Attila – “Chaos” [Album Review]

I take no shame in saying that Attila is one of my favourite bands of all time. Living in a culture that’s saturated with nonsense, it’s refreshing to hear music with lyrics that have little to no regard to societal norms while retaining instrumental integrity. If you’re familiar with Attila’s past works, you’ll know that their sound generally consists of deathcore instrumentation with some southern rock twang and rapid fire vocal screams about having a good time, usually in a reckless fashion, as well as a general disdain for people who “act like bitches”. The fact that some people might find the lyrical themes offensive adds to enjoyment of the music.

Whether it’s the super tight, quick breakdown rhythms or shreddy guitar leads/solos, the technical proficiency of Attila is undeniable, so anyone who claims this isn’t “real metal” can … stfu. What I find interesting about “Chaos” is that while that aspect has been in many respects preserved, the more tamed song structures and instrumental writing has allowed for a wider array of sounds and dynamics. Techy guitar writing, for example, tends to stay at full blast on metal albums, but on the track “Moshpit”, for example, the rhythm guitar writing allows for more dynamic builds as well as sonic space for new elements, in this case a variety of EDM/trap-type layers. With the guitar writing being less dense, the vocal writing has the opportunity to shine more, something for which Attila might not necessarily be known. Usually characterized as more of a “screamer,” Fronz whipped out the big guns, in my opinion, and has created an interesting concoction of pitched yells, singing, and rapping in conjunction with his signature growl. One of my favourite vocal parts on the album reside in the chorus of “Bulletproof”. The combination of singing layered with yells and percussive melody that teeters on rap allows for Fronz’s true genius to shine. Like it or not, this dude is witty and knows how to rage, so you might as well accept his invitation to participate in his fun.

I think that about sums up everything that you need to know. I guess I could add that you should expect to hear a handful of feelgood, return to nu-metal riffs on this album. The bounce in “Queen” is real … “Don’t stop, get it get it.”

Track Listing:
01. Ignite
02. Bulletproof
03. Public Apology
04. Obsession
05. Moshpit (feat. Ookay)
06. Rise Up
07. Let’s Get Abducted
08. Legend
09. Queen
10. All Hail Rock and Roll
11. King

Run Time: 38:21
Release Date: November 4, 2016

Check out the track “Bulletproof”