EVENT: Atreyu Announces Livestream Series ‘Carry the Fire’
EVENT: Atreyu Announces Livestream Series ‘Carry the Fire’
Don’t miss their latest single “Save Us” off their upcoming new record
Words by: Amanda Marano
Metalcore icons Atreyu have announced a new series of virtual shows, their Carry the Fire livestreams. The first will be a greatest hits taking place on Friday, November 20, and the second stream will take fans back with 2007’s Lead Sails Paper Anchor on Friday, December 4. To celebrate, there will be exclusive merch bundles and virtual meet & greets available, as well as a special Q+A event.
Atreyu has also just dropped their latest video for their new song, “Save Us.” Produced by John Feldmann, the video takes you back to the feel of live music with shots of the band playing, in between dark, fiery and woodsy scenes and glitchy visuals. The track mixes metalcore heavy rock, with some lighter rock moments throughout. The track comes off their forthcoming eighth album via Spinefarm Records.
Both the live stream events and “Save Us” come in the wake of Atreyu parting ways with harsh vocalist [and founding member] Alex Varkatzas. Originally perceived as nothing more than just a rumor at the end of summer, Alex responded to media outlets spreading the narrative of his departure by simply saying, “fake news.” However, at the end of September Atreyu released an official statement on their social media accounts reading:
“We have been a band for over 20 years now. Lived our dreams together as friends and as brothers. We traveled the world doing what we love, and have been fortunate enough to play music for such an incredible fan base that provides us with the opportunity to share our greatest moments with them. Now a time of change has come for all of us. Alex Varkatzas is sailing off on a ship of his own, and will part ways with Atreyu. He will not disappear, and neither will Atreyu. There’s nothing but love and respect for each other, and we can’t wait to see what he will come up with next. Stay tuned for his upcoming projects and we all wish him success and fulfillment with all his future endeavors. Atreyu’s next adventure is among us. We love you, we’ll see you shortly.”
Speaking on the new track, they shared, “‘Save Us’ is not only a reflection of where we are musically, but also a mirror to the world in this ominous moment in time. We chose to pair the powerful message with one of the heavier songs we’ve ever written. This song feels like the anthem that we all need right now. To us, it’s a call to action to light the fire in ourselves. We can begin to make great change — but only if we look inside first.”
2020 has been a busy year for Atreyu. Back in April, the band shared the music video for a track off the band’s seventh album In Our Wake, “Superhero,” featuring vocals from Underoath’s Aaron Gillespie and Avenged Sevenfold’s M. Shadows.
Atreyu shared the inspiration behind the heartfelt track saying, “Our song ‘Superhero’ was written about what it’s like to be a parent and the vast amount of time, effort, energy, and hard work it takes to be a real-life superhero for your children. The song also has a broader meaning, especially given the current situation the entire world is dealing with. There are many superheroes out there who appear in many forms — namely the first responders, medical personnel, and health care workers who are putting others first as they work to fight COVID-19 and to save lives. We dedicate this song to them.”
With the recent departure of singer Alex Varkatzas, drummer and clean vocalist, Brandon Saller will rise as the band’s new frontman. Guitarist Porter McKnight shifts to vocals, Dan Jacobs and Travis Miguel on guitar, while Kyle Rosa joins as drummer. While many will forever miss the vocal stylings of Varkatzas, fans and critics are anxiously awaiting Atreyu’s first [virtual] live event with the new lineup.
