Atreyu Working on new album

Courtesy of Blabbermouth.net..

Orange County quintet ATREYU has entered Henson Studios in Los Angeles with producer Bob Marlette (SALIVA, SEETHER, OZZY OSBOURNE) to begin work on the highly anticipated follow-up to 2007's "Lead Sails Paper Anchor".

"We started as a heavy hardcore band," says lead vocalist Alex Varkatzas, "and I think we've gotten away from that in recent years. The last record, for example, showcased us as a rock band with heavy parts. With this record, we want to return to our roots while also continuing to move forward. It's about finding the right balance between the two."

"This album will scream as a statement of where we've been, what we've become and where we will go," adds drummer/vocalist Brandon Saller. "We think this record will be a huge marker in the life of ATREYU and we can't wait to unveil it."

According to Varkatzas, the band has demoed 30 songs and plans to narrow it down to 16, with the goal being to finish recording by June. "The songs definitely have a dark, heavier feel and I think the current climate has a lot to do with that," says the vocalist. "Personally, I just feel…angry and it's coming out in the music. Failed bailouts, unemployment on the rise, troops still in Iraq — I watch all this stuff on the news and it carries over to the sessions. It gets me fired up."

My thoughts.. I'm definitely looking forward to this new album. Atreyu have changed their sound with each successive album that they've released, and fortunately I've loved it all. In particular, The Curse, my favorite, and Lead Sails Paper Anchor are dynamite albums from start to finish, and respectively represent the hardcore roots and 80's rock vibe that the band have come to cultivate. With the new album being advertised as a 50/50 of these two ends of the Atreyu spectrum, the OC quintet has definitely got my attention.