Reviews

Attack Attack! Brings "Crabcore" Back With an Exceptional New Record

Emma McIntire
Aug 8, 2025
3 min read
Photo by John Scheuermann

The fairly recent rebirth of classic genres and bands that we all know and love from the 2000s has led to many great things for the scene. With so many fan-favorite bands reuniting and timeless records being released, there's one band in particular that has been able to stand out and replicate the nostalgia of the music while adapting to a new and improved sound: Attack Attack! Their new record, Attack Attack! II, is proving this to be true.

Attack Attack! is a metalcore band from Columbus, Ohio, that was formed in 2007. The group gained popularity for their propensity towards the scene genre. The band released 2 EPs independently before signing to a major label later that same year. Shortly after releasing 3 full-length albums, the band announced they would be disbanding in 2013. However, Attack Attack! would later return in 2020, with Attack Attack II being their first album since the reformation.


While the opening track of this album might be titled "ONE HIT WONDER," one listen of this song undoubtedly proves Attack Attack! to be the opposite. With a tuneful chorus, the pop elements throughout the instrumentals in the chorus set this album up to be an absolute joyride. The album progresses with the second track, "Dance!" featuring deathcore powerhouse Will Ramos of Lorna Shore. The synth buildup as the song kicks into the fiery verses, with a chorus that will really want to make you dance. Ramos's deep, low screams contrast with Attack Attack! frontman Chris Parketny's powerful false chords super well, adding a unique layer of vocal depth to the album.

As "Chainless" follows with a simple drop-tuned guitar riff to establish the compelling nature of the song, with quiet verses allowing the lyrics to stand out. Though the verses might be faint, the lyrics certainly retain an influential metaphor: "I'm getting sick of the sound; I gotta find a way out." The next song on the album, "Walk On Water," crescendos into a gratifying chord progression that holds the melody through the rest of the song. The drums and guitar alternating on the downbeats really highlight the distorted bass in the second verse, an instrument that is so crucial to the rhythm of every song but often overlooked. The eccentric instrumentals in this song make it all that more enjoyable.

"Karmageddon" immediately sounds as if you're being immersed into a metalcore video game. Right off the bat it's established as a creative standout. The unique production adds so much spunk that is much needed in our current scene. Not only is this track fun to listen to, but there's an undeniable two-stepping rhythm buried in there, making it the perfect song to dance along to in the pit on the band's upcoming tour. While "Karmageddon" is an entertaining and experimental breath of fresh air, the bridge hits super hard lyrically and melodically; this song has every aspect of a true Attack Attack! classic. "Live, Love, & Die" enhances Parkenty's remarkable vocal talent, showcasing how adaptable this group can be; this band sure knows how to display their musical diversity.

This next song is one that catches your eyes right away; "I complain on r/metalcore" is assuredly a jarring song title, to say the least. Starting off with a feisty hip-hop verse that includes a lot of hyper-pop influence. The song transitions with the question "What the fuck am I even saying in this dumbass song?" before switching into those breakdowns we all know and love. Undeniably bringing a more scene sound to the LP over metalcore. With "Big Booty Britches" as another humorous title, the song is far from it. (Aside from the "Yippee Ki-Yay" portion.) The siren sounds in the back of the breakdown help to pull the longing questions in the song through the end: "So come and cut me off or keep me breathing" is a metaphor that speaks for itself.

As the end of the album nears, "Without You" brings it down for a calmer moment, with electronics that established the pioneering Attack Attack! sound being a focal point. "Sacrifice" has a hunger to it. As the choppy guitar riffs and drum beats feel almost as though the song has something to prove. With a scratchy bridge adding to that sentiment. Finally, Attack Attack! II ends on a high note with "Jump Jump!" This song was built to get you off your feet. The lively suspense that builds before the chorus and continues throughout the song is the definition of going out with a bang(er.)


Attack Attack! is back and better than ever. With their first album in over ten years, it's no surprise that old fans and new fans have come together to celebrate such a symbolic group. The band is set to embark on their "One Hit Wonder Tour" in just under a week, and with how this record sounds, I wouldn't want to miss it. This album will have some fans feeling a bit of déjà vu for all of the right reasons. The continuous evolution of their sound is such a cool thing to witness. I believe that anyone who listens to this album will truly be hooked by the end of it.


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