Attack Attack
Attack Attack! is an American metalcore band from Westerville, Ohio, formed in 2006 as Ambiance and renamed in 2007 upon the addition of key member Caleb Shomo, renowned for pioneering the electronicore subgenre through their fusion of heavy breakdowns, clean vocals, and 8-bit electronic elements, as well as popularizing the humorous "crabcore" dance style in their music videos.[1] The band's original lineup included guitarists Johnny Franck and Andrew Whiting, bassist Nick White, drummer Andrew Wetzel, and vocalists Austin Carlile and Caleb Shomo, though lineup changes occurred early, including the departure of Carlile in 2008 during a tour stop in Utah.[1] Signed to Rise Records, they released their debut album Someday Came Suddenly in 2008, which featured singles like "Stick Stickly" that gained viral attention on platforms such as MySpace and YouTube for their genre-blending sound and meme-worthy visuals.[1][2] Subsequent releases included their self-titled album Attack Attack! in 2010, which debuted at No. 26 on the Billboard 200 with 15,000 first-week sales, and This Means War in 2012, peaking at No. 11 on the same chart with 17,000 units sold.[1] The band went on hiatus in 2013 following internal shifts, with Shomo departing in 2012 to form Beartooth and Franck leaving shortly after.[1][3] Attack Attack! reunited in 2020 without Shomo or Franck, focusing on new material produced by Joey Sturgis, and continued evolving their sound toward more EDM-influenced territory in singles like "Fade with Me" (2021).[1][4] Their fourth studio album, Attack Attack! II, was released on August 8, 2025, via Oxide Records, marking their first full-length since 2012 and featuring 11 tracks including "One Hit Wonder" and "Dance!" with guest vocalist Will Ramos of Lorna Shore.[5] With over 100 million streams accumulated across their catalog, the band has influenced the post-hardcore and metalcore scenes while maintaining a cult following for their boundary-pushing style.[5]History
Formation and early releases (2007–2008)
Attack Attack! originated in Westerville, Ohio, in 2006, when high school friends Austin Carlile (guitar and vocals), Andrew Wetzel (drums), and others formed the band initially under the name Ambiance.[6] Shortly after, guitarist Johnny Franck and bassist Jon Holgado joined, followed by Caleb Shomo, who contributed on guitar, keyboards, vocals, and programming, helping shape the band's emerging sound blending metalcore with electronic influences.[6] Upon Shomo's addition in 2007, the band renamed to Attack Attack! to reflect their high-energy, assaultive style and to distinguish themselves amid crowded MySpace band searches.[6] The group self-released their debut EP, If Guns Are Outlawed, Can We Use Swords?, in early 2008, a raw collection of tracks that showcased aggressive metalcore riffs alongside nascent electronic breakdowns and synth elements.[7] During a tour stop in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 2008, vocalist Austin Carlile departed the band abruptly, leaving the group to continue with Shomo handling unclean vocals.[8] The EP's release garnered local attention, coinciding with signing to Rise Records in mid-2008, which provided resources for professional production.[6] The band then recorded their debut full-length album, Someday Came Suddenly, with producer Joey Sturgis, releasing it on November 11, 2008, through Rise; standout tracks like "Stick Stickly" and "The People's Elbow" highlighted their signature chaotic energy and genre fusion.[9] To build their fanbase, Attack Attack! embarked on initial tours supporting acts like Blessthefall and Alesana, performing at regional venues and festivals that exposed their live intensity to broader audiences in the metalcore scene.[10] These early shows solidified their presence in the Midwest underground circuit before national breakout.Rise to prominence (2009–2010)
In June 2009, Attack Attack! released the music video for "Stick Stickly," which featured the band's signature "crabcore" dancing style—characterized by sideways scuttling movements inspired by crabs—quickly going viral on YouTube and garnering millions of views within months.[11][12] The video's quirky choreography and electronicore elements sparked widespread memes and parodies across online communities, propelling the band from niche metalcore circles into broader internet fame and establishing crabcore as a short-lived but influential subcultural phenomenon.[6] The band's rising profile led to extensive touring throughout 2009 and 2010, including performances on the Vans Warped Tour in 2009, where they connected with fans through high-energy sets and meet-and-greets organized by Music Saves Lives.[13] They also appeared at the Bamboozle Festival in both 2009 and 2010, and headlined the Artery Across the Nation Tour in early 2010 alongside Asking Alexandria, which helped solidify their position within the metalcore scene by attracting a dedicated following drawn to their blend of heavy breakdowns and electronic flourishes.[14][15] In late 2009, Attack Attack! announced their self-titled second album and began recording sessions with producer Joey Sturgis at The Foundation Recording Studio, aiming to expand on their debut's sound with more polished electronic integrations.[16] The album, Attack Attack!, was released on June 8, 2010, via Rise Records, debuting at number 26 on the Billboard 200 chart and featuring singles "Smokahontas" and "Renegade" that highlighted the band's use of auto-tuned vocals and 8-bit synths over metalcore structures.[17] This period also brought growing media coverage from outlets like Kerrang! and Alternative Press, which praised the group's innovative fusion of aggressive riffs with danceable electronic elements, further cementing their breakthrough in the genre.[18][6]Lineup shifts and self-titled era (2010–2011)
In late 2010, during the promotional cycle for their self-titled second album released earlier that year on June 8, Attack Attack! experienced a significant lineup change when clean vocalist and rhythm guitarist Johnny Franck departed the band on November 10. Franck cited a desire to refocus his life on his relationship with God as the reason for his amicable exit, stating in a video announcement that the decision would allow him to pursue personal spiritual growth while expressing gratitude to the band and fans.[19][20] Caleb Shomo, who had joined as a keyboardist and unclean vocalist in 2007 and contributed to production on the self-titled album, assumed primary vocal duties following Franck's departure, also expanding his role in songwriting and instrumentation to stabilize the group's sound. The band recruited temporary touring support, including bassist Daniel Oliver for select dates, to maintain their live commitments amid the transition. Despite the personnel shift, Attack Attack! pressed forward with extensive touring, headlining the "This Is a Family Tour" in November and December 2010 alongside acts like Emmure, Pierce the Veil, and Of Mice & Men, followed by appearances on the 2011 Vans Warped Tour and festival slots such as Rock on the Range. These performances showcased Shomo's expanded frontman presence but sparked fan concerns over the band's consistency and future direction, as online discussions highlighted worries about potential further instability impacting their electronicore style.[21] By late 2011, as the band shifted focus toward new material, Shomo handled most instrumentation and production for their upcoming third album, This Means War, which was officially announced on November 14 for a January 2012 release via Rise Records. This period marked Shomo's deepening creative control, though amid rumors of his potential exit due to burnout and creative differences, the group emphasized continuity in interviews, crediting the changes for evolving their sound while addressing fan unease through consistent live output.Final album and disbandment (2012–2013)
In late 2011 and early 2012, Attack Attack! recorded their third studio album, This Means War, primarily at vocalist and keyboardist Caleb Shomo's home studio in Ohio, where Shomo handled production duties.[22] The core lineup during this period consisted of Shomo on lead and unclean vocals along with programming, Andrew Whiting on lead guitar, John Holgado on bass and backing vocals, and Andrew Wetzel on drums, marking a continuation of the band's evolving electronic-metal fusion as the culmination of their initial sound.[23] The album was released on January 17, 2012, via Rise Records, with lead singles "The Wretched" (accompanied by a music video filmed in November 2011) and "The Motivation" (debuted in December 2011) promoting its heavier, more streamlined metalcore direction.[24][25] To support the release, the band embarked on the Scream It Like You Mean It All Stars Tour across the United States from July to August 2012, sharing stages with acts including We Came as Romans and the Acacia Strain, amid growing internal tensions from prior member departures that had already strained dynamics.[26] Shortly after the album's launch, Attack Attack! parted ways with Rise Records in February 2012, fulfilling their contract but facing unresolved legal issues over unreleased material that added to the mounting pressures.[27] Lineup instability persisted into late 2012, as Shomo and Holgado both departed on December 18 and 13, respectively, citing personal exhaustion from constant touring and changes; the band quickly recruited Phil Druyor (formerly of I Am Abomination) as the new lead vocalist, Tyler Sapp on bass, and Sean Bell (ex-In Fear and Faith) on guitar for a brief tenure.[28][29] Druyor's short-lived involvement highlighted the ongoing flux, but the group pressed forward with European dates in early 2013. On April 22, 2013, remaining members Whiting and Wetzel announced via social media that the Back in Action Tour—kicking off that summer across North America and Europe—would serve as their farewell run, stating it was time to "lay AA down for good" after six intense years marked by relentless activity and label entanglements.[30] The tour concluded on May 29, 2013, at Mr. Smalls Theatre in Millvale, Pennsylvania, after which the band officially disbanded.[31] In the wake of the split, former members channeled their energies into new ventures, including Shomo launching the successful metalcore project Beartooth later in 2013, while Whiting and Wetzel formed the band Nativ to explore fresh creative outlets.[32][33]Reformation and modern output (2020–present)
On October 19, 2020, founding drummer Andrew Wetzel announced the band's reformation via social media, spurred by persistent fan demand and nostalgia for their signature electronicore sound from the late 2000s. The reunion initially featured Wetzel as the primary creative force, collaborating with producer Joey Sturgis on new material, while incorporating a mix of returning and prospective members to revive the project after a seven-year hiatus. This move reflected a deliberate effort to reconnect with audiences who had championed the band's early viral success, positioning the comeback as a response to ongoing online buzz and calls for new music.[8][34] The reformation quickly led to the release of the EP Long Time, No Sea on October 29, 2021, through Oxide Records, with Wetzel overseeing most instrumentation, production, and even some vocals, supplemented by guest appearances to fill out the lineup. This five-track effort served as the band's first output in nearly a decade, blending their classic synth-heavy metalcore with updated electronic elements, and was initially distributed as a tour exclusive before wider digital availability. Building on this momentum, the group issued the EP Dark Waves on March 31, 2023, further exploring atmospheric and experimental textures, while Wetzel pursued electronic explorations through the side project Nativ during this period. These releases marked a gradual reintroduction, emphasizing Wetzel's role in steering the band's creative direction amid lineup flux.[35][36] In 2024, Attack Attack! released the EP Disaster on September 20 via the independent Oxide Records, a label founded by Wetzel, signifying a full transition to self-sufficient operations free from major-label constraints and allowing greater artistic control. The EP's aggressive tracks highlighted a refined production approach, incorporating modern electronicore influences that evolved from their foundational style. This independent shift enabled more agile output, culminating in the announcement of their fourth studio album, Attack Attack! II, on May 9, 2025, with lead singles "Dance!" (featuring Lorna Shore's Will Ramos) and "Chainless" dropping the same day; the full album arrived on August 8, 2025, via Oxide Records, delivering 11 songs that revisited their high-energy roots with contemporary polish.[37][5] From 2023 onward, the band mounted a touring resurgence, headlining U.S. dates in early 2023 and expanding to major festivals like Welcome to Rockville in 2025, alongside the "One Hit Wonder" and "Roadside Rumble" tours through August and September 2025. These outings stabilized the lineup around Wetzel, with new additions including vocalist Chris Parketny, bassist Cameron Perry, and guitarist Ryland Raus, fostering a cohesive unit that balanced nostalgic sets with fresh material to re-engage live audiences. The modern era's output thus draws briefly on the inspirational legacy of their debut albums, integrating advanced production for a revitalized sound.[38][39][40]Musical style
Defining characteristics
Attack Attack! distinguished themselves within the metalcore landscape through a unique fusion of heavy breakdowns and screamed vocals with clean, auto-tuned singing layered over electronic synths, 8-bit chiptune elements, and dubstep-inspired drops, creating a hybrid sound that blended aggression with digital playfulness.[41] This electronicore approach marked them as pioneers, integrating post-hardcore intensity with trance, electro, and dance influences to produce anthemic tracks that contrasted raw energy with polished, synthetic textures.[42] A hallmark of their live performances was the "crabcore" stage dancing, characterized by a synchronized side-to-side crab-walk executed by guitarists during breakdowns, which originated spontaneously in the music video for "Stick Stickly" and evolved into a signature gimmick that amplified their theatrical presence.[6] Guitarist Andrew Whiting initiated the crouching pose out of uncertainty about stage dynamics, prompting the band to adopt it as a unified "next-level rock’n’roll power stance," as described by former guitarist Johnny Franck.[6] This quirky movement, often performed in the video for the track from their 2008 EP If Guns Are Outlawed, Can We Use Swords?, became emblematic of their high-energy shows and contributed to their meme-like notoriety in the scene.[43] The band's sound relied heavily on keyboard programming and pitch-shifted vocal effects, largely pioneered by multi-instrumentalist Caleb Shomo, who joined as a teenager to handle keys and clean vocals before assuming lead vocal duties.[44][45] Shomo's contributions included synth bass layers and octave-shifted guitar processing, enhancing the electronic dimension while maintaining tight, punchy rhythms in collaboration with producer Joey Sturgis.[46] Lyrically, Attack Attack! explored themes of relationships, betrayal, and escapism, often conveyed through high-energy, anthemic choruses that juxtaposed personal turmoil with uplifting melodies.[47] Tracks like "The Betrayal" from their 2012 album This Means War depict familial discord and loss of trust, with lines pleading for remembrance amid conflict, reflecting emotional vulnerability in a chaotic relational context.[47] Their production style, helmed by Joey Sturgis across multiple releases, emphasized clean, digital aesthetics—featuring vocal stacking, precise editing for punchy attacks, and in-the-box processing—over traditional raw aggression, which helped solidify their role in shaping the electronicore subgenre's polished sonic identity.[46][41] This approach prioritized synthetic clarity and layered electronics, influencing subsequent acts by prioritizing accessibility and modern sheen in heavy music.[42]Genre influences and evolution
Attack Attack!'s musical style emerged from a fusion of metalcore and post-hardcore foundations with prominent electronic influences, drawing from dance-oriented genres like synth-pop and crunk to create a distinctive hybrid sound.[48] The band integrated rapid shifts between heavy breakdowns and electronic interludes, reflecting inspirations from the broader scenecore movement while emphasizing polished production and unconventional song structures.[48] This blend positioned them as early adopters of what would become known as electronicore, a term that captured their pioneering role in merging aggressive guitar work with trance-like synth elements during their formative years from 2008 to 2010.[49] In this period, Attack Attack! helped coin and popularize electronicore by combining post-hardcore aggression with house and trance music, influencing a wave of acts including I See Stars who expanded on these electronic-metalcore crossovers.[49] Critics have labeled them pioneers of substyles like trancecore, highlighting tracks such as those on their debut album Someday Came Suddenly (2008) that featured euphoric synth builds alongside screamed vocals and breakdowns.[50] Their signature "crabcore" approach—a performative style marked by dance-infused breakdowns—further defined this era, originating from viral elements in songs like "Stick Stickly" and sparking a microgenre trend within metalcore.[6] The band's sound evolved notably between 2010 and 2012 with This Means War, shifting toward heavier riffs, a darker thematic tone inspired by personal and historical struggles, and a deliberate reduction in electronic flourishes to emphasize raw metalcore intensity.[51] Following their 2013 disbandment, the 2020 reformation marked a return to electronic experimentation, leaning into full EDM structures in early releases like the 2021 EP Long Time, No Sea and the single "Fade with Me," which eschewed traditional metalcore for dance-focused production.[4] This progression continued through the 2023 EP Dark Waves, incorporating more mature electronic textures, before culminating in the 2025 album Attack Attack! II, where they reintroduced crabcore roots alongside modern trap beats, dubstep drops, and hyperpop influences for a chaotic, self-aware evolution.[52][53]Band members
Current lineup
The current lineup of Attack Attack! as of 2025 features a stable quartet that solidified in 2023–2024 following the departure of guitarist Andrew Whiting and a period of rotating touring musicians from 2020 to 2022.[40][54] Andrew Wetzel performs on drums (2007–2013, 2020–present) as the sole remaining original member and primary songwriter in the post-reformation era.[39][55] Chris Parketny handles lead vocals (2020–present), offering clean and screamed versatility that defines the band's 2024–2025 releases.[39]) Cameron Perry plays bass (2021–present), driving the low-end groove in live settings and studio work.[39][40] Ryland Raus contributes on rhythm guitar and clean vocals (2020–present) and lead guitar (2023–present), crafting riffs and electronic programming central to the modern sound.[39]) Wetzel's ongoing role provides continuity from the band's original era, while the lineup's collective input has shaped recent EPs and the 2025 album Attack Attack! II.[56][57]Former members and timeline
Attack Attack! formed in 2007 in Westerville, Ohio, initially as Ambiance, with original members including Austin Carlile (unclean vocals), Johnny Franck (clean vocals, rhythm guitar), Andrew Whiting (lead guitar), Nick White (bass), and Andrew Wetzel (drums). Caleb Shomo joined shortly after as keyboardist and programmer, leading to the band's rename.)[58] Carlile was ejected in 2008 due to behavioral issues and later co-founded Of Mice & Men in 2009. Nick Barham joined on unclean vocals (2008–2009) to replace him.)[33] After Barham departed in October 2009, Caleb Shomo, a co-contributor since 2007 and primary producer, shifted to unclean vocals (2009–2012) while also handling keyboards, programming, and additional guitar; he remained until December 2012, when he announced his departure citing struggles with clinical depression, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders, and substance abuse, subsequently founding Beartooth.[29]) Johnny Franck, an original member, departed in November 2010 to focus on his faith.) Bassist Nick White left in 2008, with John Holgado taking over (2008–2012) and providing backing vocals from 2010. Holgado departed in December 2012 to prioritize personal life.)[59] In late 2012, amid Shomo's exit, Phil Druyor (formerly of I Am Abomination) joined on clean vocals (2012–2013) for the final single "No Defeat," with Tyler Sapp briefly on bass (2012–2013); the group dissolved in April 2013.[59]) The lineup remained relatively stable around the core of Shomo, Wetzel, and Whiting from 2008 to 2010, after which shifts—including Barham's and Franck's departures—led to flux from 2010 to 2013 and the eventual split. Whiting, who had left in 2013, rejoined for the reformation in 2020 (guitar and keyboards, 2020–2023) alongside Wetzel, vocalist Chris Parketny, and others, before departing again in early 2024; from 2020 to 2023, the band operated as a collaborative project rather than a solo effort by Wetzel.[60][54])Discography
Studio albums
Attack Attack!'s debut studio album, Someday Came Suddenly, was released on November 11, 2008, through Rise Records.[61] Produced primarily by Caleb Shomo with co-production from Joey Sturgis, the album features 12 tracks that highlight the band's early emphasis on electronic breakdowns integrated with metalcore elements.[62] It peaked at number 193 on the Billboard 200 chart.[63] The band's self-titled second album, Attack Attack!, followed on June 8, 2010, also via Rise Records. Produced by Joey Sturgis, it contains 12 tracks and marked a commercial breakthrough, debuting at number 26 on the Billboard 200.[64] This Means War, the third studio album, was released on January 17, 2012, through Rise Records, serving as the band's final release under their original label deal. Featuring 12 tracks with a heavier, more aggressive tone compared to prior works, it debuted at number 11 on the Billboard 200. Following the band's reformation, their fourth studio album, Attack Attack! II, arrived on August 8, 2025, via Oxide Records.[5] This second self-titled effort includes 11 tracks incorporating trap influences alongside the band's signature sound.Extended plays and singles
Attack Attack! released their debut extended play, If Guns Are Outlawed, Can We Use Swords?, as a self-released effort in 2007, featuring five tracks that showcased the band's early blend of metalcore and electronic elements.[65] This EP marked their initial foray into recording and helped secure a deal with Rise Records shortly thereafter.[66] Following their reformation in 2020, the band issued Long Time, No Sea on October 29, 2021, through Oxide Records, a five-track EP that included songs like "Kawaii Cowboys" and "Brachyura Bombshell," reflecting a shift toward more melodic and experimental structures within metalcore.[67] In 2023, they followed with Dark Waves, another five-track EP released on March 31 via Oxide Records, produced by Joey Sturgis and emphasizing aggressive riffs alongside electronic breakdowns in tracks such as "KMSTL" and "Killing for Sport."[36] Their most recent EP, Disaster, arrived on September 20, 2024, also through Oxide Records, comprising five songs including "Concrete" and "Spitfire," which highlighted a return to high-energy, synth-infused metalcore.[37] The band's singles have played a key role in promoting their releases and building fan engagement, often serving as previews for albums and EPs. "Stick Stickly," released in 2008 from their debut album Someday Came Suddenly, became a viral hit, with its official music video amassing over 19 million views on YouTube by 2025.[68] "Smokahontas," issued in 2010 from the self-titled album, exemplified their signature crabcore style with its humorous lyrics and heavy drops.[69] In 2012, "The Wretched" emerged as a single from This Means War, featuring intense breakdowns and thematic depth about inner conflict.[70] More recently, in 2025, Attack Attack! released "Dance!" featuring Will Ramos and "Chainless" as lead singles from their album Attack Attack! II, both achieving notable streaming traction on platforms like Spotify, where they peaked on viral charts due to their anthemic choruses and guest collaborations.[71][72] By 2025, the band had issued a total of 23 singles across their career, with several charting on rock and alternative lists.[73]| Extended Play | Release Date | Label | Tracks |
|---|---|---|---|
| If Guns Are Outlawed, Can We Use Swords? | 2007 | Self-released | 5 |
| Long Time, No Sea | October 29, 2021 | Oxide Records | 5 |
| Dark Waves | March 31, 2023 | Oxide Records | 5 |
| Disaster | September 20, 2024 | Oxide Records | 5 |