The Best of Atreyu

Atreyu's acerbic approach to metalcore -- merging Alex Varkatzas' caustic gutturals and Brandon Saller's melodic underpinnings with thrashing hardcore and continuous double-bass shots to the gut -- rocketed the guys straight to the top of the underground scene. The genre may have quickly become saturated, but Atreyu managed to remain a head above the crowd. So it made sense when ultimately, in 2006, the Orange County crew inked a deal with Hollywood Records, thus aligning forces for their imminent takeover of the moshing masses. As if right on cue, The Best of Atreyu has arrived via Victory Records to help easily orient those unfamiliar with the black clad quintet, while also assisting fans who have long since worn out their copies of the band's prior albums. This 18-song set draws pretty equally from the three full-lengths released up until 2006, arranging the songs chronologically starting with cuts from 2002's highly acclaimed Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses. As a result of the track order, discerning ears can enjoy the progression of the band's metallic sound, starting with the exhilarating romantic angst of "Lip Gloss and Black" all the way through the meditative and more tuneful air of "The Theft." And of course, ears will be steamrolled multiple times over in between with memorable tracks a plenty like "Living Each Day Like You're Already Dead," "Ain't Love Grand," "Right Side of the Bed," "The Crimson" and "Creature." Not everyone's favorite song is going to be represented here, but as purely an Atreyu starter kit, this best-of collection serves as an excellent overview. Plus, the album comes with a bonus DVD of six of their music videos to enjoy. Soak it all up now, and later you can claim you knew them when. [Also included in the package is a sampler of upcoming Victory Records artists, whose music videos are also on the DVD.]