ATREYU RETURNS
S
oCal metalcore favorites Atreyu released its first full-length album in 2015- six years in the making, with their long awaited LP, Long Live. With its triumphant comeback effort, the band has crafted 12 slick tracks that add another chapter in their catalog. After a sabbatical from 2011 to 2014, which allowed individual members to pursue other projects, the band feels invigorated. On this summer’ s Vans Warped Tour, Atreyu is one of the“ must-see” bands on the bill, which will be making a stop at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in Tinley Park on July 23. Drummer / vocalist Brandon Saller spoke IE ' s Kelley Simms about their latest
By Kelley Simms
Atreyu
album, and their place on the Warped Tour Mosh: As a multi-instrumentalist, what instruments do you able to play and at what age did you begin playing? Brandon Saller: My main instrument is drums, but I play guitar as well. I started drums at around 12. I started playing guitar at about 15 because I wanted to write music.
Mosh: How do you like playing Truth drums? How is your triple bass drums set up( pedals, positioning, etc) and what made you want this set-up? Brandon Saller: I love Truth! I ' ve been with them for over 10 years now. My [ drum ] set-up just kind of got gradually bigger due to me wanting to just get more ridiculous.
Mosh: Who are your drumming influences and how do you apply it to your playing style? Brandon Saller: I loved Chad Smith( Red Hot Chili Peppers) when I started. I love Dave Grohl( Foo Fighters) for his simplicity and hard-hitting approach. I tend to have a similar style.
Mosh: How do you keep physically fit outside of playing gigs? Brandon Saller: I try to exercise some, but nothing too crazy. I get a strange energy on stage that helps me [ stay in shape ].
Mosh:“ Do You Know Who You Are” could b ea new modern day anthem similar to what Queen’ s“ We Will Rock You” was. Was this a conscious effort to create that vibe? Brandon Saller: Absolutely. We just wanted to scale back our approach a lot and make something anthemic.
Mosh: Why did the band go on hiatus in 2011 and do you feel invigorated now? Brandon Saller: We just felt burnt and we didn ' t want to just go through the motions. We feel fantastic now.
Mosh: The last time Atreyu played Vans Warped tour was in 2005. Any fond memories about the festival in general? Brandon Saller: It was insanity every day. We ' re looking forward to that spirit again.
Mosh: You’ ll be in Tinley Park on July 23. What do you like about playing in
Chicago? Brandon Saller: Chicago has always been one of our most receptive markets. I love everything about it.
Mosh: What are your plans after the Warped Tour? Brandon Saller: We are touring Australia and then going to finish out the recording cycle in the winter.
MOSH-WORTHY: Scorpion Child Acid Roulette( Nuclear Blast), Spellcaster Night Hides the World( Prosthetic Records), Nervosa Agony( Napalm Records).
MOSH-WORTHY … LIVE: Riot( Reggie ' s 7 / 8) Chicago Open Air— Rammstein, Disturbed, Slipknot, Chevelle, Five Finger Death Punch, Carcass, C. O. C., Hatebreed, Korn, Gorjira, Helmet, Ministry, Baby Metal and more( Toyota Park, Bridgeview, 07 / 15-17), Carcass, Deafheaven( Metro, 07 / 16), Holy Grail, Exmortus, Spellcaster( Cobra Lounge, 07 / 22).
MENTION-WORTHY: South Carolina’ s Islander is releasing a new concept album Power Under Control( coming August 5 via Victory Records), which features a broad range of styles on its 12 tracks. German theatrical power metal band, Powerwolf, has assembled some quality material for their first proper live DVD / CD release, The Metal Mass— Live( coming July 29 via Napalm Records). This massive audio and visual package contains three complete live shows on DVD / Blu-ray, two documentaries, videoclips and a CD.
34 illinoisentertainer. com july 2016