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.[1][7][8] Norwegian black metal musician Abbath of the band Immortal is similarly known for crouching and walking in a similar fashion to that of a crab during the band's performances and music videos.[9] 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".[2]
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In an interview with former Attack Attack! vocalist Caleb Shomo, Rolling Stone reporter Kory Grow referred to crabcore as a musical genre; Shomo, however, said he found the term "hilarious" and the band was "just being dumb".[7] The Phoenix New Times criticized "Stick Stickly" for its abrupt transitions and auto-tuned vocals, and stated that "crabcore" is "probably not a real genre".[10] According to John McDonnell of The Guardian:[1]
"Unlike all the other genres covered in this column, crabcore isn't defined by sonics or BPMs or lyrical content, or tied to a geographic location. Crabcore is defined by the body contortions of the band's guitarists when they perform. This is the lolloping crab-like stance adopted while a guitar player shreds, and it's not dissimilar to a sumo wrestler having extreme muscle spasms while readying themselves to engage with an opponent."
Music associated with "crabcore" and the use of the term itself has been met with criticism.[1][10] On July 13, 2009, former Attack Attack! vocalist Nick Barham was asked about crabcore in an interview with Hardtimes, and said that the band has embraced the meme as a publicity stunt. In a 2010 interview with Village Voice Media the band reiterated "people call us crabcore ... we just roll with it, it's funny."[11] Attack Attack!'s self-titled 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."[12]
In 2011 the animated sitcom South Park episode You're Getting Old aired, parodying "tween wave" music, possibly referring to "crabcore".[13][14] In 2016 Abandon All Ships' bassist Martin Broda tweeted "#defendcrabcore" just prior to the release of their single "Loafting".[4] Members of the extreme metal band Allegaeon often perform dressed in crab costumes and imitate the typical stance.[15][16] Many other bands have been referred to as "crabcore" for featuring a similar stance or musical style, including Asking Alexandria and This Romantic Tragedy.[4][6] Crabcore has sometimes been associated with electronicore characteristics, auto-tuned vocals, and excessive breakdowns "one after the other".[10] Merchandise featuring the meme is sold online.