Congregation of the Damned [PA] (CD - 2009)

Personnel: Marc McKnight, Alex Varkatzas (vocals); Dan Jacobs , Travis Miguel (guitar); Bob Marlette (keyboards).

Audio Mixer: Rich Costey.

On their latest effort, Atreyu come with more of the same metalcore that listeners have come to expect from the band. All of the familiar elements are in place, with the alternating screaming/soaring vocals, thundering double bass drumming, and big, crunchy riffage. The difference here is that the band seems to have mellowed out a bit, opting for a more melodic approach. Like their last album, the songs here feel somewhat restrained, like they're just dying to break free of the polished production. The intensity of SUICIDE NOTES and BUTTERFLY KISSES seems to have been put out to pasture, with the songs feeling more deliberately poppy. minimize