After more than a decade since their last full-length album, Attack Attack! return with a record that feels like lightning in a bottle—chaotic, cathartic, and unmistakably their own. Attack Attack! II is not just a continuation, but a reinvention, capturing the spirit of their early days while exploring new depths of heaviness and emotion. It’s a wild blend of nostalgic energy and modern edge, proving that the band hasn’t just endured—they’ve evolved. This is the sound of a group reclaiming their identity with sharper hooks, bigger risks, and a renewed sense of purpose.
The album kicks off with the playful chaos fans expect. Tracks like “One Hit Wonder,” “Dance!,” “i complain on r/metalcore,” and the hilariously titled “Big Booty Britches” are as fun and feral as they sound. These songs are an invitation to bang your head and belly-laugh at the same time, a signature Attack Attack! experience. But buried beneath the meme-worthy track names is some of the tightest musicianship the band has ever produced. The breakdowns are ridiculous in the best way, the synths are punchy without being obnoxious, and the production is polished but never sterile.
Still, it’s not all party hats and punchlines. The band flexes a surprising emotional depth on tracks like “Walk on Water” and “Karmageddon.” These songs usher in a new dimension for Attack Attack!, one that’s introspective, even cinematic at times. There’s weight here, a sense of wear and wisdom that gives the record substance beneath its surface-level chaos.
But perhaps the crown jewel of the album is “Live, Love, & Die.” Chris Parketny’s vocals soar with genuine emotion, cutting through the noise with haunting clarity. It’s an unexpected gut punch, delicate and powerful, proof that this band is capable of far more than just breakdowns and bounce riffs. Who knew Attack Attack! could make you feel something beyond moshing and mischief?
And then there’s the wildcard collaboration: Will Ramos of Lorna Shore fame. On paper, pairing Ramos with Attack Attack! sounds like a chaotic genre mismatch. But in practice, especially on “Dance!,” it works so well it’s almost alarming. Ramos brings a manic energy that complements the band’s high-octane absurdity, injecting a new level of ferocity that fits the record’s hybrid identity.
Attack Attack! II isn’t just a comeback. It’s a celebration of everything Attack Attack! was, is, and could be. It’s nostalgic without being trapped in the past. It’s goofy, yes, but also self-aware and sonically rich. And for every fan who ever cranked “Stick Stickly,” there’s something here that feels like a homecoming.
This album is loud, unapologetic, emotional, ridiculous, and yes, beautiful. Whether you’re here for the nostalgia, the breakdowns, the synth-fueled chaos, or the genuinely powerful songwriting, Attack Attack! II delivers. It’s proof that you can mix fun with feeling, and that sometimes, even a band known for synchronized squats and neon synths can evolve into something special.
