Review Summary: "Partycore". Nothing less, nothing more.
Attila is a band that has always had an evenly split mix of fans that adore them, and others that believe they make a bad name for music. Known for having front man Chris Fronzak appear on an episode of MTV's "Made", they've never had much of a serious reputation in the music scene. With the release of "Rage", it was the start of something people referred to as "partycore" (I suppose due to the outrageous lyrics). Now what the actual genre Attila even is, I'll leave that to you.
It's a year later, and "Outlawed" is finally released. Fans will be disappointed however, as Attila really haven't improved much at all. Throughout this half-hour, 10 track mess, you won't find many shining moments or brilliant ideas. It's the same wankery that "Rage" was known for, but it's just even worse.
Now don't get me wrong - Attila is a group of solid musicians. They know their instruments and can play competently, they just aren't making the right kind of music. Again, "Outlawed" is littered with breakdowns and insane lyrics. Take the final track of the album "Payback" for example: "I will find your ***ing bitch and *** her, right in front of you". Not exactly the most intelligent or meaningful lyrics ever written. But Attila has stated they never really care what people think, they just make fun music. The problem is however, is that the music just isn't that "fun".
It really is very hard to distinguish where one track ends and the others begin on "Outlawed". The same format is applied to virtually every song, with very little straying from the formula. However, there are a couple of great half-developed ideas in the album (although short-lived). The intro riff of "Light Me Up" is pretty damn catchy, and then it proceeds to a breakdown (what a tease). The ending of "Nasty Mouth" has a nice rhythm guitar section, but again it's short lived.
If you are a fan of obscene lyrics and the standard chug-chug breakdowns, then by all means this is the album for you. But for fans of quality metal, this just isn't the album you'll enjoy. If Attila could get serious and try to produce something above mediocre, I'm sure they could succeed. But if they ever will, now that's the mystery.
