AMG Review of Congregation of the Damned [Clean]

Gregory Heaney
All Music Guide

On their latest effort, Atreyu come with more of the same metalcore that listeners have come to expect from the band. All of the familiar elements are in place, with the alternating screaming/soaring vocals, thundering double bass drumming, and big, crunchy riffage. Following the trend from their last album, the band takes a (relatively) mellower and more melodic approach, though there are certainly flashes of the younger, more visceral and cathartic Atreyu here and there. There are some solid breakdowns to sink your teeth into, and the choruses are still huge and anthemic. If you're hungry for more Atreyu after Lead Sails Paper Anchor, then Congregation will be a no-brainer. [Congregation of the Damned was also released in a clean version with explicit content removed.]