Most of the songs on The Beautiful Dark of Life have already been released over the course of this year, with Atreyu releasing three digital only EPs for 2023. The album includes these tracks plus a few previously unreleased tracks.
Since the release of Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses over two decades ago, there has been a never-ending story of lineup changes, with Brandon Saller the main voice these days. Since those times there’s been a clear direction in a more pop direction. Some of the tracks sound like they might be something Bon Jovi might release these days.
There are still occasions of backup screams and heavier guitar work, but most of the way it is sounding more like something you might hear from Fall Out Boy or Panic! at The Disco rather than any of their metalcore compatriots. This is coming from a band that headlined over Unearth and Norma Jean on their first Australian tour.
In Death or Glory, the band is joined by Sierra Deaton and the vocal to and fro between her and Saller is probably the highlight of the album. Overall there is not enough change from song to song, with most of the songs sounding very similar. The fact this is generally not new material will mean most of the fans of the band will have already heard these songs.
For the band it’s about the bigger picture, bringing those small works together on their current journey, which has not been without turbulence with several lineup changes in recent years.
According to Saller, ‘The Beautiful Dark Of Life‘ is the journey we are all on. It is the journey we have taken the audience on through the three EPs: the highs, lows, and lessons of life. And much like living through them, you don’t gain a full understanding of what it all means without the whole picture. This album is that picture.”
Atreyu: Facebook
Release Year: 2023
Label: Spinefarm Records
Category: EP
Country: Australia
Reviewed by Daniel Boyle
