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Attack Attack! (American band)
Attack Attack! (American band)
Attack Attack! (American band)
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Attack Attack! is an American metalcore band from Westerville, Ohio,[1] originally formed in 2007 as Ambiance.[2] After self-releasing their first EP in 2007, the band signed to Rise Records the same year.[3] They released three full-length albums, Someday Came Suddenly, Attack Attack!, and This Means War all through Rise Records. The band left Rise Records in 2012 and disbanded the following year after a farewell tour.[4] On October 19, 2020, the band announced a re-formation, with a mix of returning and new members.

Key Information

History

[edit]

Formation (2007)

[edit]

Attack Attack! formed in 2007 when Johnny Franck, Andrew Whiting, Nick White and Andrew Wetzel met Austin Carlile while playing in local high school bands.[5] Caleb Shomo joined the band as the keyboardist, and they changed the name to Attack Attack![2] The band entered a local studio where they recorded material that was put up on Myspace to promote their music.[5] As the oldest member of the band, Wetzel also acted as their manager for most of the year. The band was taken on by manager Eric Rushing of The Artery Foundation who signed them to Rise Records in May 2008.[5] As members of the band were still underage at this point, contractual discussions required parental consent.[5] The material recorded in 2007 was put together on the EP If Guns Are Outlawed, Can We Use Swords? (2008).[6] The band was also signed by booking agent David Shapiro of the Agency Group that resulted in nationwide tours.[5]

Someday Came Suddenly (2007–2009)

[edit]
Main article: Someday Came Suddenly

In November 2008, they released their debut studio album, Someday Came Suddenly, on Rise.[7][8] Many songs on the album were re-recorded tracks originally released on the If Guns Are Outlawed EP. The album debuted at number 193 on the Billboard 200, with sales of more than 3,600 in its first week despite its mediocre reviews.[9] The album also peaked at number nine on the Billboard Independent Albums chart.[10] The album has sold 70,000 copies as of April 2010.[11]

Attack Attack! performing with Barham as a part of the band at 2009's Bamboozle festival held in New Jersey

In the fall of 2008, the group toured with Maylene and the Sons of Disaster, A Static Lullaby, Showbread and Confide.[12] Halfway through the tour, vocalist Austin Carlile was ejected from the band and replaced with Nick Barham,[2] brother of former Sleeping With Sirens drummer Gabe Barham.[13] Drummer Andrew Wetzel later revealed in a blog post via MySpace that the band dropped Carlile due to his behavioural attitude on the road.[14] The group also joined Escape the Fate on their US headlining tour in February and March 2009 along with Black Tide, William Control, and Burn Halo.[15] The band was part of the Warped Tour 2009 where they appeared on one of the smaller stages.[16]

Attack Attack! released a music video for their debut single "Stick Stickly" in June 2009.[17] The video has led to a number of criticisms, including lengthy pieces by Buddyhead and the British newspaper The Guardian.[18][19] It also lead to the creation of the internet meme "crabcore" mocking the "crab-like" stance of Attack Attack!'s guitarist Andrew Whiting featured in the music video.[20][21][22] The band also released a live video for their second single, "Dr. Shavargo Pt. 3" in August 2009.[23] The group was featured on Punk Goes Pop Volume Two, covering the song "I Kissed a Girl" by Katy Perry.[24] The song garnered heavy radio airplay.[25]

In October 2009, the group embarked on a headlining tour with I Set My Friends on Fire.[26] However, on October 19, lead vocalist Nick Barham announced his departure from Attack Attack! just two days short of their headliner tour, he stated in his blog on MySpace that "It was just time for change," and that there was no conflict between him and the other band members.[27] The band then made the decision of Shomo to be moved as the band's primary vocalist but still remaining at his place as the keyboardist as well.[28]

Self-titled album and Franck's departure (2010–2011)

[edit]
Main article: Attack Attack! (album)

The group toured with Breathe Carolina, I See Stars, Asking Alexandria, and Bury Tomorrow on the Artery Foundation Across The Nation Tour in March 2010.[29] In April 2010, Wetzel confirmed that ten tracks would appear on their upcoming second album.[30] The album was initially titled Shazam, but due to copyright issues, it was self-titled.[31] The album's lead single, "Sexual Man Chocolate", was released on May 16, 2010. On May 25, the group released, "Smokahontas" as the second single from the album.[32] Their second album Attack Attack! was released on June 8, 2010. The album sold 15,000 copies in its first week,[33] debuting at number 27 on the Billboard 200.[34] The album also topped the Billboard Independent Albums chart.[10] They headlined the This Is a Family Tour in November 2010 with support from Emmure, Pierce the Veil, In Fear and Faith, and Of Mice & Men.[35]

Guitarist Andrew Whiting performing in May 2009

On November 10, 2010, Johnny Franck announced he had departed from the band to focus on his relationship with God.[36] He has started a new project called The March Ahead.[37] With this news also came a clip of a new song featuring Shomo on lead vocals.[36] The music video for "Smokahontas" was released on January 21, 2011, and was directed by Thunder Down Country films.[38] It is the last video to feature Johnny Franck and also includes appearances from Sean Mackowski of My Ticket Home and former vocalist of In Fear And Faith Cody Anderson.[39]

In June 2011, the band released a new single, "Last Breath" from the deluxe edition of their second album.[40] On July 18, 2011, the group premiered a new track titled, "Criminal", which appeared on the deluxe edition of their second studio album.[41] On July 19, the group re-issued their second studio album which features new artwork and eight bonus tracks.[42] The group performed at Warped Tour in the summer of 2011.[43] In September 2011, the group was set to join Sum 41 on their South American tour before it was cancelled due to vocalist Deryck Whibley's ongoing medical condition.[44]

This Means War and second lineup change (2011–2012)

[edit]
Main article: This Means War (Attack Attack! album)

In October 2011, the band began recording their third studio album.[45] On November 6, 2011, it was announced that the album was completed.[46] On November 14, it was announced that the band's third full-length, This Means War would be released on January 17, 2012.[47] The entire album was produced by Caleb Shomo at his home studio.[48] Along with this news, they also posted dates for the "This Means War Tour" with supporting acts from The Ghost Inside, Sleeping with Sirens, Chunk! No, Captain Chunk!, and Dream On, Dreamer.[47] On December 10, 2011, the band performed at the Unsilent Night 4 festival.[49] On December 20, 2011, they released "The Motivation" as the album's lead single via iTunes.[50] On January 12, 2012, the band debuted the music video for the second single off the album, "The Wretched".[51] On July 1, they premiered a music video for the third single, "The Revolution".[52] This Means War peaked at number 11 on the Billboard 200, selling 17,00 copies in its first week.[53]

The band announced in 2012 their departure from Rise Records, simultaneous with an announcement that they have completed ten songs, produced by John Feldmann, for another album, although Wetzel said on his formspring "they're somewhere in Feldmann's hard drive" for they "would be too much work legally to get them released." The band stated that they "don't have another record label or anything lined up and [are] probably not planning on going to another one", also that Wetzel "has [his] own label now [Oxide Entertainment] and will probably just use that."[54] The band headlined the This World Is Ours Tour with Escape The Fate and the Word Alive.[55]

On December 13, 2012, bassist John Holgado announced his departure from the band.[56] Days later on December 18, Caleb Shomo officially announced his departure from Attack Attack!,[57] along with confirming the new vocalist of the band to be Phil Druyor of I Am Abomination.[58] Shomo cited mental health issues as a reason for his departure.[59] He went on to form Beartooth that same year.[60]

On December 19, 2012, the band released a new song titled "No Defeat" through Alternative Press which song features the brand new line-up and was the first song to feature Phil Druyor on vocals and Tyler Sapp on bass.[61] Andrew Wetzel also stated that the band will record more songs after "No Defeat".[62]

Cancelled fourth studio album, final tours and Nativ (2013–2015)

[edit]

Between January and February 2013, Attack Attack! released two video updates about their fourth studio album, which was never released.[63][64] The band started touring in Europe again with the new members later that year. On April 22, 2013, Attack Attack! said that the Back in Action tour was going to be their last tour and the band would be "laid to rest".[65][66]

The final lineup of Attack Attack! had formed a new band, Nativ.[67] Material written for Nativ began back in September 2012, which was originally for Attack Attack!'s fourth studio album.[67] Nativ's band-members consisted of Phil Druyor, Andrew Wetzel, Andrew Whiting, Tyler Sapp, and William Honto.[67] The group released three songs, "Lately",[68] "Not Yours"[69] and "Subtle Ticks".[70] They made their first live performance at Riot Fest in September 2013.[71] They also embarked on a fall tour with Sylar and Lionfight.[72] On November 13, 2013, Nativ was delayed due to a physical altercation between Andrew Wetzel and Andrew Whiting leading to a legal battle.[73][74]

In 2014, Dryuor formed a new band called the Bad Chapter, releasing their debut single "Deal With the Devil" in July.[75] Drummer Andrew Wetzel started a new group called Nine Shrines in August 2014.[76] Guitarist Andrew Whiting returned with a new band, Drudge in 2015.[77]

Reunion, Long Time, No Sea, Dark Waves and Disaster (2020–2024)

[edit]

In October 2020, the band had returned and were in the studio with producer Joey Sturgis writing new material,[78] with a new single titled "All My Life" that was released on December 7, 2020.[79] The new lineup was later confirmed to consist of original members Andrew Wetzel and Andrew Whiting, as well as new members, bassist Jay Miller and vocalist Chris Parketny. Miller's tenure was brief, and he was quickly replaced by Cameron Perry.[80]

On April 20, 2021, Attack Attack! released a single titled, "Kawaii Cowboys". It features a blend of style described as country, J-pop, and metalcore.[81] On April 30, the band released a new song titled "Brachyura Bombshell".[82] In October 2021, the group released their second EP, Long Time, No Sea.[2] From March to April 2022, the band embarked on the East Coast Scuttle tour with support from Conquer Divide, Until I Wake, and Across the White Water Tower.[83] They co-headlined the Level Up tour with Electric Callboy in October and November 2022.[84]

On February 10, 2023, the band released two new singles, "Dark Waves" and "Paralyzed (Until We Meet Again)" in anticipation of their new EP, titled Dark Waves released on March 31, 2023.[85] The group embarked on the Dark Waves tour in May 2023.[86]

Whiting has been absent since May 2023.[87] On January 18, 2024, the band posted new promo pictures onto social media confirming Andrew Whiting had left the band, leaving Andrew Wetzel as the last remaining original member.[87]

On May 16, 2024, Attack Attack! released a new single titled "Concrete".[88] On June 14, the band released another new single titled "Disaster".[89] These two singles were written before Whiting's departure as he received writing credits for both tracks.[90][91]

The third single titled "Blood On The Walls" was released on July 12, and just like the other two singles, Whiting received writing credits.[92] The fourth single "We All Meet Up In The End" was released on August 23 along with the announcement of the new EP titled Disaster, which was released on September 20, 2024.[93][94]

Attack Attack! II (2025–present)

[edit]

On May 2, 2025, it was speculated Chris Parketny, Cameron Perry and Ryland Raus have departed the band, with Wetzel being the only remaining member.[95] With this announcement, Wetzel has announced a new album Attack Attack! II will be released on August 8. The first single "Dance" along with "Chainless" were released on May 9, revealing that Parketny, Perry and Raus have not left the band.[96]

Musical style

[edit]

Attack Attack! have been described as "screamo/crabcore Christian rockers",[2][97] electronicore,[98] and post-hardcore[18] combined with electronica influences.[99] Drummer Andrew Wetzel denied the group being a Christian band and has even expressed his discontent under the label, as well as the group being called "emo."[25][14] The group has cited inspiration from Pet Shop Boys, Erasure, The Devil Wears Prada[99] and Enter Shikari.[100]

Legacy

[edit]

Attack Attack! have been regarded as pioneers of the crabcore microgenre. The music video for Stick Stickly went viral online and gained recognition for the band members' headbanging moves. Pitchfork assessed: "Chugging, drop-tuned metalcore mixing blast beats and Cookie Monster vocals with crunk and dance music was not especially novel in 2008, but Ohio’s Attack Attack! brought something new to the table: a squat, waddling stance—feet splayed, knees at right angles, bottoms practically bumping against the ground—that made them look like scuttling crustaceans holding aloft electric guitars. Their shtick went viral almost instantly, as other groups embraced Attack Attack!’s admixture of chugging guitars, demonic growls, Auto-Tuned choir-boy choruses, and Eurodance synths—not to mention, of course, their manspreading moves and insouciant scene hair. Incredibly, Attack Attack! are still running with crabcore, but should their fame ever wane, they can always get jobs as professional movers—after all, they already know how to lift with their legs."[101]

Michael Siebert of Invisible Oranges wrote in 2018: "It’s almost better to think of Attack Attack! as a modern example of outsider music, the soundtrack for what the late Mark Fisher once referred to as 'capitalist realism' — an amalgamation of disparate parts that have proven profitable, mashed together. No bands have come along since Attack Attack! that even come close to matching their strangeness."[102]

Band members

[edit]

Current

  • Andrew Wetzel – drums (2007–2013; 2020–present), keyboards (2012–2013; 2020–present)
  • Chris Parketny – lead vocals (2020–present)
  • Cameron Perry – bass, backing vocals (2021–present)
  • Ryland Raus – rhythm guitar, clean vocals (2020–present), lead guitar (2023–present)

Former

  • Ricky Lortz – clean vocals, rhythm guitar (2007)
  • Nick White – bass (2007–2008)
  • Austin Carlile – unclean vocals (2007–2008)
  • Nick Barham – unclean vocals (2008–2009)
  • Johnny Franck – clean vocals, rhythm guitar (2007–2010)
  • John Holgado – bass (2007–2012), backing vocals (2010–2012)
  • Caleb Shomo – keyboards (2008–2012), unclean vocals (2009–2012), clean vocals, rhythm guitar (2010–2012), backing vocals (2008–2009)
  • Phil Druyor – clean vocals (2012–2013)
  • Tyler Sapp – bass (2012–2013)
  • Jay Miller – bass, backing vocals (2020–2021); unclean vocals (2013; touring)
  • Andrew Whiting – lead guitar (2007–2013; 2020–2023), keyboards (2012–2013; 2020–2023); rhythm guitar (2012–2013), bass (2012)

Touring

  • Sean Mackowski – clean vocals, rhythm guitar (2010–2012)[103]
  • Jeremy Gilmore – unclean vocals (2013)
  • Sean Bell – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2013)[104]

Timeline

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Attack Attack! discography
Studio albums

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Attack Attack! (American band)

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Attack Attack! is an American and band from , formed in 2007 by high school friends who initially recorded demos under the name Ambiance before renaming the group. The band pioneered a subgenre known as , blending aggressive breakdowns and screamed vocals with electronic synths, auto-tuned clean singing, and danceable elements, which inspired the viral "crabcore" seen in their music videos. They gained rapid fame via uploads of early tracks, leading to a signing with and the release of their debut EP If Guns Are Outlawed, Can We Use Swords? in 2007, followed by the full-length album in 2008, which featured hits like "Stick Stickly" and peaked at number 9 on the Heatseekers chart. Subsequent albums included the self-titled Attack Attack! in 2010, which reached number 27 on the , and This Means War in 2012, after which the original lineup disbanded amid lineup changes and internal issues. Drummer Andrew Wetzel reformed the band in 2020 with a new roster, including vocalist Chris Parketny and guitarist Ryland Raus, releasing singles like "Fade with Me" in 2021 before their fourth studio album, Attack Attack! II, arrived on August 8, 2025, via Oxide Records, marking a return to their electronic-infused sound with features from artists like of . Over their career, Attack Attack! has influenced the and scenes with their innovative production and visual style, though they faced criticism for their polarizing aesthetics; key former members include vocalist and guitarist Johnny Franck, both of whom pursued successful solo projects.

History

Formation ()

Attack Attack! was formed in in , originally under the name Ambiance, by (lead vocals), Johnny Franck (guitar and clean vocals), Andrew Whiting (guitar), Nick White (bass), and Andrew Wetzel (drums). The founding members were high school acquaintances who came together to create a sound blending with electronic elements. The band's name was chosen as a playful nod to the similarly named Welsh group Attack! Attack!, with the American band often distinguished by its geographic origin to avoid confusion. The group held their initial rehearsals in local garages and basements around the Columbus area, honing their high-energy performances and unique style. They quickly began playing their first local shows at small venues in , building a following through word-of-mouth and the scene in the Midwest. Following the recording of early demo tracks that showcased their innovative approach, Attack Attack! signed with in 2008, marking a pivotal step toward professional production and wider exposure. This deal paved the way for the band to enter the studio and release their debut EP that year. joined as keyboardist around this time.

Someday Came Suddenly era (2007–2009)

Attack Attack! self-released their debut EP, If Guns Are Outlawed, Can We Use Swords?, in 2008, which featured five tracks blending with electronic elements and helped secure their record deal with . The band's full-length debut, , was produced by and released on November 11, 2008, through , marking their introduction of a signature sound fusing heavy breakdowns with synth-driven hooks. Tracks such as "Stick Stickly" and "Dr. Shavargo Pt. 3" quickly gained traction on , where the band's profile amassed significant streams and the "Stick Stickly" sparked the viral "" dance trend, drawing widespread online attention for its eccentric and electronic-metal hybrid style. In support of the album, Attack Attack! joined the Vans Warped Tour in summer 2008 as part of the main stage lineup, exposing them to large audiences alongside acts like and , which accelerated their fanbase growth. The following year, they participated in the Tour in September and October 2009, sharing headline duties with and supported by In Fear and Faith and Burden of a Day, performing across North American venues to solidify their presence in the scene. Following the album's release, founding vocalist was fired in late 2008 due to internal issues, with Nick Barham joining as his replacement for the next album. Early press coverage praised the band's innovative electronic-metal fusion; Alternative Press published a review of in December 2008, noting its bold mix of genres despite production inconsistencies, while Kerrang! highlighted the viral impact of "Stick Stickly" in a 2019 retrospective, crediting it with defining a quirky subgenre moment in .

Self-titled album and initial lineup changes (2010–2011)

In June 2010, Attack Attack! released their second studio album, a self-titled effort produced by and issued through . With Nick Barham on screamed vocals and expanding his role on clean vocals and production, the record maintained the band's sound, blending breakdowns with synth-heavy elements and auto-tuned vocals. Barham departed shortly after the album's release. Leading up to the release, the band issued the single "Sexual Man Chocolate" on May 16, 2010, followed by "Smokahontas" as the second single on January 11, 2011. The album debuted at No. 26 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 15,100 copies in its first week, and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Independent Albums chart. To promote the release, Attack Attack! embarked on extensive touring throughout 2010, including the Artery Foundation Across the Nation Tour alongside Asking Alexandria, Breathe Carolina, and I See Stars, as well as performances on the 2010 Vans Warped Tour. Later that year, they headlined the This Is a Family Tour with Emmure, Pierce the Veil, Of Mice & Men, and In Fear and Faith, running from November to December. The period marked the band's first significant lineup shift since their debut, as guitarist and clean vocalist Johnny Franck announced his departure on November 11, 2010, citing a desire to refocus on his Christian . The split was described as amicable by the band, with Franck expressing gratitude for his time with the group in a personal video statement. Following Franck's exit, assumed additional responsibilities on guitar and vocals as the band prepared for future releases.

This Means War and further lineup shifts (2011–2012)

In late 2011, Attack Attack! began recording their third studio album, This Means War, which marked a notable shift toward a heavier sound with diminished electronic and influences compared to their prior releases. The album was released on January 17, 2012, via and became the band's most commercially successful effort to date, peaking at number 2 on the chart. Key singles from the album included "The Wretched," which received an official on January 12, 2012, and "Mr. Mliss," both highlighting the band's evolving emphasis on aggressive riffs and breakdowns over synth-heavy production. , who served as keyboardist, clean vocalist, and producer on the record, played a central role in its creation following the departure of Franck the previous year, which had already impacted the band's vocal dynamics. Amid growing internal tensions, the band experienced significant lineup instability during this period. Guitarist Nick Jett, who had joined in 2010, departed in 2011, leading to temporary adjustments that saw Shomo taking on additional guitar duties. By late 2012, bassist Kerry Cooper and other members exited, further destabilizing the group. Shomo himself left on December 18, 2012, to pursue solo projects, prompting the addition of a new vocalist, Phil Druyor, though the band soon entered a period of reduced activity. To promote This Means War, Attack Attack! embarked on their headlining "This Means War Tour" from January 26 to February 26, 2012, supported by acts including The Ghost Inside and , alongside appearances at major festivals like 2012. These outings represented some of the band's final major tours before the lineup shifts contributed to a hiatus.

Hiatus, side projects, and disbandment (2013–2019)

Following the release of their third studio album This Means War in 2011 and subsequent lineup changes, Attack Attack! entered a period of creative uncertainty in early 2013 as they attempted to record material for a planned fourth album. Internal challenges, including member departures and production difficulties, prevented the completion of the project under the band's original name. On April 22, 2013, the band announced their disbandment via a statement on their official Facebook page, declaring that their forthcoming "Back In Action Tour" from May to June 2013 would serve as their farewell run, marking the end of the group after six years. In the wake of the breakup, the final lineup—consisting of vocalist Phil Druyor, guitarist Andrew Whiting, bassist Tyler Sapp, and drummer Andrew Wetzel—transitioned into a new electronic project called Nativ, announced in September . The group repurposed several tracks originally intended for Attack Attack!'s unreleased fourth album, shifting toward a heavier emphasis on electronic elements while retaining metalcore foundations. However, Nativ's momentum stalled just two months later due to escalating internal conflicts, including a physical altercation between Whiting and Wetzel, as well as ongoing legal disputes over band assets and creative control, effectively halting the project by late with no full album or tours realized. During the ensuing years of inactivity from 2014 to 2019, former members pursued separate paths outside the Attack Attack! banner. Druyor formed the metalcore band The Bad Chapter in 2014, releasing their debut single "Deal With The Devil" and performing locally before the group disbanded. Whiting contributed to session guitar work for various independent artists in the scene, while Wetzel focused on production and occasional drumming gigs for local projects. Earlier member Kerry Cooper, who had departed the band in 2012, engaged in freelance music production and sporadic collaborations but avoided high-profile endeavors. These individual efforts underscored the band's effective dormancy, with no collective activity or new original music emerging until 2020. The period also saw persistent fan interest in Attack Attack!'s early catalog, particularly crabcore anthems like "Stick Stickly," which continued to garner streams and discussions amid rumors of potential revivals, though no official responses or one-off performances materialized.

Reunion and post-reunion releases (2020–2025)

In October 2020, Attack Attack! announced their reunion, with drummer Andrew Wetzel reforming the band with a new roster, including vocalist Chris Parketny, guitarist Ryland Raus, and other members, aiming to recapture the band's early sound. The group entered the studio with longtime producer to record new material. The band's first post-reunion release was the EP Long Time, No Sea, issued on October 29, 2021, via Oxide Records, which featured six tracks blending heavy breakdowns, synth-heavy electronics, and auto-tuned vocals reminiscent of their debut era. This was followed by the single "All My Life" in late 2021, marking their return to touring with headlining shows across in 2021 and 2022, including support slots on bills with acts like . In 2023, Attack Attack! released the EP Dark Waves on March 31 through Oxide Records, consisting of five tracks that further emphasized their fusion of aggression and electronic elements, produced once again by Sturgis. The title track served as the , accompanied by a highlighting the band's high-energy performance style. The group continued their output with the EP on September 20, 2024, via Oxide Records, featuring five songs including the singles "Disaster" and "Spitfire," which showcased intensified synth layers and auto-tuned hooks alongside chugging riffs. This release preceded a wave of 2024 festival appearances, such as at and When We Were Young, where the band performed a mix of reunion-era tracks and classics. Attack Attack!'s first full-length album since 2012, Attack Attack! II, arrived on August 8, 2025, through Oxide Records, comprising 11 tracks that fully embraced their signature auto-tuned vocals, prominent synthesizers, and influences. Lead singles "Chainless" and "One Hit Wonder" were released in May 2025, with the latter featuring guest vocals from Lorna Shore's on a track titled "Dance!," highlighting the album's dynamic range from heavy drops to melodic choruses. As of 2025, the band extended their "One Hit Wonder Tour" into late 2025, headlining U.S. dates with support from Savage Hands and Versus Me, alongside additional festival slots to promote the album.

Artistry

Musical style

Attack Attack! helped popularize the genre in the United States, fusing the aggressive breakdowns and screamed vocals of with elements such as pulsating synths and electronic beats. This hybrid style, often derisively termed "" due to the band's signature crab-walking stage antics, emphasized high-energy, danceable rhythms alongside heavy guitar riffs and double-kick drumming. Their debut album, , exemplified this approach with tracks featuring synth-heavy intros that transitioned into brutal sections. Central to their sound was the prominent use of synthesizers, including chiptune-inspired 8-bit sounds reminiscent of aesthetics, which added a playful, futuristic layer to the otherwise intense metal instrumentation. Clean vocals were heavily processed with , creating a glossy, pop-infused contrast to the harsh screams and growls, while occasional drops introduced wobbling basslines and electronic breakdowns. Keyboardist , who also served as the band's primary electronic producer in their early years, crafted these synth layers using laptop-based production techniques to build dense, atmospheric textures. Lyrically, Attack Attack! favored lighthearted, humorous themes centered on party anthems, fleeting relationships, and absurd scenarios, often delivered with ironic self-awareness, alongside occasional Christian themes in their early work. For instance, the track "Stick Stickly" humorously laments a through whimsical references to stick figures and party fouls, encapsulating the band's irreverent, fun-loving ethos. This approach, combined with Shomo's reliance on for multi-layered electronic elements during the 2008–2010 period, defined their production style as innovative yet polarizing within the scene.

Influences and evolution

Attack Attack! drew significant inspiration from the electronic fusion pioneered by bands like , incorporating synths and bass wobbles into their framework to create the electronicore sound that defined their early work. The band's playful style on their 2008 debut was also influenced by hip-hop elements, particularly the heavy use of popularized by artists like and , blending high-pitched, melodic clean vocals with electronic beats and party-oriented lyrics. Early influences from groups like contributed to their aggressive breakdowns and screamed vocals, providing a foundation for the heavier elements that would emerge later. The band's sound evolved considerably across their career, shifting from the lighthearted, electronic-heavy of their initial releases to a more aggressive approach by 2012's This Means War, where Andrew Whiting noted the focus on heavier riffs and reduced electronic elements to mature their style. Lineup changes, including Caleb Shomo's departure and increased production control, added layers of aggression and polish, emphasizing breakdowns and guitar work over synth-driven playfulness. Following their hiatus from 2013 to 2019, Attack Attack! refined their post-reunion sound with a nostalgic revival of electronic elements, incorporating modern EDM influences in releases like the 2023 EP Dark Waves and 2025's Attack Attack! II. Tracks such as "Dance!" and "One Hit Wonder" on the latter album feature punchy synths and hybrid chaos, blending their classic roots with production for a renewed, energetic identity. These changes, driven by current members like vocalist Chris Parketny, reflect a tighter lineup dynamic that enhances emotional depth while honoring their origins.

Reception and legacy

Critical reception

Attack Attack!'s debut album, Someday Came Suddenly (2008), received mixed critical reception, with some outlets praising its innovative blend of metalcore breakdowns and electronic elements while others dismissed it as gimmicky. Sputnikmusic reviewers highlighted the album's unique fusion of harsh vocals, auto-tune cleans, and techno influences, calling it a "very unique listen" that stood out in the metalcore scene despite its polarizing style. In contrast, Punknews.org lambasted it as "typical, generic screamo" augmented by unnecessary electronica breakdowns, awarding it a low 3 out of 10 and criticizing its lack of substance. The band's self-titled second album (2010) garnered somewhat more favorable responses, though still divided, with critics appreciating its catchier hooks and refined production but noting repetitive structures. Album of the Year shows a critic score of 55/100 based on 2 reviews and a user score of 54/100, with one review describing it as "ridiculously good" and a significant improvement over the debut, emphasizing its fun, genre-blending energy. echoed this, praising the "more focused sound and better wordplay" while acknowledging some tracks as overly simplistic. This Means War (2012) faced broader criticism for feeling generic and less inventive, averaging around 2.5 out of 5 across major outlets. Alternative Press praised the album's admirable growth, emphasizing its crunchy guitars and savage riffage alongside digital-synthesizer flourishes. Punknews.org gave it 5 out of 10, acknowledging enjoyable moments but faulting its inconsistency and electro-pop indulgences. Consequence similarly panned it as sonically dull after repeated listens, with incomprehensible amplifying the whining tone. Post-reunion releases showed renewed positivity, often tied to and fan appeal. The 2021 EP Long Time, No Sea received mixed reception on , averaging 2.1/5 from users, with some lauding its recapture of the band's chaotic essence in a more mature package. The 2025 album Attack Attack! II averaged approximately 6.5 out of 10 in early reviews, with New Noise Magazine calling it a "high-energy" sequel blending humor, heaviness, and EDM synths effectively. rated it 3 out of 5 ("good"), appreciating the explosive riffs while noting it as a solid but not revolutionary comeback. Lambgoat critiqued its Fall Out Boy-esque approach as lacking depth, though it captured the band's playful legacy. While much of the band's discography lacks aggregated Metacritic scores due to limited mainstream coverage, This Means War earned 60/100 based on 6 reviews; patterns emerge of initial divisiveness for electronic-metalcore experimentation evolving into appreciation for hooks and energy in later works, tempered by recurring complaints of repetition and immaturity.

Cultural impact and influence

Attack Attack! played a pivotal role in pioneering the and subgenres within during the late 2000s, blending heavy breakdowns with electronic synths, auto-tuned vocals, and hip-hop-inspired elements that defined the "crabcore" aesthetic. Their debut album (2008) popularized these fusions, influencing subsequent acts such as , who expanded on the electronic-metalcore hybrid, and early , whose initial sound incorporated similar synth-driven aggression and party-oriented themes. Bands like Dot Dot Curve also emerged in the same scene, drawing from Attack Attack!'s irreverent, high-energy style that mixed with club beats. The band's viral rise on platforms like and in the late 2000s amplified their cultural footprint, particularly through the "Stick Stickly" , which amassed millions of views and spawned the infamous "" dance —characterized by sideways scuttling movements that became a staple of scene kid . This internet-driven fame contributed to the broader scene kid phenomenon, where neon aesthetics, side-swept bangs, and electronic-infused music fostered a DIY youth movement centered around online communities and energy. Despite initial backlash for its perceived cheesiness, the video's status cemented Attack Attack!'s place in early music history, influencing how bands leveraged digital platforms for grassroots promotion. In the evolution of , Attack Attack! helped mainstream the integration of synthesizers and electronic production, shifting the genre from purely aggressive riffs toward more accessible, danceable hybrids that paved the way for modern experimentation in acts blending metal with EDM and pop elements. Their approach normalized synth layers in breakdowns and choruses, inspiring a wave of bands to incorporate digital textures without diluting heaviness, as seen in the electronic flourishes of contemporary . Following their 2020 reunion, Attack Attack!'s 2025 releases, including the album Attack Attack! II and singles like "Dance!" and "Chainless," have reignited discussions on revival, with media highlighting their return as a nostalgia-fueled catalyst for revisiting crabcore's playful legacy amid a broader resurgence. Their first U.S. tour in over a decade and new material have prompted reflections on the genre's enduring appeal, positioning as architects of a substyle now echoed in festival lineups and online retrospectives.

Personnel

Current members

As of November 2025, Attack Attack!'s active lineup consists of four core members who have been central to the band's activities since their 2020 reunion. Chris Parketny serves as , bringing clean and screamed vocals to the group's sound; he joined upon the band's reformation and has contributed to all subsequent releases and tours. Ryland Raus handles duties, adding technical riffs and electronic elements; he became part of the group during the 2020 reunion and has remained a key performer on their 2025 tours, including the "One Hit Wonder" run. Cameron Perry plays bass, providing the rhythmic foundation for live shows and recordings; he also joined in 2020 and continues to support the band's post-reunion output, such as their 2025 album Attack Attack! II. Andrew Wetzel is the drummer and the sole original member from the band's 2007 formation, having played consistently through the initial run, hiatus, and 2020 revival; his role has been pivotal in maintaining the group's legacy during their 2025 performances at festivals like .

Former members

Attack Attack! experienced significant lineup instability, particularly in its vocal and production roles during the late 2000s and early , with members often departing due to personal health challenges, creative differences, or pursuits of independent projects. was the founding lead vocalist from 2007 to 2008, contributing to early demos and the debut album ; he left due to health issues related to and later founded Of Mice & Men. Nick Barham joined as unclean vocalist in 2008, replacing ; he filled this role through 2009 before leaving amicably in October 2009 for personal reasons just prior to a headlining U.S. tour. Johnny Franck served as guitarist and clean vocalist from 2007 to 2011, contributing to the band's first two albums; he departed in 2011 to focus on his project . John Holgado played bass from 2007 to 2009, supporting the early recordings and tours. Caleb Shomo served as keyboardist, clean vocalist, and producer starting in 2008, evolving into the primary unclean vocalist and key creative force from 2009 to 2012, notably helming production on the band's This Means War album and performing unclean vocals on the self-titled album; he departed in December 2012 citing severe clinical depression and a desire to focus on his solo project Beartooth, which achieved commercial success as a act. Sean Mackowski provided clean vocals and rhythm guitar from 2010 to 2012, amid the band's transitional period following Franck's exit. Andrew Whiting was rhythm guitarist and keyboardist from 2007 to 2013 and rejoined for the 2020 reunion until departing in January 2024. Creative differences and individual solo ambitions contributed to many departures, as seen in Shomo's subsequent Beartooth venture and Carlile's Of Mice & Men.

Discography

Studio albums

Attack Attack! has released four studio albums, all characterized by their blend of aggression and electronic elements, produced primarily in professional studios in and . The band's debut album, , was released on November 11, 2008, through and produced by at The Foundation Recording Studios in , . It consists of 12 tracks, including "Stick Stickly" and "Dr. Shavargo Pt. 3," exploring themes of personal struggle and relationships with heavy breakdowns and synth-driven hooks. The album peaked at number 193 on the , number 25 on the Independent Albums chart, and number 9 on the Heatseekers Albums chart, marking the band's breakthrough in the underground scene, though it received no RIAA certifications. Their self-titled second , Attack Attack!, arrived on June 8, 2010, also via and produced by , with additional mixing at The Foundation. Featuring 12 tracks such as "Smokahontas" and "I Swear," it shifted toward more polished production while retaining chaotic energy. It peaked at number 27 on the , number 6 on the Independent Albums chart, and number 3 on the Heatseekers Albums chart, selling over 15,000 copies in its first week. No RIAA certifications were awarded. The third album, This Means War, was issued on January 17, 2012, through Rise Records, produced by Caleb Shomo at Chango Studios in Columbus, Ohio. Comprising 10 tracks, including "The Wretched" and "Stand Your Ground," it emphasized raw metalcore intensity with reduced electronic flourishes. The record peaked at number 11 on the Billboard 200, number 2 on the Independent Albums chart, and number 2 on the Hard Rock Albums chart. It has no RIAA certifications. In 2025, the band returned with Attack Attack! II on August 8 via Oxide Records, marking their first full-length release in 13 years and produced by a team including Andrew Baylis, Cody Stewart, Evan Mckeever, and Fairlane at various studios. The 11-track album includes "Chainless," "Dance!" featuring , and "Walk On Water" with Doobie, reviving their signature chaotic style with modern guest features. As of November 2025, it has not entered major . No RIAA certifications apply.

Extended plays and singles

Attack Attack! has issued a number of extended plays and singles, often serving as precursors to full-length albums or standalone releases that highlight their and sound. These non-album efforts include early self-released material and later independent output following the band's reformation.

Extended Plays

The band's debut , If Guns Are Outlawed, Can We Use Swords?, was released on October 23, 2007, through , marking their initial foray into recording after early demos and helping secure further deals. Following a period of inactivity, Attack Attack! returned with Long Time, No Sea, an EP released on October 29, 2021, via Oxide Records, featuring tracks like "Kawaii Cowboys" and "Brachyura Bombshell" that blended their signature synth-heavy style with updated production. In 2023, they issued Dark Waves on March 31 through Oxide Records, an EP that explored heavier metalcore elements across five tracks, including the title song and "KMSTL," produced by Joey Sturgis. Disaster followed in 2024, released on September 20 via Oxide Records, containing five songs such as "" and "Spitfire," which emphasized aggressive breakdowns and electronic flourishes.
Extended PlayRelease DateLabelNotable Tracks
If Guns Are Outlawed, Can We Use Swords?October 23, 2007Stick Stickly, Bro, Ashley's Here
Long Time, No SeaOctober 29, 2021Oxide Records Cowboys, Brachyura Bombshell
Dark WavesMarch 31, 2023Oxide RecordsDark Waves, Paralyzed (Until We Meet Again)
September 20, 2024Oxide Records, We All Meet Up In The End

Singles

Attack Attack!'s singles have frequently achieved notable visibility through music videos and digital platforms. Their breakout single, "Stick Stickly," released in 2008 from the album via , became a viral hit, with its official amassing over 19 million views on and inclusion as downloadable content in the Rock Band Network. In 2010, the band covered Katy Perry's "" for the Punk Goes Pop Volume 2 compilation on , reinterpreting the pop track with screams and synths, which garnered attention within the scene. "The Wretched," a 2012 single from This Means War on , featured an official music video directed to promote the album's heavier direction, receiving over 6.7 million views. In 2025, following the release of Attack Attack! II, the band issued on June 13 via Oxide Records as a , accompanied by an official audio upload and supporting a tour of the same name, emphasizing self-referential themes in their evolving sound.

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