Atreyu Family Tree
This is a project aimed at making it easy to see who inspired the bands you love or even hate. For this I try not to use any influences that the band don’t claim themselves. There will be a focus on predecessors but successors will be added as they site the band. These trees become more and more interactive as new bands are added, allowing you to click any band that has a tree and jump to it.
We want our lists to be better. If you know something that belongs on this list, let us know. When in doubt we will leave it out, so we need reliable sources.
Atreyu are a metal-core band a bit more on the punk side of the spectrum. The line up as been mostly consistent with vocalist Alex Varkatzas, guitar players Dan Jacobs and Travis Miguel, bassist Marc "Porter" McKnight, and drummer/vocalist Brandon Saller making up the core line up for the longest consistent period. Prior to that was bassists Brian O'Donnell, Kyle Stanley, and Chris Thomson. Alex recently parted from the band and Brandon has taken over all lead vocals. Kyle Rosa stepped in to fill his drum spot.
Johnny Cash
Willie Nelson
Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
Paul Simon
Iggy Pop
Dan named “Revolution” as an influence on the band. He may have been referring to The Revolution which was a band formed by Prince. Dan says he loves all things 80’s. Besides any bands noted above he is also a fan of Ratt and they have covered Bon Jovi.
Atreyu has also covered Thin Lizzy and Aerosmith. Brandon said they all grew up listening to them.
Dan said Dallas Cole of God Forbid showed him out to sweep pick.
Brandon says they are rooted in punk. He said as a kid he was into hardcore and punk. He says as a whole they are influenced by a lot of 80’s music but doesn’t name any bands. I have not found any interviews where he names specific influences.
In an interview with Travis and Marc when asked about hip hop artists they found compelling, they named Anderson .Paak, Kendrick Lamar, and Hobo Johnson.
Alex said he is a fan of Killswitch Engaged, Hatebreed and Hot Water Music, but tries not to sound like contemporary bands.
Chris Thomson was the bassists for the first album and an EP. I’m unsure of his influences.
Brian O'Donnell and Kyle Stanley were bass players for their first EP. I’m unsure of their influences.
Marc said seeing his friends band playing a Bush song helped inspire him to play.
Kyle Stanley is the new drummer and will appear on their 2021 album.
Sources:
https://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/atreyus-dan-jacobs-the-10-records-that-changed-my-life-627158
https://www.metalunderground.com/interviews/details.cfm?newsid=14502
https://www.thehofstrachronicle.com/archive-2004/atreyu-guitarist-big-dan-jacobs-bears-all-about-touring-the-new-album-and-mp3-sharingbr
https://spotlightreport.net/on-the-spot-2/interview-alex-varkatzas-dan-jacobs-of-atreyu
https://www.musicradar.com/rhythm/interview-atreyus-brandon-saller-357968
https://www.stripes.com/news/atreyu-from-punk-to-playstation-1.68041
https://screamermagazine.com/interviews/long-live-atreyu-2/
https://noisecreep.com/hell-or-highwater-brandon-saller-interview/
https://www.ocregister.com/2007/10/01/between-rock-and-a-hard-place/
https://artistwaves.com/travis-miguel-atreyu-how-metallica-influenced-my-life/
http://www.nataliezworld.com/2012/02/fake-figures-travis-miguel-talks-music.html
http://www.drivenfaroff.com/2009/10/27/atreyu-interview-october-27-2009/
https://consequence.net/video/atreyu-on-the-unlikely-influences-behind-their-new-album/
http://www.metalunderground.com/interviews/details.cfm?newsid=9716
https://wallofsoundau.com/2020/02/20/alex-varkatzas-atreyu-constantly-pushing-the-envelope-of-change/
https://musicfeeds.com.au/features/atreyus-alex-varkatzas-talks-the-concept-of-metalcore-the-bands-upcoming-australian-visit/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAu__U4qbg4