Atreyu played it heavy and caught the mosh at The Observatory North Park.
On Sunday December 7th metalcore band Atreyu brought their The Curse 20+1 Anniversary Tour to the Observatory North Park in San Diego, California. The band was out on tour in the US over the winter months in 2025 celebrating the 20th anniversary (plus one year) of their influential 2nd studio album The Curse, which was released in 2004. Highlights of the live performance of this standout sophomore album in San Diego included songs like “Right Side of the Bed,” “The Crimson,” and a clear crowd sing along favorite at this show, the opening song “Bleeding Mascara” which started with an absolutely startling scream/growl by vocalist Brandon Saller.
Atreyu is a band that has morphed throughout their career as a band, mixing a blend of heavy musical styles in their songs including early 2000’s metalcore, but also incorporating elements of post-hardcore and even hard rock and metal influences. Guitarist Dan Jacobs, who from his performance style has to be a heavy metal fan at heart, is always a highlight of any Atreyu live show. At this concert the animated and talented guitarist ran around all over the stage and ripped tons of amazing riffs and solos while rocking his signature insanely designed guitars and ninja headband. Guitarist Travis Miguel held down tons of heavy riffs as well on his side of the stage, while also taking time to munch down on plenty of glazed donuts which he also tossed out to the crowd. Bassist/Vocalist Porter McKnight is also a fantastic live musician, his energy and enthusiasm are infectious onstage and he keeps the low end of this band chugging along. Last but not least, current Atreyu drummer Kyle Rosa, bashed the heck out of his custom drum kit on a riser near the rear of the stage and was shouted out loudly at the show as a San Diego native.
All of Atreyu’s members are clearly seasoned veteran live performers and put on an absolutely incredible concert experience. Also despite several lineup changes over the year’s including the departure of original vocalist Alex Varkatzas in 2020, the band sounded fantastic and authentic on this evening and had the San Diego crowd whipped up into a total frenzy. The mosh pits at this show were insane and filled the expansive Observatory floor area, while many other fans packed the beautiful multi-tiered old style theater’s wings and balcony. The sound and lighting for this show were intense as well with the bass literally shaking the floor and the light show really effectively utilizing the old disco ball suspended in the venue that never gets enough love. With the lights pulsing, the band riffing, and the mosh pit raging and casting their giant moving shadows on the walls of the venue, the whole Observatory felt alive with energy and motion.
Atreyu last released new music with their album This Beautiful Dark of Life in 2023, a collection of three four track EPs. Here’s hoping this talented lineup continues to develop new music and comes back to San Diego to pay tribute to some of their other classic albums and songs in the near future.
