I don't have the words to even begin to describe what this past Thursday felt like. If you were to tell Matt from 2008 that he would be photographing one of the most influential metalcore bands of all time, he wouldn't believe you. But 17 years later (disgusting, by the way) I had the absolute pleasure and honor of photographing Attack Attack! while on their One Hit Wonder Tour alongside Versus Me and Savage Hands, as well as some local support from Dead Skin and Waiting 4 April.
Starting the night off was Dead Skin. I've had the luxury of catching this band before, and seeing just how much they have grown and improved brought a tear to my eye. A phenomenal blend of metalcore and hardcore, Dead Skin started the night off on such a high note that every fan in attendance knew they were ready to experience something great.
Once again, we have to support those locals, and that's exactly what the crowd was doing as Waiting 4 April hit the stage. I've been lucky enough to catch this band several times now, and each time they leave me with my jaw on the ground. A spectacular blend of pop-punk and early 2000s metalcore, Waiting 4 April is a great listen. Okay, maybe they're not really pop-punk, but listening to them has got to have you feeling some pop-punk vibes. Regardless, you have to listen to them. You follow me?
As we transitioned to the touring package, Versus Me took their place on stage to a roar of applause. This was my first time seeing the band perform, and I was anything but disappointed as some of the finest metalcore graced my ears. Donned with light-up armbands, it was incredible seeing how the crowd reacted to each and every note the band played. Versus Me was here to have a good time, and a good time was indeed had.
Savage Hands took the stage next, and I honestly didn't know what to expect from the band. Obviously I was ready for some metalcore riffs and breakdowns, but I was also ready for some weird. Seeing the vocalist wear a hat that said "Foxy," which I could only assume and hope was a reference to the almighty Foxy Shazam, the band continued to deliver some pristine metalcore made for moshing, head-banging, and all-around good vibes. Even though their guitarist was wearing a Washington Commanders shirt (go Steelers), I'd highly recommend this band to everyone I know.
After much partying and preparing, it was finally time for Attack Attack! to hit the stage and bring the crabcore to Dallas, TX. With a setlist that combined songs old and new, all you could see in the venue was a sea of fans having the time of their life. Attack Attack! truly has made a lasting impact on the music world, and that was prevalent in Dallas. I saw some fans my age having a great time, some fans with their own kids in attendance, and even some fans about the same age I was when I first discovered Attack Attack!
As the night continued on and we were serenaded with chunky riffs, deafening blast beats, and crispy vocals, the worst part had to be as the night was coming to a close. But the band knew they couldn't leave the crowd edged (I don't know how else to say it, so we're sticking with "edged," deal with it) and not deliver the goods for a clean finish (hey now). That's right. I'm talking about that beautiful finish from "Renob, Nevada," to "Sexual Man Chocolate," to "Smokahontas." As these 3 songs echoed in the venue, the crowd erupted into a fit of nostalgic rage, and the mosh pit exploded with energy. Just when you thought the night couldn't end any better, the members of Attack Attack! gave the crowd exactly what they needed: the iconic "Hot Grills and High Tops" into "Stick Stickly," a song so famous that the band recorded two different music videos for it. As "Attack Attack!" "Where are you at?!" was screamed from every fan in attendance, and when that hair-raising breakdown hit, the venue was as chaotic as could be. Not a single person in that venue, fan and staff alike, was still, and it was nothing short of amazing.
As the tour is coming to a close, if you missed the chance to attend, you absolutely missed out. There's no sugarcoating it, and I hope you get the chance to experience something as incredible as this show was.
