track on The Curse and it’s one of the best. It sets the stage for the rest of the album illustrating Alex Varkatzas consistent vocal screams and growls, while giving a sample of the sheer energy this band has.
The vocals are written from the darker side of the spectrum and they’re written well. “I feel eyelashes on my cheek, and they lacerate my flesh, a pain so good,” Varkatzas sings on “This Flesh A Tomb” and “I’m tying you up, using the nicest of lace, trying to kill you softly, trying to erase your face,” on “Corseting.”
Songs like “You Eclipsed by Me” and “Demonology and Heartache” are driven by aggressive, forceful and high-tempos and drums that carry the songs throughout their verse’s. On “The Crimson” it’s Varkatzas’ voice that really carries the song during its introduction. Atreyu emit enough chest pounding beats to create a bloody mess in the mosh pit, but The Curse does have its times where vocals are sung rather than screamed and the music slows enough to catch a quick breather.
Other aspects of The Curse can be compared to Slash-esque guitar riffs that seem to climb and fall on “The Remembrance Ballad.”
Sure, Atreyu may have developed an album with some commercial success ability, but The Curse is still strong and unique. When I think of “pop-metal,” I’m reminded of Papa Roach, Korn and the rest of the bile that mainstream radio pukes out. Atreyu don’t resemble anything like that. They are like Pantera only with elements to their style that may get them recognized by more than just the underground community. I give The Curse an 8 (out of 10). This album is an awesome combination of old school metal, mixed with modern day musical creativity.
Suggested Listening: “Bleeding Mascara,” “Nevada’s Grace” and “The Remembrance Ballad.”
By: Adam K. Zakroczymski III – Senior Editor / Founder
September 29, 2004
