As Atreyu takes to the stage in Amsterdam, the metalcore five piece have no idea what to expect. 28 years into their career, they’ve toured the world and played everything from gargantuan European festival stages to grimy dive bars. Yet tonight they find themselves playing a career first – a Magic: The Gathering convention.
With the 1,500 capacity afterparty venue packed to the rafters with Atreyu fans and Magic Con attendees alike, once the first notes of bruising opener ‘Dead’ ring out, any doubts of the gig’s legitimacy fade away. As booster packs for one of the best card games rain down from the stage like confetti, circle pits open unprompted and fans crowd surf while ripping open packs of cards. The unholy union of metalcore and Magic: The Gathering has received its booster-strewn blessing.
