  
When beloved metalcore outfit Atreyu broke news
in January that they were going on hiatus, hearts
were broken all over the world. Never fear the
band will return once again, during the meantime
till the reformation we’ve had some promising
side projects promised to us, one of which is
drummer and vocalist Brandon Saller’s new
band - Hell or Highwater. This band doesn’t
take the heavy metalcore edge that Atreyu does;
this band only uses clean vocals with a musical
style that is more along lines of Avenged Sevenfold
yet with a much more classic rock feel to it.
Brandon had set down his sticks this time to
solely focus on vocal duties; it’s clear
from the vocals on this album just how important
his role in Atreyu is, if you listen to the past
2 Atreyu releases his vocals are extremely dominant.
So kicking off with “Gimme Love” we
are instantly thrown into an ocean of infectious
vocals, upbeat tones and crunchy guitars; Judging
from how catchy and upbeat this track is we’re
definitely looking at a memorable bouncy release.
“Hail Mary!” follows on with a bit
of a sinister edge, an eerie piano introduction
and when it kicks in we are treated to some ominous
guitar work followed by another heartfelt emotional
chorus.
I earlier compared the band’s style to
Avenged Sevenfold so now I want to talk about
the song “Go Alone” which features
M Shadows providing guest vocals; the song definitely
has an old country music vibe created by the guitar
work but mixed in amongst some gritty tones, the
chorus again is ridiculously catch alongside the
distinctive stamp that Shadows spreads all over
the track. It really is a thing of beauty, particularly
in the way that Brandon’s voice perfectly
blends together with Shadows’; it may possibly
be the best dual vocal match I have ever heard.
Along with all the energetic fun being had on
this release there are also tracks that are calm;
“Rocky Waters Edge” is the prime song
that really slows it all down with softer vocals
and much toned back guitar work, “Tragedy”
starts out with soft vocals and a piano interlude
after which toys back and forth between a bouncy
and gentle guitar work, finally “When the
Morning Comes” is the most consistent all
the way through with a slight twang in the guitars
and some terrific backing vocals.
With this being released the style that it is
- which is just terrific - one can only assume
that now Brandon has now found a new outlet for
this side of his musical passion and that leaves
Atreyu’s next album open to a heavier approach.
For a side project that isn’t a “super
group” obviously there is less hype around
them but this band actually have the potential
to make something of themselves regardless of
the link to Atreyu (although that just helps bypass
the awkward initial stages in terms of advertising
and such). Don’t get me wrong I think this
band has done a tremendous job and sound phenomenal
but I adore Atreyu, if it came down to Brandon
choosing between them be it due to ego or preference,
if it was this band I’d be extremely disappointed.
3.5/5
Review by James Webb |
