On its past albums, Southern California-based metal band Atreyu [ tickets ] was hesitant to experiment much during the recording process for fear its record label wouldn't approve. But on the recently released "Lead Sails Paper Anchor," the band pulled out all the stops, thanks to support from its new home, Hollywood Records.

"There were things we wanted to do before that maybe we couldn't do or didn't want to do because we were fearful of the consequences," lead singer Alex Varkatzas said during a backstage interview in Phoenix.

"We weren't sure if we wanted to take that leap and push ourselves to the next level musically. I think, with this record, we just kind of threw it out the window and did it," he added with a smile.

For example, the album's title track is an acoustic alt-country jam. "For us, that's not really what you would expect," Varkatzas said. "The whole record throws turns at you. It's going to turn some heads one way or another."

In some ways, Varkatzas said, "Lead Sails Paper Anchor" is much more ambitious than the band's new label expected. But it was necessary for Atreyu, which also includes guitarist Dan Jacobs, bassist Marc McKnight, guitarist Travis Miguel and drummer/vocalist Brandon Saller.

"If you don't try something different, then you're just doing the same thing," he said. "Our last full-length album, 'A Death-Grip on Yesterday,' wasn't different enough. It didn't expand our band enough. On this record, we all tried to up our game. Brandon worked on singing better and improving his drum and writing skills. Dan worked on his guitar playing. I worked on singing more and learning how to sing so I could convey ideas I had before that I couldn't musically get across."

Varkatzas had a few choice words for fans who have turned their backs on Atreyu out of disapproval for the newly rejuvenated sound.

"The comments on our MySpace page have been mostly good, but you have a little bit of a backlash there, too, because it's sort of a departure," Varkatzas said. "But f---, it's our band. I'm going to do whatever I want. It's my party. It's not your party. Go start your own band. Sorry I bummed you out. Most people are stoked on it and we're super happy. That's all that counts."

Beginning Sept. 9, the band will share that happiness with fans who missed Atreyu on this summer's Family Values tour. Also on the bill are Haste the Day [ tickets ], It Dies Today [ tickets ] and SoTheySay.

"We wanted to get to places we don't get to go as much. It's the 'Places You Don't Often Visit' Tour," Varkatzas said with a laugh.