The Collegian

Issue date: 9/11/07 Section: Detour

Media Credit: www.allschools.de

Media Credit: www.omguide.com

You're listening a song on the radio, and you're on the fence about whether or not to change the station. The drums are cool, the guitar is catchy, but your finger is still hanging by the button. Enter the screeching vocals; you've had enough of that song.

Screaming rock anthems have rarely been appreciated on the mainstream level, but Atreyu has broken that norm with the release of their fourth album, Lead Sails Paper Anchor (LSPA). This album has strayed from the metalcore sound of their previous albums but is still excellent, with drummer Brandon Saller, the more melodic singer, dividing vocal duties with lead singer Alex Varkatzas.

Atreyu's sound has begun to emulate that of punk icons AFI-which appears intentional, considering the striking similarity in album artwork between LSPA and AFI's 1999 album Black Sails in the Sunset. LSPA possesses more of a pop-punk sound to it than Atreyu fans are used to, but the band still stays true to their metalcore roots with songs like "Becoming the Bull," the album's lead single, and "When Two Are One," weaving Atreyu's classic sound together with their new sound flawlessly. Other songs like "Doomsday," "Honor," and "Falling Down" utilize a mesmerizing drum beat and captivating riffs, possessing massive potential for the band's major label debut to rank in the Billboard charts (it landed at number eight on the Billboard 200 in its first week).

Atreyu's previous albums such as The Curse and A Death Grip on Yesterday were distinguished by Varkatzas' screaming, repetitive riffs, fast-paced drum beats, and face-melting solos, whereas in their new album, Saller's vocals are more dominant and their melodic songs are more readily accessible.

A song which could be considered a big disappointment for some and a big success for others is title track "Lead Sails (And A Paper Anchor)." The song has a mellow acoustic beat with a subtle, electric country riff, the drums retaining the calm pace of the song. This song is the only one that completely strays from Atreyu's older work but is still put together very well for a first attempt at such a drastically different style song. This is one of the most admirable aspects of an already exceptional album.

Atreyu usually has fast paced songs that are good to mosh to, but this album shows maturity and a sense of bonding within the band. All the instruments harmonize together to create a beautifully crafted album.

Although Atreyu's old albums are great, this album is by far the best-signing to a major label has turned out to be a positive move. Fans of bands like Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, UnderOath, or Bullet For My Valentine will appreciate Atreyu's new change. LSPA is a big step for the band, showing huge potential for their future albums.

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