Alex Varkatzas Parts Ways With Atreyu After 20 Years
After months of rumours and speculation that 2000’s metalcore legends Atreyu were parting ways with their lead vocalist, Alex Varkatzas, the official word is in. Alex is parting ways with the band to focus on his solo career. He shared a lovely video on his Instagram thanking fans for the support over the last 20 years, alongside the following statement:
“After 20 rewarding years of creating music with Atreyu, the band and I are parting ways. I am forever thankful for the memories, experiences, and friendships made along the way. Thank you to all of the friends and fans. I have lots of new music and art to share with you in the future. With love and respect.”
Atreyu have also shared their own statement, which shows there is no bad blood between them and Alex and this by no means marks the end of the band:
“We have been a band for over 20 years now. Lived our dreams together as friends and as brothers. We traveled the world doing what we love, and have been fortunate enough to play music for such an incredible fan base that provides us with the opportunity to share our greatest moments with them.
Now a time of change has come for all of us. Alex Varkatzas is sailing off on a ship of his own, and will part ways with Atreyu. He will not disappear, and neither will Atreyu. There’s nothing but love and respect for each other, and we can’t wait to see what he will come up with next. Stay tuned for his upcoming projects and we all wish him success and fulfillment with all his future endeavors.
Atreyu’s next adventure is among us.
We love you, we’ll see you shortly.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFxD_kzgfvN/
Atreyu did tour Australia earlier this year, before COVID-19 shut everything down. Who knew then that would be the last time we’d see Alex Varkatzas fronting the band live? We also had the chance to catch up with Alex himself from that tour, and when we spoke he did mention that there was new music on the way:
“We have 18-19 songs done, we’ve just finished our first studio session, we’ll go back in around mid April and do another 10-15 songs and then we’ll choose the tracklisting…”
Now with this mutual parting of ways, the speculation begins whether these 10-15 demos will be released under Atreyu or if some of these will be under Alex’s solo career. Only time will tell…
We do wish Alex Varkatzas and Atreyu the very best of luck in the next chapter of their musical careers.
Words by Tamara May @citylightsTAM
