Atreyu

Brandon Saller Reflects on ATREYU's Hiatus: A Journey Through Darkness and Rebirth

By Jason •
In a raw and revealing interview, Brandon Saller opens up about ATREYU's challenging hiatus and the band's resurgence fueled by passion and purpose.

During this weekend's Aftershock festival in Sacramento, heavy metal aficionados were treated to a profound conversation between ATREYU's Brandon Saller and the San Francisco radio legends Baby Huey and Chasta of 107.7 The Bone. The topic of discussion? The tumultuous three-year hiatus that saw the band retreat from the limelight between 2011 and 2014. Saller's candid reflections revealed the uncertainty that loomed over the band during that dark period.

"Honestly, I didn’t think it was a hiatus. I didn’t know if we would come back. After our last show, I was a wreck, bawling my eyes out as my wife rushed me out of the venue. It felt like the end of the road," Saller admitted, his voice heavy with emotion. This moment encapsulated the uncertainty and fear that not only haunted Saller but the entire band during that time.

Yet, in the shadows of despair, Saller saw a silver lining. "Taking a break can be a blessing. We’re fortunate to do this for a living, and when you start losing that spark, it’s time to step back. We didn’t want to be a band simply going through the motions, losing the essence of what we created together. That hiatus was essential; it allowed us to rediscover our passion and the reasons why we make music in the first place," he explained. The growth and revitalization that stemmed from this break birthed new inspirations and friendships, including his collaboration with the drummer from his side project, HELL OR HIGHWATER.

Saller's transition from drummer to frontman has been transformative. Reflecting on his evolution, he remarked, "If we hadn’t taken that hiatus, I wouldn’t have learned from touring with giants like THE DARKNESS, AVENGED SEVENFOLD, and SLIPKNOT. Those experiences shaped me into the frontman I am today." His newfound role as the voice of ATREYU has brought him immense joy, allowing him to connect more deeply with fans and embrace the thrill of performing.

As the band approaches its three-decade mark, Saller's enthusiasm remains infectious. "We still have that youthful excitement about making music together. Not many bands get the chance to hit pause and come back with renewed vigor, but we did. It’s a rare gift that we intend to cherish and amplify with every note we play," he concluded, leaving fans eager for more of ATREYU’s powerful sound.

ATREYU’s latest album, "The End Is Not The End," released in April via Spinefarm, showcases this resurgence. Following the success of their previous album, "The Beautiful Dark Of Life," which stormed the charts, the band continues to solidify their legacy in the heavy metal scene with over 75 million streams and a string of powerful singles lighting up rock radio.