Atreyu has posted two new songs from their upcoming album, Congregation Of The Damned.  Here’s a few thoughts:

“Stop! Before It’s Too Late and We’ve Destroyed” starts off with amazing promise. I was practically jumping out of my chair when I heard the guitar intro to the song. The “Lip Gloss and Black”-esque lead before the verse is simply sick. Of course, like Lead Sails, Paper Anchors, I then had my what-the-hell moment the second the vocals came in. Screamer Alex Varkatzas sings the first few words in a low, low, LOW voice reminiscent of Marilyn Manson. I’m not a fan. At least it leads into his trademark thrashy scream though, so I can deal. The screams do seem a tad overproduced, but I’m going to blame that on the low-quality myspace music format.

For one of the first times ever, Drummer/clean singer Brandon Saller doesn’t wail out a spectacular chorus in the track, replaced by gang vocals and more screams. While it seems almost tragic not to utilize Saller’s voice, the chorus is pretty solid, especially after a few listens.

Anyone who missed Saller on “Stop!” will get their fix in “Storm To Pass.” He’s certainly the star of the song, with a big chorus that will be hard to miss. Dan Jacobs takes the lead for a ripping solo, then hands the reigns right back for one final chorus. Another solid track.

It seems the band is living up to their promise of combining everything they’ve done for this new record. Those fans who feel betrayed after LS,PA sounded nothing like The Curse should be heading back to Atreyu land pretty soon.

Check the songs out at the band’s MySpace, then head back over to MindEqualsBlown to tell us what you think.