Ambar Ramirez
Words by Ambar Ramirez
I think we can all agree that music is a form of expression. It is an art form after all. Each genre of music is a manifestation of the emotions we all feel. And I don’t know about you but when I think about metal music, I think about rage. But the metalcore band, Attila is bringing a whole new meaning to metal and how we view the music genre.
It all began when Chris “Fronz” Fronzak (lead singer), Sean Heenan (drums), Sam Halcomb (former bass guitarist), Matt Booth (former guitarist) and Kris Wilson (former guitarist) met through mutual friends in high school back in 2005 in their hometown Atlanta. It was as if fate brought this group together because soon after releasing their debut album through Statik Factory Records, the band got signed with Artery Records in 2010 and went on to perform with some of the biggest names in the metalcore band game. Such as Sleeping With Sirens, Drop Dead, Gorgeous, Woe Is Me and so much more.
Since then, there have been a couple of changes in the members of the band, but they have never stopped releasing music and going on tours.
I had the privilege of speaking with Chris “Fronz” Fronzak, the lead singer and only consistent member of Attila.
Ambar: Which artist in your music genre inspires you and your band? And what about this artist inspires you?
Fronz: Pantera. Their heavy, Southern-inspired, and have a don’t give a f*ck attitude
Ambar: Overall, what inspires your music?
Fronz: Real-life events. We’re dudes that like to party and listen to heavy music and what we write is a reflection of our lifestyle.
Ambar: What does metal mean to you?
Fronz: It’s an outlet. An expression. A way to express yourself in ways other genres can’t touch. Everything hits hard and feels good.
Ambar: What emotions and feelings do you hope your music conveys?
Fronz: I just want people to have fun and enjoy life. Life’s short; live it up to the fullest.
Ambar: Your band and you have been together for over 10 years and commonly, bands break up, go on to do solo careers, etc. Why do you think you guys have stuck together for so long?
Fronz: Because we’re all best friends. Most bands aren’t friends and wouldn’t hang out with each other outside of touring. We all love each other and love the music we make together. That’s why we will be around for eternity.
Ambar: In your opinion, what sets you apart from other metalcore bands?
Fronz: Everyone else is overly serious to the point of being fake and tacky. Everyone else is too “PC.” We just have fun and keep it real. Something no one else does anymore.
Ambar: Tell me a little bit about this tour and what people should expect at your show.
Fronz: This tour has been incredible! There’s only a few shows left but every date has been packed and wild. Expect total chaos. Ha ha.
Ambar: Besides being a metalcore band, how would you describe your music?
Fronz: Music for people who like to have fun and don’t take every single thing too seriously.
Ambar: Do you have a favorite song you like to perform? If so, why?
Fronz: On this tour it’s been our song “Backtalk” I don’t know why but that song just slaps hard as f*ck.
Ambar: Tell me the meaning behind the band’s name Attila.
Fronz: Nothing deep. We just named ourselves after Attila the Hun. We saw a book about Attila at a bookstore in 2004 and just ran with it!
Ambar: Are you actually running for president? What sparked this idea?
Fronz: Yes, I am. The country needs a real human to be president, someone who represents the majority of people. Politicians suck, it’s time for a non-politician to be president.
The Attila band is performing at Underbelly on Oct. 17. This isn’t a show you’ll wanna miss. Especially if you’re in need of some chaos and rage. Happy head-banging!
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