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Rating: “Seasons Of Life” is the name of the series of publications that follow the latest studio work, “Baptize”, dating back to 2021. After a first EP, “The Hope Of A Spark”, released in April, comes this second one, “The Moment You Find Your Flame”, once again produced by John Feldman, still under Spinefarm Records. The third step will see Atreyu release their new full-length, the second with the new frontman (and former drummer) Brandon Saller, wisely chosen to overcome the turbulent split from Alex Varkatzas.
The four tracks on “The Moment You Find Your Flame” continue the discourse started by the previous ones and add quality. It is undeniable that works with such a limited duration (fifteen minutes in total) may wrinkle some noses but they are born to ferry fans towards a new release, so they should be welcomed.
The title explicitly suggests the theme that serves as the guiding thread. How did we experience the fleeting moment in which the spark arrived to ignite the fire of our passion? A few seconds, acting as a detonator to a strong and spontaneous emotion, buried somewhere and almost forgotten. A sudden awakening, an intense breath of oxygen after a forced and unwanted apnea.
Saller's vocal lines are accompanied by the bass player Marc McKnight's scream, which can never be compared to Varkatzas's, yet still defends itself excellently.
“Good Enough” is a blast right from the start, it's the desire to immediately show that the engine revs are high. The strings' opening quickly makes way for the guitars and the new metalcore proposed by the band, made of vigor but also melody, without forgetting its origins.
“Immortal” opens in a ghostly and unconvincing way, then explodes into a catchy yet memorable chorus. It tells us: “We have walked through the fire and risen from the ashes, climbed mountains, ignored criticism and hate, you have made us immortal.”
In “Gone”, melody and aggression best represent the desire to delve into the theme of lost love, as a consequence of one's personality flaws. Even in this episode, as in the previous one, the choral tones stand out, perfect for the live dimension and explicitly created ad hoc for the audience. Saller's octaves reach the highest levels, as if to present themselves to the audience in all their power.
“I Don’t Wanna Die” closes the discourse, calming spirits and taking on the guise of a ballad. It is a delicate reflection on the inevitable, on goodbye and the loss of loved ones. The guitar intro by Dan Jacobs, reminiscent of the early Avenged Sevenfold sounds, introduces deep singing and a text that becomes somewhat banal in the choruses:
“I don’t wanna die, cause It’s not my time and I don’t wanna say goodbye”
This EP continues the exploration of the human experience initiated with the previous one. It digs deep and highlights emotionality, suggesting not to neglect or minimize the moments in which we are most vulnerable. The discovery of ourselves and our darker sides must be a stimulus to keep living, with the awareness of having learned to be stronger. This theme is as delicate as it is current and is addressed by many other bands, aimed at sensitizing the audience not only with music. All this goes hand in hand with the evolution of Atreyu's sound, which has changed but has absolutely not lost the quality demonstrated in twenty-five years of career.
Next step, the new album, “The Beautiful Dark Of Life”, which intrigues not only the undersigned.
May the flame of passion continue to burn, awaiting the beautiful darkness of life.
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