Review | Atreyu – The Pronoia Sessions – Reimagined and Revisited

Spinefarm Records

Atreyu’s `The Pronoia Sessions’ is a bold reimagining that breathes new life into the band’s storied catalog, offering listeners a fresh perspective on familiar anthems. This collection serves as a testament to the band‘s enduring creativity and willingness to push boundaries, even after two decades in the music industry. Atreyu pushes the envelope and redefines their own boundaries on this new album that will bind and astound fans as well as lure in new fans eager to discover.

THE CONCEPT

The album’s concept is brilliantly executed, transforming Atreyu’s high-energy metalcore tracks into haunting, hypnotic renditions. The acoustic foundation that initially inspired the project has evolved into a rich tapestry of sound, incorporating unexpected elements like saxophone solos and expanded vocal contributions from other band members.

Standout tracks like ,,Becoming the Bull’’ showcase the band’s ability to deconstruct and rebuild their songs. The new arrangement strips away the original’s aggressive edge, revealing a vulnerability and depth that may have been overlooked in its initial incarnation. There’s subtlety and melancholy oozing from its heavy restraints, with Dan Jacobs intense vocals bordering with Evergrey’s Tom Englund while phrasing with Joel Ekelöf’s (Soen) typical narrating appeal and invigorating tone. Touching a different tone on the wreckingly beautiful, the band displays their emotive side with intense renditions of ,,Drowning” and ,,The Theft”, the latter opened with very cinematic interplay and vocals. String arrangements paint a sonic picture for Jacobs to shine. There’s a slow rotating waltz developing with near poetic discharge illuminated by the string section and music box atmosphere displayed.

THE MUSICAL JOURNEY OF ATREYU

`The Pronoia Sessions’ demonstrates Atreyu’s artistic fearlessness and distinct, a quality that has defined their career since the early 2000s. By revisiting songs from various eras of their discography, the band creates a cohesive narrative of their musical journey, from the raw energy of ,,The Curse” to the polished power of ,,Baptize” and the gripping in tensity of ,,Gone” with its eerie angelic chants. Intimate gripping appeal is radiant on ,,Like a Stone” with its subtle guitars strumming and wonderful acoustic lick in the center and Jacobs touching deep.

The production quality on `The Pronoia Sessions’ is impeccable, with each track carefully crafted to highlight new aspects of familiar songs. ,,Warrior” opens and reveals the great texture enhanced by the rich production. The decision to incorporate more band members into the vocal arrangements, such as Porter’s contributions on ,,Ex’s & Ohs’’ adds depth and texture to the reimagined tracks. Interesting choices of instrumentation are to be found all over the record, like the ukelele featured on this song’s ‘guitar solo’, or the saxophone replacing the traditional guitar solo on ,,Right Side of the Bed”. 

COVERS

The inclusion of covers like Tom Petty‘s ,,Mary Jane’s Last Dance’’ and Audioslave‘s previously mentioned ,,Like A Stone’’ add an intriguing dimension to the album. Both utter Johnny Cash accolades from his praised `American Recordings’ albums. These ‘dark takes’ on classic songs showcase the ability of Atreyu to infuse their unique style into diverse material, further expanding their sonic palette. 

`The Pronoia Sessions’ suggests a positive outlook that contrasts with the often-dark themes in their music. This juxtaposition creates an interesting tension, inviting listeners to reconsider the emotional core of these songs in a new light.

ATREYU – THE CONCLUSION

`The Pronoia Sessions’ stands as a triumphant celebration of the Atreyu discographic legacy pointing towards an exciting future. It’s a must-listen for long-time fans who will appreciate the new dimensions added to beloved tracks, as well as newcomers who can experience the band’s impressive catalog through a fresh, innovative lens. This album showcases Atreyu’s musical ability to evolve and surprise, even after years in the spotlight. Dig in!

Release date: 25 October 2024