Lead Sails (And A Paper Anchor)

So I love Atreyu, as I stated in my intro post to this blog, they are one of my favorite bands. I was just listening to their song, 'Lead Sails (And a paper anchor)', and it got me thinking. I adore Atreyu for the lyrics and music, obviously, but as I was listening to this song I was thinking just how truly tragic it is. So, I did a bit of research on the lyrics - now, my original idea of the meaning behind this song was fighting an addiction, such as being an alcoholic. And if that wasn't right, my back up idea was that it was a love song, like another favorite of mine from them 'When Two Become One'. After a bit of research and disregarding the morons who called this song and it's album their 'worst yet', I learned I was actually right. This song is about the leader singer, Alex, and his drinking problem according to the few lyric comment sites I saw. Of course, I don't care what the actual meaning behind any song is, as long as it speaks to me in some way. But the main issue I feel like confronting now out of pure frustration is the people who are saying this is a terrible song. I realize it's abnormal, this album in general, because it is not all the wailing and screaming into a microphone and instead it's a really solemn CD of powerful lyric play, but that's what makes it the very best in my opinion. I mean, is it my absolute favorite album by them? No, but then again I'm biased because I cannot choose a favorite album by them. They are all equally great in my mind, but to call it names and the band a bunch of sappy losers because they made an album like this is utterly horrifying, and these people call themselves fans! I admit, I do it on occasion, but never have I insulted the band for trying a new tone! A perfect example? I love Linkin Park, despise the newer albums. Personally, I think they were much better when they were on Meteora and Hybrid Theory. Does that mean I think their new album is a failure and reflects on them because maybe they can no longer carry the screamo sections? Not in the slightest, it's just not my cup of tea.


I also like Eminem, I hate his stereotypical raps though and I dislike rap in general, he's just my type because of his lyrics in most of his music. It's powerful, and it's moving. That's what this album by Atreyu was about, it wasn't that they wanted to slow down the heavy metal and suddenly go heavy rock - that's not it at all! They wanted to focus on the lyrics, they wanted to give a CD where they could put in full emotions without having to make a love song sound like it's all about sex like most metal bands do, and I think they did a fan-fucking-tastic job. Of course, I can't make everybody think about it all the way I do, not everybody is really concerned with the lyrics which is normally the basis for a song, but instead just the beat. So, to those people, I end this blog post and review with a giant finger in your face. Justin Beiber and Kesha are considered music in your world, suitable listening material, but this album by Atreyu is not because it is not heavy metal? You need to have your ears checked, obviously!