Atreyu

ATREYU Reclaims Their Legacy with 20th Anniversary of 'A Death-Grip On Yesterday'

By Jason •
The pioneers of metalcore celebrate two decades of groundbreaking sound with a special vinyl reissue and a haunting fan favorite revival.

In a move that stirs the very essence of metalcore, Craft Recordings has officially announced the return of ATREYU's seminal album, 'A Death-Grip On Yesterday', marking its 20th anniversary. This album wasn't just a collection of tracks; it was a bold declaration that catapulted the Southern California quintet into the upper echelons of the genre. With its release back in 2006, it debuted at a staggering No. 9 on the Billboard 200, signaling that ATREYU was no longer just a band to watch but a force to be reckoned with.

Arriving on October 30, the reissue will be available for pre-order now, offering fans a chance to score it on classic black vinyl alongside limited edition colorways — the fiery Fire Smoke vinyl through Craft Recordings and the eye-catching Blazing Yellow vinyl via Revolver. But that’s not all; to commemorate this milestone, ATREYU has unleashed a spectral gem from the past, 'Her Portrait In Black', now available on all digital platforms. Originally part of the sessions for 'A Death-Grip On Yesterday', this darkly haunting track gained notoriety on the 'Underworld: Evolution' soundtrack, reminding us of the band’s roots in the shadows of metal.

ATREYU, the architects of metalcore, emerged from Yorba Linda, California, in 1998, taking their name from the hero of Michael Ende's 'The Neverending Story'. Their early EPs laid the groundwork for their explosive full-length debut, 'Suicide Notes And Butterfly Kisses', which helped define the early 2000s metalcore explosion. With their follow-up, 'The Curse', ATREYU not only cemented their status but also achieved gold certification, featuring iconic tracks that still resonate in the metal community.

In 2005, they entered the studio for 'A Death-Grip On Yesterday', co-produced with Josh Abraham, a move that marked a significant evolution for the band. This nine-song LP offered an adventurous exploration of their sound, with tracks like 'The Theft' and the anthemic 'Ex's And Oh's' showcasing their ability to blend visceral intensity with infectious melodies. The latter reached No. 24 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Airplay chart and became a staple in pop culture, featured in games like 'Madden NFL 07' and 'Guitar Hero II'.

After the album's release, ATREYU continued to ride the wave of success, hitting the road with heavyweights like DEFTONES and THRICE. Their tenacity paid off as they signed with Hollywood Records, leading to the successful release of 2007's 'Lead Sails Paper Anchor'. Fast forward to today, ATREYU remains a powerhouse in the scene, with a discography that spans ten studio albums and a lineup that still delivers earth-shattering performances.

As they gear up for their performance at Louder Than Life festival in Louisville, Kentucky, on September 20, and the Aftershock festival in Sacramento, California, on October 2, the legacy of 'A Death-Grip On Yesterday' looms large. It’s not just an album; it's a testament to the relentless spirit of a band that continues to thrive in the ever-evolving metal landscape.