New Jersey’s ATTACKER are back with a vengeance and they have retained that magnificent old-school US power metal sound they had in the early ’80s on its fifth full-length release, Giants Of Canaan. The band was a staple within the burgeoning power metal scene and helped build the foundation for the proto-speed metal sound. Born out of that classic Metal Blade Metal Massacre records era, in which Attacker appears on Vol. 1 and 5, the band’s sound is reminiscent of early FATES WARNING, RIOT, AGENT STEEL, HELSTAR, OMEN and JAG PANZER. Attacker is mostly known for its 1985 debut, Battle at Helm’s Deep, but they have released two albums after its 2001 reunion, however, nothing beats their first two albums. Original vocalist Bob Mitchell is an acquired taste, but he was such an integral part of the band’s debut album’s sound. Mitchell was replaced by John Leone (RIP) for 1988’s Second Coming but then returned for the 2001 reunion. Former SEVEN WITCHES vocalist Bobby “Leather Lungs” Lucas has been recruited for this one and he brings his soaring, trademark banshee wails to the table. His James Rivera, Ronnie James Dio and David Wayne-esque vocal qualities are obvious while he does the classic ’80s Attacker sound justice. The ten (minus opening intro) battle hymns are a true lesson in asskickery and the band has never sounded better. Attacker is back!
