This Means War (Attack Attack! album)
This Means War is the third studio album by American metalcore band Attack Attack!. It was released on January 17, 2012, through Rise Records. This album marked a significant shift in the band's sound, moving away from their earlier crabcore influences towards a more straightforward metalcore style with elements of melodic hardcore.
The album was produced by John Feldmann, known for his work with bands like The Used and Goldfinger. This Means War features heavier guitar riffs, fewer electronic elements, and a more prominent focus on clean vocals, primarily handled by Caleb Shomo. The album is also notable for being the only Attack Attack! album to feature solely Shomo on vocals, following the departure of Johnny Franck.
Lyrically, This Means War addresses themes of personal struggle, perseverance, and the importance of standing up for oneself. The album spawned several singles, including "The Wretched," "The Motivation," and "This Means War." While commercially successful, reaching number 11 on the Billboard 200 chart, This Means War received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the band's evolution and others criticizing the album's perceived lack of originality. It remains a divisive album within Attack Attack!'s discography, representing a turning point in their musical direction.