Though beeing considered as Metalcore, ATREYU sound very similar to Papa Roach. One reason for this is the voice of Brandon Saller, drummer of the band, who could be Jacoby Shaddixs little brother. Also the refrains of The Curse are of great musical harmony and melody, while most of the verses combine both, the raw voice of Alex Varkatzas and the aggression of a slight metal influence.
Don't be easily fooled by the hard opener Bleeding Mascara - this speed and power is not representative of the whole CD. Most of the twelve songs are more melodious, slower and not so hard. Really and trully, Right Side On The Bed sounds like a hommage to the Scorpions. No joke!
However, first highlight is The Crimson, a smart, emotional rocksong, with reduced speed and a great chorus. You want to impress your girlfriend who doesn't like hard music ? Simply play this song ;-)
Also particulary suitable for this is Remembrance Ballad, again coming with an overwhelming chorus and melancholic melodies.
On the other hand Demonology And Heartache could have been written by Steve Harris. Imagine Iron Maiden playing this sound.. I'd like them for the first time.
ATREYU are very successfull in the US, but unfortunately not yet well known in Germany.
The reason could be the name, that reminds one of a white, big, rabbit-dog-dragon-whatever, but perhaps The Curse is simply too hard stuff for German airplay. All in all it's a cool release, not really metal(core), but a nice change to all the hard stuff beeing released every month.