Atreyu is an American metalcore band from Orange County, California. The band is signed to Victory Records, an independent record label, and has released two records under its supervision, with a third one on the way.
Alex Varkatzas : vocals, lyrics Dan Jacobs: guitar Travis Miguel: guitar Marc McKnight: bass Brandon Saller: drums, vocals
Chris Thomson: bass
Atreyu was named after a fictional character in the movie A Never-Ending Story. Atreyu was formed as a band sometime during 1998 and 1999. Shortly thereafter, they released their first EP, entitled Visions. The record garnered the band some success in the Southern California metalcore scene and they constantly performed to support the seven-track release.
Atreyu released its second record, a five-track EP, entitled Fractures in the Facade of Your Porcelain Beauty, in 2001. The record featured early versions of the songs "Living Each Day Like You're Already Dead", "Someone's Standing on My Chest", and "Tulips Are Better", which were re-worked for the band's third release. The record also caught the attention of record executives at Victory Records, who quickly signed the band and added it to its roster.
Atreyu recorded and released its first full-length album in 2002. Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses would become an instant fan favorite and was noticed by a wide spectrum of music fans. The record broke down the walls separating the genres of heavy metal and hardcore, allowing the band to push itself into the forefront of the metalcore scene. Critics from publications such as the L.A. Times, Guitar World, and Metal Maniacs commented that the "Southern California five-piece brings new definition to overnight success." Since then, the album has sold over 100,000 copies and has produced two popular singles, "Ain't Love Grand" and "Lip Gloss and Black."
