Tenth album, a title that reads as a survival statement, and a nearly unanimous press — nearly. Blabbermouth (8.5/10) finds the band « more fearless and alive than ever », Kerrang! (4/5) calls it « easily their most focused and effective record in years », carried by a Brandon Saller sounding « even more assured » on vocals, and Metal Hammer (8/10) completes the convinced trio.
Then Angry Metal Guy arrives with a vitriolic 2/5: an Atreyu « spinning their wheels », « going through the motions », with « a distinct lack of unique ideas or distinct identity » across most of the 45 minutes. Even the detractor concedes hit-makers « impossible to resist » (« Break Me », « All For You ») and two tracks evoking classic-era In Flames.
At 71/100 from critics and 64 from the public, the verdict writes itself: a metalcore veteran refusing to die, and proving it with choruses rather than new ideas. The possibly AI-generated cover art, raised by listeners, stains a record that pleads authenticity of all things.