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Our top 10 Atreyu songs list presents the songs of a band famed for blending the metalcore sound with post-hardcore and alternative metal. The band was formed in 1998, having its original members give it the name Retribution. However, with a change in its lineup and music styling, the band rebranded itself to Atreyu, a name inspired by a character of the same name from a fantasy book, The Neverending Story by Michael Ende. A few months after its inception, Atreyu released its first EP Visions, which was marketed and sold at the band’s live shows. Soon after, the band released a sophomore EP, Fractures in the Façade of Your Porcelain Beauty. The EP was released under Tribunal Records, featuring songs that the band reworked for later releases.
Atreyu bagged a recording contract with Victory Records in 2001 and soon after, released its debut studio album, Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses (2002). Atreyu gained mainstream attention after the release of the music video of “Lip Gloss and Black,” which gained significant airplay. The band capitalized on the fame gained with the previous recordings, releasing its sophomore album The Curse (2004), which sold over four hundred and fifty thousand copies.
Later, Atreyu was featured on the soundtrack of the movie Mr. and Mrs. Smith with “You Give Love a Bad Name,” a cover by Bon Jovi. The band was already a reputable act by the time it was releasing its third studio album, A Death-Grip on Yesterday (2006). This album saw several songs receive mainstream success. “Ex’s and Oh’s” from the album appeared on the soundtrack of the video game Madden NFL 07. Most of the songs in the album featured the vocal balancing of Varkatzas’ aggressive screams and Brandon’s melodic singing.
Atreyu signed a new recording contract with Hollywood Records, where they released Lead Sails Paper Anchor (2007). The album featured covers of songs by The Descendants and Faith No More. Atreyu went on tour alongside acts such as Bullet for My Valentine, Avenged Sevenfold, Blessthefall, and Mucc. A darker and heavier vibe would soon be seen with the band’s fifth studio album, Congregation of the Damned (2009). The album was produced by Bob Marlette, who has produced for Airbourne and Ozzy Osbourne.
The band went on hiatus in 2011 but was back with new music in 2014. Atreyu released the album Long Live in 2015, which peaked at number twenty-six on the Billboard 200. After another album release and multiple tours alongside acts like Whitechapel, Ice Nine Kills, and He Is Legend, vocalist Alex left the band in August 2020. This left Brandon Saller to concentrate on the vocal, with the bassist Marc McKnight taking on the growls. The band also added Kyle Rosa on the drums. With the new lineup, Atreyu released Baptize (2021). The band has maintained its metalcore sound blending it with post-hardcore, alternative metal, screamo, hard rock, and heavy metal elements. Here are the top 10 Atreyu songs from the band’s eight studio albums.
#10 – Storm to Pass
Ushering us to the top 10 Atreyu songs is the hit “Storm to Pass.” The song is featured on the band’s album Congregation of the Damned (2009). “Storm to Pass” alludes to vocalist Alex’s psychological mayhem and the unpredictable state of a world on the verge of extinction. He revealed this in an interview, calling “Storm to Pass” a song about depression and war. The song was partly inspired by his childhood memories of the first Iraq war and how everything turned to chaos within a short period.
#9 – The Theft
Atreyu collaborated with producer Josh Abraham in the release of a melodic hit, “The Theft,” featured on the band’s album A Death-Grip On Yesterday (2006). The song combines awe-inspiring clean vocals from Brandon and magnificent screams and growls from Alex Varkatzas. Some interpreted “The Theft” to be a song about the loss of Varkatzas’ freedom due to alcoholism he had got into at some point in his life. However, he denied this, having clean vocalist Brandon reveal that the song was partly (its bridge) inspired by Edward Scissorhands.
#8 – Do You Know Who You Are?
After several years in limbo, Atreyu came back with a bang releasing several songs for their sixth album, Long Live (2015). One of the catchiest songs from the album is the hit “Do You Know Who You Are?” The song features a stomp-clap beat which stands out from most instrumentals in other songs by the band. “Do You Know Who You Are?” channels a great and empowering message set to reveal to its listeners that we all have the ability to do anything we put our mind to.
#7 – Falling Down
While most of the best Atreyu songs primarily feature a metalcore sound and style, “Falling Down” differs slightly. “Falling Down” is featured on the band’s album, Lead Sails Paper Anchor (2007). The song contains elements of pop-punk, catching some of the band’s old school fans by surprise for its sound change and lack of screams and growls. However, all these didn’t stop the song from becoming a hit. “Falling Down” received some airplay, becoming the band’s highest-peaking song on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs Chart. It peaked at number five on the chart, a position only matched by Atreyu’s song “Becoming the Bull.”
#6 – Doomsday
Number six on our top 10 Atreyu songs is the hit “Doomsday.” The song also features on the band’s fourth studio album, Leads Sails Paper Anchor (2007). “Doomsday” has been used in the background of the X-Games TV commercial. The song brings the best of songwriting skills from Alex Varkatzas. Its transcendent riffs and energy-filled vocals makes it quite a unique metalcore hit worth mentioning on the top 10 Atreyu songs.
#5 – Lip Gloss and Black
Taking us back to Atreyu’s album, Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses (2002) is the song “Lip Gloss and Black.” The song is regarded by many as the band’s breakthrough ballad having it help Atreyu gain mainstream attention. Lead vocalist Alex revealed that the song draws from personal experiences he had with someone. In the song, the word ‘burn’ is a metaphor for true unadulterated passion. “Lip Gloss and Black” featured the lyrics “Live, Love, Burn, Die,” which became one of the most famous signature phrases by the band.
#4 – Right Side of the Bed
“Right Side of the Bed” is one of the best Atreyu songs from The Curse (2004). The song alludes to a man who was madly in love with a lady but realizes that she has been unfaithful. This leads to their breakup, something the lady doesn’t seem to appreciate. Each sob gives the guy a solid reason to walk away from the deceitful relationship.
#3 – Becoming the Bull
As earlier mentioned, “Becoming the Bull” and “Falling Down” are the band’s highest-charting songs on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart, peaking at number five. The song is also featured on the band’s album, Lead Sails Paper Anchor (2007). “Becoming the Bull” alludes to how one should take control of their life, not allowing people to trample over it. Thanks to its message that the song was used to promote the coverage of UFC by Spike TV network. The song was also featured on the video game, Madden NFL 08.
#2 – The Crimson
The Curse (2004) featured several reputable hits, including our number two song on the top ten Atreyu songs. “The Crimson” alludes to a vampire struggling with his nature, contemplating the chances of getting accepted by others. However, in-depth, the song is about the band’s then-lead singer, Alex, struggling with the person he had evolved to be.
#1- Ex’s and Oh’s
Number one on our top 10 Atreyu songs list is the rip-roaring hit “Ex’s and Oh’s.” The song was featured on the band’s third studio album, A Death-Grip On Yesterday (2006). Once again, Atreyu capitalizes on the personal experiences of vocalist Alex Varkatzas to bring out a relatable situation to the band’s audience. Specifically, the song alludes to Alex’s former addiction to alcohol. The song has since its release become one of the band’s most famous hits and a concert staple.
Top 10 Atreyu Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2021
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
