Congregation of the Damned

Congregation of the Damned is Atreyu's fifth album, on which they layered dark atmosphere and big hooks to deepen their heaviness. After the more melodic previous Lead Sails Paper Anchor, the band aims to return to their "heavy hardcore" roots. Against a backdrop of a crumbling economy and social unease, it is a record with their darkest and most political subject matter yet. It debuted at No. 18 on the US Billboard 200, selling 26,000 copies in its first week. The lead radio single "Storm to Pass" and "Gallows," also showcased via a tie-in game, are signature songs balancing aggression with melody. From the technical ferocity of the opener "Stop! Before It's Too Late and We've Destroyed It All" to the dramatic closer "Wait for You," songs of wide range line up. With producer Bob Marlette and mixer Rich Costey, it tightly brings together sharp riffs and big choruses. An accomplished work that became a dividing point, after which the band entered a hiatus.