ATTACKER „“The Unknown””

Music: Power Metal
Country: U.S.A.
Website: www.attacker.tv
Cool Songs: Fight Like the Devil, This is Power, Blessed with This Curse

Although not as well known as groups such as MEGADETH, METALLICA, METAL CHURCH, and EXCITER, ATTACKER was an integral piece to spreading the word about power metal and thrash in America. Having released its first demo way back in 1984, the group showed it was a powerhouse in the American metal scene with its full length debut “At Helm’s Deep”, which Brian Slagel wisely released via his new label, Metal Blade Records in 1985. Fast forward twenty-plus years later and the band is still kicking ass.

Other than hearing ATTACKER’s music via a power metal comp and reading Metal Centre’s interview with the group (great work Nancy), this is my first real exposure to the band, so I can’t make a comparison to the band’s earlier efforts. Fans tend to have nostalgic attachments to bands’ early outputs; often those fans are correct, too. That being said, it is hard to believe their early material was tremendously better than “The Unknown” because this is a classic metal album, through-and-through. Right from the album’s beginning “This is Power” to the final bonus track “Fear of Disgrace” the group will hook the listener with tight playing, heavy riffing, and phenomenal high-pitch vocal wails.

The album’s first track “This is Power” is molded specifically for true metal heads. Vocalist, Bob Mitchell emphatically sings “Runs through your veins /A surge of chaos/Metal takes control/Harness the light/Torches of fire/Loudness takes control—This is power.” Anyone raised on classic metal will surely understand the full force of these lyrics and be compelled to sing along, while pumping his/her fist.

Bob Mitchell’s vocals are a rarity in today’s norm of screams and growls. He maintains the classic power metal/NWOBHM style. His wicked snarl and unwavering high pitch cries resemble former METAL CHURCH vocalist, David Wayne (R.I.P.) in pitch and sound. ATTACKER understands exactly how to utilize the front man’s talents, raising his voice operatically or simply donning a more sinister snarl to accent certain lyrical lines.

Mitchell’s vocals are impressive, but the guitar work on ‘The Unknown’ is equally awesome. The guitar tandem of Pat Marinelli and Mike Benetatos play a good mix of speed, bar chord heaviness, and melodies. The two know how to create catchy rhythms through changing up the pace from ascending and descending speed scales to gallops. Both are listed as lead guitarists because the album is stripped from solos. Instead, the two mesh their leads together for melodic changes or changes in intensity. Simply put, the twin guitar harmonies on this album are spectacular!

It is comforting to know that in this day and age of emo-laced metal core and unrecognizable vocals; there are still bands like ATTACKER kicking out no-bullshit heavy metal. With young bands like 3 INCHES OF BLOOD paying homage to the legends of 80s metal, hopefully his classic style will remain for a very long time. For more information about ATTACKER, head over to our interview section to read Nancy Luke’s informative interview with the band.

note: 9/10

Tracklist

1. This is Power
2. Anger Aggression
3. Blessed With This Curse
4. The Unknown
5. Nail it Down
6. I Am Sinn
7. Your Own World
8. Devil's War
9. Brainshake
10. Tieneblas
11. Fear of Disgrace
Total playing time 47:35

Line-up

Bob Mitchell – vocals
Pat Marinelli – guitars
Lou Ciarlo – bass
Mike Benetatos – guitars
Mike Sabatini – drums