Band: Attila
Release: About That Life (Album)
Release Date: 25/06/2013
Attila are quite something. They are one of the most original, interesting and talented bands currently touring the metal circuit, yet that’s not what is getting people talking — it’s their seemingly distasteful, inappropriate and out-right offensive lyrical content that does that. The previous record ‘Outlawed‘ was musically brilliant and lyrically crude, while their latest record ‘About That Life‘ goes quite a few steps further.
Choosing to title the opening track ‘Middle Fingers Up’ speaks for itself, really. As expected, it’s littered with expletives, but also with a bucket-load of groove and crushing breakdowns. Seeing past the rockstar attitude, there’s some sense in the lyrics as well, with vocalist Chris Fronzak giving us some sound, motivational advice: “Listen up/You can do anything you want in life/Just don’t be a fucking bitch”… not exactly words fit for a President’s inauguration speech, but the message is still there.
‘Rageaholics‘ then expresses pride in their bad boy attitudes, and the title track boasts of the party lifestyles they lead. It’s all so obnoxious and self-aware, but that’s what makes the whole thing hilarious — take none of it seriously, and it actually becomes a welcome change to the doom, gloom and political tripe that’s repeatedly splurged over metalcore riffs.
Drawing back on their originality, their style is clearly very distinct. There’s plenty of technicality, like the solo in ‘Shots for the Boys’, and that plays a huge part in justifying their arrogance. The deliverance of Fronz‘s vocals is outstanding as well. His raps are fast and well-timed, his lows are devilishly fierce and his highs are piercing, which combined put him in a league of his own.
‘About That Life‘ has everything you’d anticipate from self-proclaimed “party metallers”, with some killer solos thrown in. Just don’t expect anything other than sex, drugs and rock n roll.
8/10
Reviewer: Matt Borucki
