Two decades ago, Atreyu released The Curse, a defining album that solidified their place in the metalcore scene. Now, with the 20th-anniversary reissue, the band offers not just a nostalgic trip down memory lane but a chance for both old fans and new listeners to rediscover the raw power and emotional depth that made this album a standout. This reissue serves as both a celebration of the album’s legacy and a reminder of its impact on the genre. When The Curse originally dropped in 2004, it was at the height of the metalcore movement, characterized by its fusion of melodic elements with brutal riffs and intense breakdowns. Atreyu was at the forefront of this wave, and The Curse was a near-perfect representation of the era’s sound. The album struck a balance between accessibility and aggression, featuring the band’s signature dual vocals: Alex Varkatzas’s harsh, guttural screams juxtaposed against Brandon Saller’s clean, melodic choruses. Craft Recordings is reissuing The Curse on vinyl for the first time in over a decade with a rare bonus cover of Bon Jovi’s “You Give Love a Bad Name.”
The reissue captures the essence of this era beautifully, preserving the raw energy that originally drew fans in while enhancing the production quality to meet contemporary standards. The remastered tracks sound crisper, with a noticeable improvement in the clarity of the guitar work and vocal layers, giving the album a refreshed feel without losing its original charm. The Curse is rich with tracks that have become staples in Atreyu’s live performances. The iconic opener, “Bleeding Mascara,” still hits as hard as it did two decades ago. The powerful screams and aggressive riffs set the tone for the album, while Saller’s melodic chorus provides a memorable hook. This track remains a quintessential example of Atreyu’s ability to blend intensity with melody. Another highlight is “Right Side of the Bed,” a track that showcases the band’s knack for catchy, anthemic choruses. The reissue brings out the song’s dynamic shifts even more, making it clear why it became one of the band’s biggest hits. Tracks like “The Crimson” and “You Eclipsed by Me” still resonate with their dark, introspective lyrics and infectious energy, reminding listeners of the emotional and sonic range Atreyu could tap into.
The 20th-anniversary reissue of The Curse is a well-executed homage to an album that helped define a genre. With its enhanced sound quality and bonus material, it offers both a nostalgic experience for longtime fans and an accessible entry point for new listeners. Atreyu’s blend of melody and metal, aggression and emotion, still holds up, proving that The Curse is more than just a product of its time—it’s a timeless piece of the metalcore puzzle.
