Under Attack – Under Attack

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UNDER ATTACK is a debut band from Italy releasing their debut EP under Sliptrick Records. Formed in 2018, Under Attack is the project of Daniele Sciacca and Nando Bonini, drawing on influences like SAXON and OZZY OSBOURNE. The release date is set for 2020, but we got our hands on some sample songs. Full of traditional and early Power Metal influences, it’s a band for fans of the good old days and the music shows it.

“Soldier” starts off with some squealing guitars to the tone of a 1980s riff. However, the faint synthesizer in the background adds an unexpected element. And the vocalist is on-point. His voice is smooth and velvety. The solo has a lot of sweeps contrasted with a back riff from the other guitar and give a futuristic bent to a simple 1980s-style Melodic Metal piece. However, it was too short in my opinion. The effect is created by progressive elements scattered through a solid foundational riff.

“Beyond the Sea” is more intense than the previous song with a machine-gun bass riff in the back of the lower-toned guitars. The vocals echo like they did in the last song, giving the band a more New Wave sound. The chorus has bite to it with a hard melody. Like the last solo, it was too short for my liking; I think they could have gone longer.

“The Rules” has an echoing beginning and starts off with the chorus. The verses are tough and anthemic, and I love the way the melody soars in the opening riff. There’s a subtle echo in the back that lifts the verse up to the chorus in the refrain; it’s barely there, but it lets your ears know to expect being rocketed into an anthemic, uplifting chorus with heavenly harmonies. Again, the guitar solo is short, but the notes are slower than the other solos; there’s a continuation of the main riff.

Overall, the songs have a 1980s style to them, and it’s not just a Metal sound. A lot of the production style, the vocal style, and the tone of the music reminded me of New Wave more than the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. However, what makes the band is the little elements here and there that distinguish them from other bands from the same period.

As far as three sample songs go, if you’re really into 1980s-sounding music, and not just Metal, give them a go. Even if you’re not, the unique elements will capture your interest throughout the songs. Personally, I’d like to see what else they have and learn more about the band.

Songwriting: 9
Production: 9
Musicianship: 9
Memorability: 9