MSG MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP ASSAULT ATTACK 12" Vinyl LP Album

The Michael Schenker Group's "Assault Attack" (1982) made a distinct mark in the early '80s rock scene. With vocalist Graham Bonnet and producer Martin Birch, the album, recorded in France, marked a departure towards a heavier sound. Despite not matching earlier commercial success, it remains a significant testament to the evolving musical landscape of its time, blending powerful vocals and intense guitar riffs.

 

Album Front Cover Photo of MSG MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP ASSAULT ATTACK

"Assault Attack" Album Description:

The Michael Schenker Group's third studio album, "Assault Attack," stands as a significant contribution to the realm of rock music during the early 1980s. Released in 1982, the album bears the distinctive mark of its time period, reflecting the musical landscape and industry dynamics prevalent during the era.

During the early 1980s, the rock music scene underwent notable transformations, with various subgenres emerging and artists experimenting with different sounds and styles. "Assault Attack" by The Michael Schenker Group played a pivotal role in this evolving landscape. The album showcased the band's evolution, introducing a new vocalist, Graham Bonnet, who had previously lent his powerful voice to Rainbow.

Production-wise, the album benefited from the expertise of renowned producer Martin Birch. Recorded at the Château d'Hérouville in France, the choice of location added a unique flavor to the album's sonic character. Birch's production skills, honed through his work with iconic bands like Deep Purple and Iron Maiden, contributed to the album's overall polished and dynamic sound.

One of the notable aspects of "Assault Attack" is its experimentation with a heavier and more aggressive sound compared to the band's previous works. This shift in musical direction can be attributed to Michael Schenker's desire to explore new territories and adapt to the changing preferences of the audience during that time.

The album's title track, "Assault Attack," exemplifies this shift, featuring intense guitar riffs and Bonnet's commanding vocals. Tracks like "Rock You to the Ground" and "Dancer" further showcase the band's ability to deliver energetic and hard-hitting performances.

In the context of the early 1980s, where the rock genre was branching into various subgenres like glam metal and hard rock, "Assault Attack" added a fresh and distinctive voice to the musical conversation. While not achieving the same commercial success as some of the band's earlier works, the album remains a notable testament to the artistic evolution of The Michael Schenker Group.

Production & Recording Information

The album: "MSG MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP ASSAULT ATTACK" was produced by: Martin "The Ninja" Birch

Martin Birch Martin Birch was an English music producer and engineer who was active from the late 1960s to the early 2000s. He was born on 26th June 1948 in East Molesey, England, and began his career as a producer and engineer in the late 1960s, working with several notable British bands of the time, including Fleetwood Mac and Deep Purple.

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Birch's biggest contributions to music came in the 1970s and 1980s, when he worked as a producer and engineer for several of the most influential and popular heavy metal bands of the era, including Black Sabbath, Rainbow, and most notably, Iron Maiden. He was an important figure in the development of the heavy metal genre, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential and important producers of heavy metal music.

Birch's approach to production was characterized by his use of powerful and dynamic sound, which helped to define the sound of heavy metal in the 1970s and 1980s. He was known for his ability to bring out the best in the musicians he worked with, and for his willingness to experiment and take risks in the studio. He was also known for his commitment to quality and his attention to detail, which helped to ensure that the albums he produced had a timeless quality and still sound great decades after their original release.

Birch worked with Iron Maiden for over two decades, producing several of the band's most iconic and enduring albums, including "The Number of the Beast," "Powerslave," and "Somewhere in Time." He was an important part of the band's creative process, and helped to shape the band's sound and style.

Martin Birch retired from music production in the early 2000s, but his legacy lives on through the music he produced and the countless musicians he inspired and influenced. He is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of heavy metal music, and his contributions to the genre continue to be celebrated and revered.

Martin Birch's production style was known for its clarity, power and dynamic sound. He was an early adopter of using multi-track recording and employed innovative recording techniques, such as creating layered soundscapes by recording and re-recording guitar parts multiple times, to achieve his desired sound. He was also known for his use of echo and reverb to create a sense of depth and space in his recordings.

Birch was known for his ability to bring out the best in the musicians he worked with and his hands-on approach to production. He was often involved in the arrangements and would often suggest changes to the songs to enhance their impact. He was also known for his attention to detail, taking the time to get the sound just right, and his dedication to quality, always striving to make each album sound as good as it could.

Aside from his work with Iron Maiden, Birch also produced albums for several other influential heavy metal bands, including Judas Priest , Black Sabbath and Rainbow . He was also sought after by other musicians from outside of the heavy metal genre, and worked with artists such as Fleetwood Mac , The Move, and Deep Purple .

Birch was awarded with several gold and platinum records for his work, and was recognized for his contributions to the heavy metal genre with induction into the Heavy Metal Hall of Fame in 2006.

Although Martin Birch retired from music production in the early 2000s, his legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians and producers today. He is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential figures in the history of heavy metal music, and his work continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by fans of the genre around the world.

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Martin "The Ninja" Birch, Benedict Tobias Fenner, Patrick Drouget

This album was recorded at: Le Chateau, France

Mixed at Musicland Studios, Munich

Album cover photography: Fin Costello, Brian Aris


Music Genre:

Hard Rock, Heavy Metal 

Label & Catalognr:

Chrysalis 205 094

Media Format:

Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:

1982 Europe

Musicians:
  • Michael Schenker - guitars

    Michael Schenker, a renowned guitarist from Germany, is widely recognized for his exceptional skills and contributions to the world of rock and metal music. Born on January 10, 1955, in Sarstedt, Germany, Michael grew up in a family of musicians, with his father playing the violin and his mother singing opera. This musical environment had a profound influence on Michael's development as a musician.

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    At the age of 15, Michael Schenker gained prominence when he joined the Scorpions, a popular German rock band, in 1970. His exceptional guitar skills and unique style quickly made him stand out. Michael's time with the Scorpions led to the release of their debut album, "Lonesome Crow", in 1972, showcasing his incredible talent at a young age.

    However, it was with the British rock band UFO that Michael Schenker truly made his mark on the international music scene. He joined UFO in 1973 and became a key member of the band. His guitar work on albums like "Phenomenon" (1974), "Force It" (1975), and "No Heavy Petting" (1976) showcased his versatility and melodic sensibilities, earning him recognition as one of the most influential guitarists of the era.

    In 1978, Michael Schenker left UFO to form his own band, the Michael Schenker Group (MSG) . The band's self-titled debut album, released in 1980, received critical acclaim and further established Michael as a virtuoso guitarist. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, MSG released a series of successful albums, including "Assault Attack" (1982) and "Perfect Timing" (1987), solidifying Michael's reputation as a leading figure in the world of rock and metal.

    While pursuing his solo career with MSG, Michael Schenker maintained a connection with his former bands. He rejoined the Scorpions briefly in the early 1990s, contributing to their albums "Crazy World" (1990) and "Face the Heat" (1993). However, due to creative differences and personal reasons, he departed from the Scorpions once again.

    Michael's guitar playing style is characterized by his impressive technical ability and his incorporation of neoclassical elements, blending melodic hooks with intricate solos. He has been a significant influence on subsequent generations of guitarists and played a pivotal role in the development of the neoclassical metal genre.

    Over the years, Michael Schenker has continued to release albums and tour extensively, captivating audiences worldwide with his electrifying performances. His discography includes notable releases such as "Bridge the Gap" (2013) and "Resurrection" (2018), featuring collaborations with prominent musicians and showcasing his evolution as an artist.

  • Graham Bonnet - lead & backing vocals

      Graham Bonnet an English rock singer and songwriter. He has recorded and performed as a solo artist and as a member of several hard rock and heavy metal bands including: The Marbles, Rainbow, Alcatrazz, Impellitteri, Michael Schenker Group, Southern Comfort, The Blue Sect, The Graham Bonnet Set, The Party Boys.

  • Chris Glen - bass
  • Ted McKenna - Drummer

    Edward McKenna Edward McKenna was a Scottish drummer who played with The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Rory Gallagher ,The Greg Lake Band, and The Michael Schenker Group. He also toured with Ian Gillan for a short period of time in 1990, alongside fellow former SAHB member, bassist Chris Glen. He lectured in Applied Arts at North Glasgow College from 1996–2011. (Source; wikipedia)

  • Tommy Eyre - Keyboards
Tracklisting Side One:
  1. "Assault Attack" (Michael Schenker, Graham Bonnet, Chris Glen, Ted McKenna) - 4:16
  2. "Rock You to the Ground" (Schenker, Bonnet) - 5:48
  3. "Dancer" (Schenker, Bonnet) - 4:41
  4. "Samurai" (Schenker, Bonnet, Glen) - 5:16
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. "Desert Song" (Schenker, Bonnet) - 5:51
  2. "Broken Promises" (Schenker, Bonnet, Glen) - 6:21
  3. "Searching for a Reason" (Schenker, Bonnet) - 3:46
  4. "Ulcer" (Schenker) - 3:53

 

Front Cover Photo Of MSG MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP - Assault Attack 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

MSG MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP - Assault Attack 12" Vinyl LP Album front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

 Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

Photo Of The Back Cover MSG MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP - Assault Attack 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

MSG MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP - Assault Attack 12" Vinyl LP Album back cover

Close up of Side One record's label MSG MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP - Assault Attack 12" Vinyl LP Album

"Assault Attack" White To Blue Colour with white butterfly logo CHRYSALIS Record Label Details: CHRYSALIS 205 094 ℗ 1982 Sound Copyright

"Assault Attack" White To Blue Colour with white butterfly logo CHRYSALIS Record Label Details: CHRYSALIS 205 094 ℗ 1982 Sound Copyright

Side Two Close up of record's label MSG MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP - Assault Attack 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

Side Two Close up of record's label MSG MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP - Assault Attack 12" Vinyl LP Album
 

Index of MICHAEL SCHENKER Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery

The Michael Schenker Group (MSG) is a British rock band formed in 1979 by German guitar player Michael Schenker. Schenker is best known for his work as a guitarist with the band UFO, but left the band to form the Michael Schenker Group.

The band's first lineup consisted of Schenker on guitar, Gary Barden on vocals, Chris Glen on bass, and Cozy Powell on drums. This lineup released the band's debut album, "The Michael Schenker Group," in 1980. The album featured the hit single "Armed and Ready" and was a commercial success.

Throughout the 1980s, the band went through several lineup changes, with Schenker being the only consistent member. Despite these changes, the band continued to release albums and tour extensively. Some of their most notable albums from this era include "Assault Attack" (1982) and "Built to Destroy" (1983).

Michael Schenker Group - Assault Attack 12" LP
MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP - Assault Attack

Chrysalis 205 094 , 1982 , Europe

The Michael Schenker Group's "Assault Attack" (1982) made a distinct mark in the early '80s rock scene. With vocalist Graham Bonnet and producer Martin Birch, the album, recorded in France, marked a departure towards a heavier sound. Despite not matching earlier commercial success, it remains a significant testament to the evolving musical landscape of its time, blending powerful vocals and intense guitar riffs.

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Michael Schenker Group - Built to Destroy 12" LP
MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP - Built to Destroy LP

Chrysalis 205 651 (205651) , 1983 , EEC

Michael Schenker Group's 1983 album "Built to Destroy" encapsulates the dynamic shift in 1980s rock. Melding hard rock and metal, the LP, produced by MSG and Louis Austin, showcases Schenker's guitar virtuosity. With tracks like "Rock My Nights Away" and "Captain Nemo" it contributes to the era's evolving sound. The album's enduring influence lies in its production quality and cultural impact, making it a timeless gem in rock history.

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Michael Schenker Group - Self-titled
Michael Schenker Group - Self-titled

 

The Michael Schenker Group's eponymous debut, released in September 1980, significantly influenced the hard rock genre during the dynamic late '70s and early '80s. Fueled by Michael Schenker's exceptional guitar skills, the album, available on vinyl LP, showcased a diverse range of tracks, contributing to the evolving sound of hard rock. Its enduring impact and distinctive production mark it as a pivotal release in rock music history.

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Michael Schenker Group -  One Night at Budokan
Thumbnail Of  Michael Schenker Group -  One Night at Budokan  album front cover

Chrysalis 301 927 , 1981 , Germany / Netherlands

"MSG Michael Schenker Group's 'One Night at Budokan' (1982) encapsulates the peak of 1980s rock and metal. Produced by T.Leo Sato and Hiro Kadoma, engineered by Soiji Okumura and David Wooley, the live recording at Tokyo Budokan showcases virtuosity. Yukio Maehara's design and Koichira Hiki, Kazumura Yoshikawa's photography enhance the visual narrative. A sonic journey through time, this iconic 2LP 12" vinyl immortalizes a historic night in music."

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Michael Schenker Group - Perfect Timing
 MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP - Perfect Timing

EMI Electrola 1C 064-7 48346 , 1987 , Germany

"Perfect Timing," the inaugural album by the McAuley Schenker Group, marks the initial synergy between iconic guitarist Michael Schenker and vocalist Robin McAuley. Released on 12" Vinyl LP, this 1987 masterpiece encapsulates a musical era characterized by dynamic collaborations. With its fusion of Schenker's legendary guitar prowess and McAuley's captivating vocals, the album makes an indelible contribution to the period's rock landscape, solidifying its significance within the context of the late '80s.

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Michael Schenker Group - Rock Will Never Die  Rock Will Never Die
Rock Will Never Die

Chrysalis 206 348, 1984 , Netherlands / Europe

"MSG Michael Schenker Group - Rock Will Never Die" is a live rock album recorded in 1983 at Hammersmith Odeon, London. Produced by Jack Douglas and others, its sonic brilliance is heightened by engineers James Ball and Gray Russell. Capturing the essence of '80s rock, the album's visual identity, crafted by Martin Brown, and cover photography by Fin Costello and Justin Thomas, complement the musical journey. A timeless classic, it resonates with the enduring spirit of live performances.

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McAuley Schenker Group -  Save Yourself ( Picture Disc )
Thumbnail Of  Save Yourself ( Picture Disc)   album front cover

EMI Electrola , 1989 , Europe

The MCAULEY SCHENKER GROUP's "Save Yourself PD Picture Disc" epitomizes the late '80s and early '90s music scene. Produced by Frank Filipetti, the shaped picture disc, adorned with Annamaria Di Santo's photo, stands as a testament to creative innovation. It captures the era's spirit, blending diverse genres and pushing artistic boundaries. This multi-sensory experience reflects a dynamic period in European music history, where sound and visuals harmoniously intertwine.

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