This Means War – Attack Attack!
Review by Heather Houghton
Attack Attack’s newest release, This Means War, is a far cry from the days of auto-tune, crab-core and Austin Carlile. The band’s third and most recent vocalist, Caleb Shomo, leads the band’s sound in a new direction.
Although the familiar pattern of Shomo’s clean vocals in between his screams is still followed throughout the album, it is the heavy instrumentation that creates a new sound. This Means War is devoid of the excessive synth used in their previous releases, even though Shomo still retains his original position at the keyboards. In place of the electronic sound Attack Attack! is known for, the band has moved to heavy guitar riffs and solos, as well as a surplus of strong drumming.
This Means War includes Attack Attack’s first single off of the album, “The Motivation”, which begins with a soft melody played on the piano, followed by violins, interrupted by heavy guitar and high-pitched screams. The chorus features Shomo’s clean vocals, as well as a hint of synth that Attack Attack! knows so well.
Attack Attack’s third full-length also includes tracks such as “The Wretched” and “The Revolution”, which give off a theme of rebellion and resistance not only in the album title and lyrics, but also in the band’s sound compared to their previous releases. Shomo has taken Attack Attack! into a new genre of music, with the help of his band-mates, Andrew Wetzel on drums, Andrew Whiting on guitar, and John Holgado on bass. This combination has led to a heavier and more mature sound on This Means War, which is sure to convert old Attack Attack! fans, as well as please new ones.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
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