Attack Attack! (American band)

Attack Attack! is an American metalcore band from Westerville, Ohio, originally formed in 2007 as Ambiance. After self-releasing their first EP in 2007, the band signed to Rise Records the same year. 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. On October 19, 2020, the band announced a re-formation, with a mix of returning and new members.

History

Formation (2007)

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. Caleb Shomo joined the band as the keyboardist, and they changed the name to Attack Attack! The band entered a local studio where they recorded material that was put up on Myspace to promote their music. 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. As members of the band were still underage at this point, contractual discussions required parental consent. The material recorded in 2007 was put together on the EP ''If Guns Are Outlawed, Can We Use Swords?'' (2008). The band was also signed by booking agent David Shapiro of the Agency Group that resulted in nationwide tours.

''Someday Came Suddenly'' (2007–2009)

In November 2008, they released their debut studio album, '' Someday Came Suddenly'', on Rise. 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. The album also peaked at number nine on the ''Billboard'' Independent Albums chart. The album has sold 70,000 copies as of April 2010.

In the fall of 2008, the group toured with Maylene and the Sons of Disaster, A Static Lullaby, Showbread and Confide. Halfway through the tour, vocalist Austin Carlile was ejected from the band and replaced with Nick Barham, brother of former Sleeping With Sirens drummer Gabe Barham. Drummer Andrew Wetzel later revealed in a blog post via MySpace that the band dropped Carlile due to his behavioural attitude on the road. 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. The band was part of the Warped Tour 2009 where they appeared on one of the smaller stages.

Attack Attack! released a music video for their debut single " Stick Stickly" in June 2009. The video has led to a number of criticisms, including lengthy pieces by Buddyhead and the British newspaper ''The Guardian''. 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. The band also released a live video for their second single, "Dr. Shavargo Pt. 3" in August 2009. The group was featured on '' Punk Goes Pop Volume Two'', covering the song "I Kissed a Girl" by Katy Perry. The song garnered heavy radio airplay.

In October 2009, the group embarked on a headlining tour with I Set My Friends on Fire. 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. 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.

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

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. In April 2010, Wetzel confirmed that ten tracks would appear on their upcoming second album. The album was initially titled ''Shazam'', but due to copyright issues, it was self-titled. 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. Their second album ''Attack Attack!'' was released on June 8, 2010. The album sold 15,000 copies in its first week, debuting at number 27 on the ''Billboard'' 200. The album also topped the ''Billboard'' Independent Albums chart. 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.

On November 10, 2010, Johnny Franck announced he had departed from the band to focus on his relationship with God. He has started a new project called The March Ahead. With this news also came a clip of a new song featuring Shomo on lead vocals. The music video for "Smokahontas" was released on January 21, 2011, and was directed by Thunder Down Country films. 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.

In June 2011, the band released a new single, "Last Breath" from the deluxe edition of their second album. On July 18, 2011, the group premiered a new track titled, "Criminal", which appeared on the deluxe edition of their second studio album. On July 19, the group re-issued their second studio album which features new artwork and eight bonus tracks. The group performed at Warped Tour in the summer of 2011. 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.

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

In October 2011, the band began recording their third studio album. On November 6, 2011, it was announced that the album was completed. On November 14, it was announced that the band's third full-length, '' This Means War'' would be released on January 17, 2012. The entire album was produced by Caleb Shomo at his home studio. 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. On December 10, 2011, the band performed at the Unsilent Night 4 festival. On December 20, 2011, they released "The Motivation" as the album's lead single via iTunes. On January 12, 2012, the band debuted the music video for the second single off the album, "The Wretched". On July 1, they premiered a music video for the third single, "The Revolution". ''This Means War'' peaked at number 11 on the ''Billboard'' 200, selling 17,00 copies in its first week.

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 reprobably not planning on going to another one", also that Wetzel "has isown label now xide Entertainmentand will probably just use that." The band headlined the This World Is Ours Tour with Escape The Fate and the Word Alive.

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

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. Andrew Wetzel also stated that the band will record more songs after "No Defeat".

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

Between January and February 2013, Attack Attack! released two video updates about their fourth studio album, which was never released. 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".

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

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

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

In October 2020, the band had returned and were in the studio with producer Joey Sturgis writing new material, with a new single titled "All My Life" that was released on December 7, 2020. 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.

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. On April 30, the band released a new song titled "Brachyura Bombshell". In October 2021, the group released their second EP, ''Long Time, No Sea''. 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. They co-headlined the Level Up tour with Electric Callboy in October and November 2022.

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. The group embarked on the Dark Waves tour in May 2023.

Whiting has been absent since May 2023. 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.

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

The third single titled "Blood On The Walls" was released on July 12, and just like the other two singles, Whiting received writing credits. 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.

''Attack Attack! II'' (2025–present)

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. 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.

Musical style

Attack Attack! have been described as "screamo/ crabcore Christian rockers", electronicore, and post-hardcore combined with electronica influences. 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." The group has cited inspiration from Pet Shop Boys, Erasure, The Devil Wears Prada and Enter Shikari.

Legacy

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."

Band members

Current members
* 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 – clean vocals, rhythm guitar (2022–present; touring 2021), lead guitar (2023–present)

Former members

* 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; 2020–2022), bass (2012)

Touring musicians
* Sean Mackowski – clean vocals, rhythm guitar (2010–2012)
* Jeremy Gilmore – unclean vocals (2013)
* Sean Bell – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2013)

Timeline

Discography

;Studio albums
* '' Someday Came Suddenly'' (2008)
* '' Attack Attack!'' (2010)
* '' This Means War'' (2012)
* ''Attack Attack! II'' (2025)

References

External links

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Metalcore musical groups from Ohio
Musical groups from Columbus, Ohio
Musical groups from Ohio
Musical groups established in 2007
Musical groups disestablished in 2013
Musical groups reestablished in 2020
Articles which contain graphical timelines
Rise Records artists
Electronicore musical groups