Show: Atreyu
Date: November 27, 2010
Venue: House of Blues
City: Los Angeles, CA
Atreyu
Photos by Carol Lucero
Written by Michelle Oberg
Atreyu’s performance at the House of Blues, on the historic Sunset Strip, November 27th was a surprising disappointment. What presented even more of a shocker was their opening acts put on a far more noteworthy set. The Congregation of the Damned tour featured Blessthefall, Chiodos, Architects and Endless Hallway. Blessthefall stole the show with crowd grabbing antics like stage diving, climbing atop the 6 foot high P.A. and choreography of the bands movements and interactions.
Atreyu’s instrumentals seemed to be the highlight of the show, as they played songs just as well live as on their album. The heavy drumming is dominant and wild to watch; the kit also includes an extra bass drum, making a total of 3 pieces. Brandon Saller, drums, keeps a bag of extra sticks nearby ready to replace the ones he either breaks or tosses out into the crowd mid song, without ever skipping a beat. The drum riser, about 14 feet long, was perfect for singer Alex Varkatzas to climb up and down from.
Alex Varkatzas had a rough start with his vocals but by song two he seemed more composed, although he still seem to flounder here and there. The fans screamed along throughout the set and didn’t seem to notice the imperfections. Through the heavy guitar riffs and drums, head banging had a familiar role in the evening and two sets of 3×3 light panels on either side of the drum riser flashed to the beats of the songs. For such a hardcore group of rockers there was no alcohol in sight. Although it could have been there, all that was visible were endless bottles of water and towels posing as sweat rags. Saller doubles as a vocalist for many songs, and the admirable mic rig that was set up on his kit prompts a rough sketch to recall its creativity. The stand itself was set up behind him and bent over the top of his head. Saller’s vocals were rocky as well but he deserves extra credit for both drumming and singing simultaneously. As the lights went out and spotlight blared directly on him, his drum solo commenced; his arms moving so fast they almost didn’t appear to be moving at all. Saller stole the show with this solo.
The always appreciated “Bleeding Mascara” was the favorable track of the night. Dan Jacobs and Travis Miguel bounced riffs off each other respectively, creating sounds of fast picking and amplified technical riff sliding. Marc McKnight, bass, continuously broadened his stage presence and sound throughout the night, alternating through loud and louder.
Undeniably the fans appreciated the show, and the instrumentals helped them to bring their “A” game, but overall, the lack of “spot-on” vocals made for a lackluster show.
Perhaps having 30 stops before their L.A. tour date had a factor. So, if possible, try to catch this act on the first leg of their tours.