Save Our Souls
Armed with a setlist determined by songs most streamed across all platforms, the mighty metalcore dudes Atreyu take to the stage. I, like many am seated moshpitless, devoid of the camaraderie of an actual concert, and like an unquenchable thirst they power their way through their back catalogue in this celebration of their hits.
‘Save Us’ is the first single since the reset, and it will resonate with many, especially after the debacle that has been 2020, carry the fire my friends and set alight the ruination and rise up out of the ashes. It is a high intensity song, bursting with a runaway passion and energy, cementing Atreyu as a force to be reckoned with.
Obviously, we all have our favourites, we got the old one two with ‘Right Side Of The Bed ‘ and ‘Ex’s and Oh’s’ both songs although accomplished, I still miss Alex’s voice. That is not a criticism of Brandon, not by a long chalk, because through life’s ups and downs the band have engineered and restructured to bring us a well-honed, industrious metal machine. It’s only natural to miss people, but ‘look in your heart’ and see the progression, the endeavour and allow artists to breathe and evolve. Anyway, I put the brakes on my sad solo circle pit around the laptop to hold a candle to that golden nugget that is ‘The Theft’ timeless and heart-wrenching, a gift for us to treasure.
There is a swift changing places that sees Brandon piloting the drums and Porter exercising his larynx on ‘Bleeding Mascara’, this is what I love about these guys, they are multi-disciplinary, taking the reins and then falling back into their respective roles when necessary. We are in a privileged position now as we hear an unreleased song ‘Underrated’ a word that is widely used, but in this case, I think it is quite accurate. Next up is ‘Battle Drums’ even the band were surprised by it’s inclusion, and our friend Porter steps up to provide the harsh, aggressive tone that this genre is known for. The soulful, dulcet tones are on show in ‘House Of Gold’ sweeping us up in its arms with a promise of a better time, exuding wistful and romantic vibes. We end with a blast from the past ‘Lip Gloss And Black’ complete with the enthusiastic chant ‘Live, Love, Burn, Die’ we throw ourselves over the finish line with a shimmering piano outro.
Like a flare lighting up our darkened world, Atreyu have shown us a brighter future, a way forward and a shared friendship. I could’ve done with a couple more songs, but hey that’s the situation we are faced with, I’m grateful that bands are resorting to alternatives to bring live music to us.
‘Have you ever cried so hard?’. Tonight, I did.
Atreyu – Carry The Fire – Live Stream Night One, 20th November 2020