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.
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.
Graham Bonnet (Rainbow Band) , known for his powerful and distinctive vocal style, joined The Michael Schenker Group for the Assault Attack album in 1982. His addition marked a significant departure from the style established by his predecessor, Gary Barden. Bonnet had already gained fame for his work with Rainbow on the album Down to Earth (1979), where his versatile and commanding voice proved capable of blending hard rock and melodic elements.
Compared to its predecessors, Assault Attack stands out for its heavier and more aggressive tone. The collaboration between Michael Schenker and producer Martin Birch (renowned for his work with Deep Purple and Iron Maiden) resulted in a polished yet raw sound that pushed the band's hard rock style into heavier territories.
The album: "MSG MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP ASSAULT ATTACK" was produced by: Martin "The Ninja" Birch
Martin Birch's: The man behind the soundboard, shaping iconic rock and metal anthems. His journey from sound engineer to legendary producer is a testament to passion and innovation. Read on his career
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
Fin Costello: Discover the man behind the lens who immortalized rock's golden age. Explore Fin Costello's journey through the vibrant 70s music scene and his iconic photographs that defined an era.
Hard Rock, Heavy Metal
Chrysalis 205 094
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1982 Europe
Michael Schenker from Scorpions, via UFO to MSG, Michael Schenker's guitar mastery has shaped rock history. Discover the blazing solos and melodic brilliance that define this iconic musician's legacy.
Graham Bonnet stands as one of the most dynamic and versatile vocalists in the history of rock music. With a career spanning over five decades, Bonnet has left an indelible mark on the genres of rock, heavy metal, and hard rock. Known for his powerful voice and wide-ranging musical versatility, Bonnet has fronted some of the most influential bands and has built a remarkable solo career.
Early Years and Rise to Fame
Born on 23 December 1947 in Skegness, England, Graham Bonnet began his musical journey in the 1960s. His initial foray into the music industry was with the pop duo The Marbles, where he achieved a hit single, "Only One Woman," in 1968. This early success showcased Bonnet's strong, clear vocal style and hinted at the powerful performances that would define his later career.
Breakthrough with Rainbow
Bonnet's big break came in 1979 when he joined Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow, replacing Ronnie James Dio as the lead vocalist. His first and only album with Rainbow, "Down to Earth," was released the same year and featured the hit singles "Since You Been Gone" and "All Night Long." Bonnet's distinctive voice, blending rock grit with melodic finesse, brought a fresh sound to Rainbow and helped the album achieve commercial success.
Michael Schenker Group and Alcatrazz
After leaving Rainbow, Bonnet joined the Michael Schenker Group (MSG) in 1982. His tenure with MSG was brief but notable, contributing to the album "Assault Attack," which is often celebrated for its powerful vocal performances and technical prowess.
In 1983, Bonnet founded Alcatrazz, a band that would become a significant chapter in his career. Alcatrazz's music was a unique blend of heavy metal and hard rock, characterized by intricate musicianship and Bonnet's soaring vocals. The band's debut album, "No Parole from Rock 'n' Roll," featured the virtuosic guitar work of Yngwie Malmsteen. The follow-up albums, "Disturbing the Peace" (1985) with Steve Vai and "Dangerous Games" (1986) with Danny Johnson, further solidified Alcatrazz's reputation as a pioneering band in the metal scene.
Solo Career and Collaborations
Parallel to his work with bands, Bonnet maintained a solo career that showcased his versatility as an artist. His self-titled debut solo album in 1977, before joining Rainbow, featured a mix of rock and pop, demonstrating his ability to traverse genres. In the years following Alcatrazz, Bonnet continued to release solo albums and collaborated with numerous artists and bands.
One notable collaboration was with the supergroup Impellitteri , where he recorded the critically acclaimed album "Stand in Line" in 1988. Bonnet's powerful vocals paired with Chris Impellitteri's blazing guitar work made for a compelling combination.
Continued Influence and Legacy
Graham Bonnet's influence on rock and metal is profound. His ability to adapt his vocal style to various musical contexts has made him a sought-after vocalist throughout his career. Whether delivering hard-hitting rock anthems or more melodic tracks, Bonnet's voice remains instantly recognizable and consistently powerful.
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)
The album cover of Assault Attack by The Michael Schenker Group is a fiery and dramatic visual that perfectly encapsulates the intensity and raw energy of the music within. Dominated by an image of a silhouetted guitarist raising a Flying V guitar into the air, the cover exudes power and triumph, symbolizing Michael Schenker’s iconic presence and mastery. The silhouette, set against an eruptive backdrop of vivid orange and red flames, creates a striking contrast that draws the viewer’s attention instantly. The imagery suggests a volcanic explosion of energy, mirroring the album’s heavier and more aggressive sound. The color scheme of fiery tones, balanced with the stark black silhouette, reinforces the album’s theme of unrelenting power and intensity.
Typography on the cover complements the dramatic design. At the top, the band’s name, The Michael Schenker Group, is boldly displayed in white uppercase text, standing out against the vibrant background. The album title, Assault Attack, appears at the bottom in bold yellow text, with a red bar underneath, further emphasizing the album’s aggressive tone. The MSG logo, positioned prominently in the upper left corner, adds a sharp and modern edge to the classic design. Together, these elements create a cover that not only reflects the boldness and energy of the album but also solidifies its place as one of the most visually memorable in the band’s discography. This explosive cover art is a fitting representation of Michael Schenker’s dynamic guitar work and the album’s powerful musical themes.
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 ).
"Assault Attack" White To Blue Colour with white butterfly logo CHRYSALIS Record Label Details: CHRYSALIS 205 094 ℗ 1982 Sound Copyright
The record label of The Michael Schenker Group’s album Assault Attack showcases a clean and distinctive design that reflects the minimalist branding of Chrysalis Records in the 1980s. The label features a gradient background, transitioning from white at the top to a soft blue at the bottom, creating a visually appealing contrast. At the top, the band name and album title are printed in bold black text for easy readability, ensuring the key details stand out. The Chrysalis butterfly logo is prominently placed at the bottom, accompanied by the label name in bold white text, adding to the iconic and recognizable branding of the company. Surrounding the label’s edge is the copyright text, written in German, emphasizing the restrictions on unauthorized duplication and lending.
One notable aspect of the label is the inclusion of both GEMA and STEMRA, performance rights organizations for Germany and the Netherlands, respectively. This dual listing highlights the album’s European distribution, showcasing its compliance with copyright and licensing regulations across multiple regions. Additional details such as the “ST 33” designation for stereo and 33 RPM playback and the catalog number “205 094” provide clear identification for collectors and distributors. With its clean design and detailed information, the record label effectively combines functionality and aesthetics while emphasizing the professional production and international distribution of the album.
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.
Assault Attack 12" Vinyl 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.
Built to Destroy 12" Vinyl LP
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.
Show Michael Schenker Group - Self-titled 12" Vinyl LP
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."
One Night at Budokan 12" Vinyl LP
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.
Perfect Timing 12" Vinyl LP
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.
Rock Will Never Die 12" Vinyl LP
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.
Save Yourself (Picture Disc)