History
Early Years
Atreyu formed in sunny, bright Orange County, California back in 1998. Originally under the name Retribution, but found out that another band from Hemet, California already used that name. They changed their name to Atreyu, after the character from the fantasy movie The Neverending Story.
Atreyu's independent EP release, Visions was released somewhere between 1998 and 1999, and was sold at their live performances. Their second release, Fractures in the Facade of Your Porcelain Beauty was a short EP released by underground label Tribunal Records and featured tracks that would be re-worked in later releases. Atreyu signed with Victory Records in 2001, and their most critically acclaimed works would be to come from these releases.
Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses
In 2001, Atreyu signed with Victory Records, who were famous for signing young, upstart metalcore bands and making them successful. In 2002, Atreyu released their first full-length release, Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses. The album was a smash-hit among critics and metalcore fans worldwide. The band's aggressive, raw riffs mixed with Alex Varkatzas's mind-blowing throat-led screams made the album a success. The band also introduced another singer, Brandon Saller, the drummer, who would become more prolific in their later releases, but in this album, his parts were most confined to choruses, and only in certain songs at that.
Commercial Success (The Curse, A Death-Grip on Yesterday)
Atreyu's second album, The Curse, was a radical departure from Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses, as the album had slightly more singing, and focused a lot more on song structure and deep, dark lyrics.. The album also had somewhat of a metal vibe, that only increased due to the song titles, lyrical subjects, and Victory Records' multitude of successful metalcore acts that came from that label. Despite Victory's history of metal bands, Atreyu still remained distant from anything emo and had much more of a dark and gothic feel.
In 2006, Atreyu released their third full-length LP, entitled A Death-Grip on Yesterday that helped further Atreyu's move towards the mainstream. The album was another musical change for Atreyu, yet remained too heavy for radio play, despite the hits Ex's And Oh's and The Theft. The album focused a bit more on a good balance of Brandon Saller's melodic singing vocals and Varkatzas's aggressive screaming, although Varkatzas' can be heard exploring a more melodic side of vocals. The album was met with positive reviews though, as IGN called the album "A brief but potent hissy fit." [3]
Lead Sails Paper Anchor
In early 2007, Atreyu signed a record deal with Hollywood Records, and began to prepare their next album, Lead Sails Paper Anchor. The rumor was that Atreyu would continue in the more mainstream path A Death-Grip on Yesterday had taken them on account of the success of the short EP. In early 2007, Atreyu released a jigsaw puzzle on their website of sorts, as the goal was to put all the audio clips of their new single, Becoming the Bull into correct order, forming the whole song. The album leaked a few days before it's release, and in matter of no time, reviews came out that criticized the album, as the album itself features very little of Atreyu's once prolific, trademark screaming, in favor for more singing as a whole. In 2009, they added Richmond, Indiana guitar player Craig Isaacs to the line-up because they felt it would re-connect them with their hardcore roots.
Touring
In 2006, they went on tour with Every Time I Die, Chiodos, and From First to Last. They kicked From First To Last off of The World Championship Tour because the band's lead singer could not perform with them due to vocal nodules. From First To Last wanted to stay on the tour and Chiodos front man Craig Owens offered to fill in on vocals but Atreyu insisted that they could not stay on the tour. They also were on the Ozzfest 2006 second stage alongside Black Label Society, Norma Jean, Bad Acid Trip, Between The Buried And Me, Walls of Jericho, Full Blown Chaos, The Red Chord. As well as Taste Of Chaos 2006 with Deftones, As I Lay Dying, Dredg, Funeral For A Friend, Thrice, Silverstein, Story Of The Year, Thursday, Greeley Estates, The Receiving End Of Sirens, Millionaire, Adair, Broke, The Smashup, Pellican, Street Drum Corps, The Confession. They were featured on the Family Values Tour 2007 with Korn, Evanescence, Flyleaf, Trivium, Hellyeah and Neurosonic. After Family values, They were invited by Linkin Park to accompany them on the Projekt Revolution Tour, 2008 along with: Armor For Sleep, 10 Years, Hawthorn Heights, Street Drum Corps, Ashes Divide, The Bravery, Chris Cornell, and Linkin Park. They will embark on a Full US and EU tour carrying them into winter.
Atreyu's fifth studio album, Congregation of the Damned, was released on October 27, 2009. The album, which was produced by Bob Marlette (Ozzy Osbourne, Airbourne) and mixed by Rich Costey (System of a Down, Rage Against the Machine), was said to be "darker" and "heavier" than the band's previous albums. Prior to release, the album was expected to contain heavier tracks such as "You Were the King, Now You're Unconscious" and "Bleeding Is a Luxury," as well as slower songs such as "Wait for You." According to lead singer Alex Varkatzas, the record is a "mix of everything we've ever done. For every song that's more melodic or rock-driven there's a total shitkicker, and I think that's what makes us a well-rounded band."
The band started a co-headlining tour with Hollywood Undead, Escape The Fate and The Sleeping in October, and as promotion of album have debuted songs like "Bleeding Is A Luxury" at K-Rockathon 14 in New York State Fairgrounds, Syracuse, NY., and "Gallows". Atreyu has also promoted their new album in many other ways. For example, 5 webisodes, between September 1 to October 20 every two weeks, have been released advertising the album. They describe the album to "Make more sense than the other ones because they finally realize what they are".
Congregation of The Damned debuted at #18 on the Billboard 200, selling 27,412 copies on its first week.
Atreyu went on a hiatus in January 2011, as confirmed by vocalist Alex Varkatzas through a series of Twitter posts. The band stated that they were taking a break from touring and recording to "recharge and focus on other parts of our lives." In their official statement, Atreyu clarified that they were not breaking up but would be taking a long break after 11 years of rocking. During this period, the band members pursued other projects.
Throughout 2012, the members of Atreyu remained involved in their respective side projects.
On May 11, 2013, Atreyu posted a statement on Facebook, asking their fans to repost the message if they wanted the band to write a new song with a sound reminiscent of their second studio album, "The Curse." The band showed an intention to return to a musical style similar to their earlier work.
Atreyu announced their official reunion in July 2014, marking their return to making new music. The band resumed live performances with a headlining show at Chain Reaction on September 11, 2014, followed by an appearance at the Aftershock Festival on September 14, 2014. They released a new song titled "So Others May Live" on their YouTube account and official website on September 5, 2014. Atreyu performed at various festivals and events, including Slipknot's Knotfest in October 2014. In April 2015, they released a limited edition 7" vinyl for Record Store Day featuring "So Others May Live" and a new song called "When the Day Is Done."
In June 2015, Atreyu announced their new album, "Long Live," which was released on September 18, 2015. The album reached number 26 on the Billboard 200 chart. They released a music video for the single "Long Live" in July 2015. The band continued to tour and perform in support of the album.
In 2018, Atreyu revealed plans for a new album and released the single "Anger Left Behind" in August. Their seventh studio album, "In Our Wake," was released on October 12, 2018. They embarked on a tour to promote the album, with support from bands like Memphis May Fire, Ice Nine Kills, and Sleep Signals.
To commemorate their 20th anniversary, Atreyu announced an anniversary tour in August 2019. The tour featured a setlist chosen by fans in an online poll and included support from Whitechapel, He Is Legend, Tempting Fate, and Santa Cruz.
In September 2020, the band confirmed the departure of vocalist Alex Varkatzas. They released the single "Save Us" in October 2020, along with the announcement of several lineup changes. Brandon Saller shifted his focus to clean singing, while Marc McKnight took over unclean vocals. Kyle Rosa joined as the new drummer.
Atreyu's eighth studio album, "Baptize," was released on June 4, 2021, through Spinefarm Records. The album features guest appearances by Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker on the single "Warrior." Prior to the album's release, the band also released the single "Underrated."
Band members
Brandon Saller - vocals (1998-present)
Dan Jacobs - guitar (1998-present)
Travis Miguel - guitar (2001-present)
Marc McKnight - bass and unclean vocals (2002-present)
Kyle Rosa - drums (2020-present)
Former members
Alex Varkatzas - vocals (1998-2020)
Chris Thompson — bass (2001–2003)
Kyle Stanley — bass (1998–2001)
Bryan O'Donnell — bass (1998)
Ex
Atreyu Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I drank too much
'Cause of you my liver turned to dust
Cold rust taste
A cruel creeping cold pain
Do you understand what I mean?
When you feel your soul drop to the floor
Like a hole, like an open bleeding sore
And you'll have wept as I've wept
Suck me down, it's time to rock and roll
Let's hit the bar, let's lose control
One false move, you took me home
One false move, you're all alone
But it looks so good and it feels so nice
I paid the price
I'll cut you out just to hear you scream
Get away from, get away from me
And I can feel my heartbeat racing
As I realize what I must do
Get away from
Get away from
Get away from you
I should have turned and ran like hell
Last time I got the taste of you
I should have turned and ran like hell
And I'll see we're through
I should have turned and ran like hell
Last time I got the taste of you
I should have turned and ran like hell
And I'll see we're through
And I'll see we're through
You fell upon me like a plague
Weakness, sweet weakness
But I digress after all this
You're just like all the rest
Suck me down, it's time to rock and roll
Let's hit the bar, let's lose control
One false move, you took me home
One false move, you're all alone
Atreyu's song Ex's and Oh's tells a story about a toxic relationship that leaves both parties damaged. The lyrics suggest that the singer has been through a great deal of emotional pain and physical damage because of their partner. The opening verse describes how the singer has been rendered helpless and has lost all control of their life due to their excessive drinking. They suggest that their liver has turned to dust because of their toxic relationship, and they feel a creeping, cold pain that is difficult to comprehend. The lyrics "When you feel your soul drop to the floor like a hole, like an open bleeding sore" convey the emotional turmoil the singer is experiencing.
The chorus of the song suggests that the singer is in a cycle of self-destruction with their partner. They continue to be drawn back into the relationship due to the physical attraction they have for their partner. They describe the feeling of being sucked in, and they are willing to make one false move just for the sake of being with their partner. However, every time they end up going home with their partner, they are left alone and vulnerable.
The second verse talks about the singer's realization of the situation and the decision to break away from the toxic relationship. The lyrics "I'll cut you out just to hear you scream Get away from, get away from me" show the singer's willingness to do whatever it takes to separate themselves from their partner. They accept the pain that they will experience in the process, but they know it is necessary for their own well-being. The final lines of the song suggest a sense of strength and determination to move on from the relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
You took me home
The person singing allowed their ex to bring them home
I drank too much
The person singing consumed an excessive amount of alcohol
'Cause of you my liver turned to dust
The person singing blames their ex for causing harm to their liver due to excessive drinking
Cold rust taste
The person singing describes the unpleasant taste left in their mouth from drinking too much
A cruel creeping cold pain
The person singing describes the physical discomfort they experienced from drinking too much
Do you understand what I mean?
The person singing questions if their ex understands the pain they caused
When you feel your soul drop to the floor
The person singing describes the emotional distress they experienced from their ex's actions
Like a hole, like an open bleeding sore
The person singing compares their emotional pain to a physical wound
Then you'll have bled like I bled
The person singing expresses that their ex will experience similar pain to what they went through
And you'll have wept as I've wept
The person singing expresses that their ex will go through the same emotional pain they did
Suck me down, it's time to rock and roll
The person singing is succumbing to the temptation of being with their ex again
Let's hit the bar, let's lose control
The person singing suggests going out and drinking to excess with their ex
One false move, you took me home
The person singing blames their ex for taking advantage of them and bringing them home
One false move, you're all alone
The person singing suggests that their ex will eventually be alone due to their actions
But it looks so good and it feels so nice
The person singing admits they are physically attracted to their ex
I paid the price
The person singing acknowledges the negative consequences they faced from being with their ex
I'll cut you out just to hear you scream
The person singing desires to cause pain to their ex, even if it means completely cutting them out of their life
Get away from, get away from me
The person singing wants their ex to stay away from them
And I can feel my heartbeat racing
The person singing feels anxious and stressed
As I realize what I must do
The person singing has come to a decision about what they need to do
Get away from
The person singing repeats their desire to be away from their ex
You fell upon me like a plague
The person singing compares their ex's presence to something harmful and destructive
Weakness, sweet weakness
The person singing acknowledges their vulnerability and susceptibility to their ex's advances
But I digress after all this
The person singing acknowledges they should have moved on from their ex by now
You're just like all the rest
The person singing lumps their ex in with all of their past failed relationships
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Brandon Saller, Daniel Jacobs, Ektor Varkatzas, Marc McKnight, Travis Miguel
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@rationalhuman5338
You took me home
I drank too much
'Cause of you my liver turned to dust
Cold rust taste
A cruel creeping cold pain
Do you understand what I mean?
When you feel your soul drop to the floor
Like a hole
Like an open bleeding sore
Then you'll have bled like I bled
And you'll have wept as I've wept
Suck me down, it's time to rock and roll
Let's hit the bar, let's lose control
One false move, you took me home
One false move, you're all alone
But it looks so good and it feels so nice
I paid the price
I'll cut you out just to hear you scream,
Get away from, get away from me
And I can feel my heartbeat racing
As I realize what I must do
Get away from,
Get away from,
Get away from you
I should have turned and ran like hell
Last time I got the taste of you
I should have turned and ran like hell
And I'll see we're through
I should have turned and ran like hell
Last time I got the taste of you
I should have turned and ran like hell
And I'll see we're through
And I'll see we're through
You fell upon me like a plague
Weakness, sweet weakness
But I digress...
After all this...
You're just like all the rest
Suck me down
It's time to rock and roll
Let's hit the bar, let's lose control
One false move, you took me home
One false move, you're all alone
@jacobwolford5912
I listened to this as a high school student and now I listen to it a a high school teacher. Full circle dude.
@pens87668
How does that make you feel lol?
@jacobwolford5912
@@pens87668 pretty awesome tbh
@caligrownvisuals6717
Its your duty to share bands like this with your students. Kids will never experience warped
@GoogleUser-zv8sy
Id love to have a teacher like you back in HS. Meet me in the janitors closet...to discuss music? 😈
@jessereese6041
That's so fucking rad I would listen to this sing on my way to therapy now I'm a therapist lol
@bbo490jn
I was 16 when this came out in 2006, now I'm 31 and missing those years.
@michaelj3788
35 now. LOVED this song then... and still rock it and love it now. Haha. Matter of fact... this is the Atreyu I miss.
@nickwancho
. I saw them live with avenged and bullet for my valentine it was epic.
@C1schecter101
we should be baes 👏😂🙌💯🎶🎶🔊💘