ATREYU’s Bold Reimagining of “The Curse”

New Version of a Classic Album

In a revealing interview with Rock 100.5 The KATT FM’s Cameron Buchholtz, ATREYU frontman Brandon Saller elaborated on the band’s recent decision to release a re-recorded version of their gold-certified sophomore album “The Curse,” originally released in 2004. This fresh take on the iconic LP was produced under the guidance of MEMPHIS MAY FIRE’s Kellen McGregor and marks a significant departure from the original, as it does not feature former ATREYU vocalist Alex Varkatzas, who left the band in September 2020.

Motivations Behind the Re-Recording

Saller shared insights into the motivations driving the band to revisit “The Curse.” He explained, “There were motivating factors in doing that. One was, we were gonna go tour this album [celebrating its 21st anniversary] with this lineup. We want to be a transparent band and say, ‘When you come to these shows, this is what it’s gonna sound.’ We find that to be incredibly honest, more so than probably most bands.” He emphasized the importance of authenticity in their performances and the desire to provide fans with an accurate representation of the music.

Ownership and Creative Freedom

Another compelling reason for the re-recording is the band’s newfound ownership of their music. Saller noted, “This is the first album in our career that we’ve ever owned. We’ve made it on our own. We released it on our own. We did the vinyl on our own. We own it 100%.” He expressed excitement about the financial implications, stating, “If you enjoy the new version of ‘The Curse,’ know that when you listen to it, 100% of the money comes back to the band that you love.” This shift in ownership allows ATREYU to keep their earnings rather than share them with a record label.

Challenges of Regaining Ownership

When asked about the process of regaining ownership of “The Curse,” Saller revealed, “We are very lucky where we have zero re-record clauses in any of our contracts, so we could re-record every one of our albums if we wanted to.” He mentioned the possibility of re-recording their entire back catalog, highlighting the freedom that comes with owning their music.

The Complicated History with Victory Records

Saller expressed a desire to regain the rights to their earlier albums, including “Suicide Notes And Butterfly Kisses” (2002) and “A Death Grip On Yesterday” (2006), which were originally released with Victory Records. However, he noted the challenges involved, stating, “Victory doesn’t even own them. Concord [who acquired Victory in 2019] owns ’em now.”

New Music and Artistic Growth

ATREYU recently released their latest studio album, “The End Is Not The End,” on April 24 via Spinefarm. Produced by Matt Pauling, the tenth LP is described as vibrant, inventive, and “the heaviest and most metal record we’ve made,” according to Saller. The album signifies a major artistic evolution for the band, reflecting their dedication to pushing creative boundaries.

A Legacy of Innovation

Since their formation in the early 2000s, ATREYU has consistently defied expectations, transitioning from their DIY roots to achieving multiple RIAA gold records and prominent placements on Billboard charts. Their previous album, “The Beautiful Dark Of Life” (2023), debuted in the Top 10 on Billboard’s Top Hard Rock Albums and has garnered over 75 million streams. With standout singles like “Gone” and “Watch Me Burn,” the band continues to resonate with audiences and dominate rock radio.

Touring and Future Endeavors

ATREYU recently kicked off a spring tour supporting SEVENDUST, beginning on April 20 in Indianapolis, Indiana, and concluding in Knoxville, Tennessee, on May 20. Their commitment to delivering engaging performances is fueled by an unquenchable appetite for creative achievement, as Saller affirmed, “We just refuse to become boring. We’re not chasing what’s cool. We’re not chasing anything. We’re trying to do what isn’t being done, and play exactly what we want to hear.”

Conclusion

ATREYU’s re-recording of “The Curse” not only showcases their evolution as artists but also highlights their commitment to ownership and authenticity. As they embark on new musical ventures and continue to tour, the band remains dedicated to delivering fresh and innovative experiences to their fans, ensuring that their legacy will continue to grow.

FAQs

Why did ATREYU decide to re-record “The Curse”?

ATREYU aimed for authenticity in their performances and wanted to share a version of the album that reflects their current lineup, as well as to maintain full ownership of the music.

Will ATREYU re-record any of their other albums?

Brandon Saller mentioned that they have the contractual freedom to re-record their albums, so it is a possibility for the future.

What is the significance of owning their music for ATREYU?

Owning their music allows ATREYU to keep 100% of the profits, enabling them to invest in their creative endeavors and maintain financial independence from record labels.

When was ATREYU’s latest album released?

ATREYU’s latest studio album, “The End Is Not The End,” was released on April 24, 2023.

Who produced the new album “The End Is Not The End”?

The album was produced by Matt Pauling and is noted for being their heaviest and most metal record to date.