The song was released by Immortal and Virgin on May 3, 2005, as the lead single from the band's second album, A Beautiful Lie.

[2] "Attack" has been critically appreciated, with reviewers complimenting its energetic keyboards, vast, abrasive guitars and infectious vocals.

The song was the most added track on alternative radio in its first week, becoming a Billboard's Modern Rock top 30 hit.

The accompanying music video, which aired on August 29, 2005, takes place in an abandoned hotel in Hollywood and every frame hides some messages.

[8] "Attack" live at CBGB was also released on the European single of "The Kill" and on the digital extended play of "A Beautiful Lie".

[11] It entered the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks at number 37 on July 16, 2005, and reached the peak position of 22 on October 22, 2005.

[15] The song is featured in the video games ATV Offroad Fury 4, The Fast and the Furious and in the EA Trax of Madden NFL 06 (Xbox 360 only).

"Attack" was released as a purchasable download for the music video game series Rock Band on Christmas 2007.

[19] Jim Campbell of Playback wrote that "the standout tracks (“Attack”, “A Beautiful Lie”, and “The Kill”) all exude the same strong elements: interesting lyrics, sweeping vocals, and a pulsing rhythm section.

[21][22] Landon Christensen from Davis Enterprise felt that the song "is pretty catchy, with a cool keyboard pattern and Leto's impressive vocals.

"[23] Jonathan Love of The Decatur Daily wrote that "Attack" "is an expression of rebirth featuring energetic keyboards, abrasive guitars and addictive vocals, which range from a pain-stricken wail to an intimate whisper.

"[25] Connie Phillips from Blogcritics commented that the song "is a digital extravaganza of synthesizers which gives way to Leto's powerful vocals.

[29] In Canada, the video premiered on MuchMusic during MuchOnDemand on October 6, 2005, and was added to medium rotation a couple of days later.

said band member Steve Cobucci, "Capturing the feeling of knowing your own brokenness and how it impacts other people made it easier to communicate the emotion from the original.