Crabcore

Origin and legacy#

“Crabcore” originated in late 2007, and was first seen in a live performance by Blessthefall. While performing “Higinia”, former lead singer Craig Mabbitt is seen squatting, almost in a “crab-like” way during the breakdown. However, the term “crabcore” was later popularized in reference to the Ohio metalcore band Attack Attack!, who featured a “crab-like” dance during breakdowns in their music video for the 2009 single “Stick Stickly” from the album Someday Came Suddenly. Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo is also known for a similar stance during the band’s live concerts, long before the popularization of the term “crabcore”. According to John McDonnell of The Guardian: Attack Attack!’s second album peaked at No. 26 on the Billboard 200, prompting Metal Insider reporter Zach Shaw to write “Crabcore reached this high on the charts? Indeed a sad day.” In 2011, the animated sitcom South Park episode You’re Getting Old aired, parodying “tween wave” music, possibly referring to “crabcore”. In 2016, Abandon All Ships’ bassist Martin Broda tweeted “#defendcrabcore” just prior to the release of their single “Loafting”. Many other bands have been referred to as “crabcore” for featuring a similar stance or musical style, including Asking Alexandria and This Romantic Tragedy.