🎸 Michael Schenker Group – Assault Attack (1982)
Assault Attack is the third studio album by The Michael Schenker Group, released on September 19, 1982.
The album is famous for featuring former Rainbow vocalist Graham Bonnet, bringing a more dramatic and powerful vocal style to MSG’s sound.
Produced by legendary producer Martin Birch (known for his work with Iron Maiden and Deep Purple), Assault Attack is often considered one of MSG’s most polished and intense releases.
🧬 Album Overview
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Artist: The Michael Schenker Group
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Album Type: Studio
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Release Date: September 19, 1982
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Genre: Hard Rock, Heavy Metal
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Label: Chrysalis Records
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Producer: Martin Birch
This album marked a heavier, sharper production compared to previous MSG releases, aligning more closely with the early-80s heavy metal movement.
👥 Band Lineup (1982)
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🎸 Michael Schenker – Lead Guitar
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🎤 Graham Bonnet – Vocals
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🎹 Paul Raymond – Guitar & Keyboards
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🎸 Chris Glen – Bass
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🥁 Ted McKenna – Drums
Graham Bonnet’s powerful, operatic vocal approach gave the album a different character compared to Gary Barden’s era.
💿 Tracklist
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Assault Attack
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Rock You to the Ground
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Dancer
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Samurai
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Desert Song
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Broken Promises
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Searching for a Reason
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Ulcer
🔥 Essential Tracks
🎵 Assault Attack
A powerful opener with tight riffing and dramatic vocal delivery.
🎵 Rock You to the Ground
Fast, aggressive, and energetic — a fan favorite.
🎵 Dancer
Melodic yet heavy, showcasing Bonnet’s vocal strength.
🎵 Desert Song
Often considered the album’s masterpiece — epic, emotional, and atmospheric.
🎸 Guitar & Production Style
This album stands out for:
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⚡ Sharper, more metallic guitar tone
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🥁 Tighter and punchier drum production
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🎶 More dramatic and theatrical vocals
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🎧 Classic early-80s heavy metal sound courtesy of Martin Birch
Schenker’s melodic phrasing remains central, but the overall feel is heavier and more intense than previous albums.
🎉 Fun Facts
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Graham Bonnet was fired shortly after the album’s release due to onstage behavior and internal tensions.
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Producer Martin Birch was also working with Iron Maiden during this era.
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“Desert Song” became one of the most respected MSG tracks among fans.
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The album cover features a striking blue-toned design that became iconic among 80s metal fans.
🤯 Trivia
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Before joining MSG, Graham Bonnet fronted Rainbow during the Down to Earth era.
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Michael Schenker had previously played with UFO, where he built his reputation as a guitar virtuoso.
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Despite internal band instability, Assault Attack is often ranked among MSG’s best albums.
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The album charted modestly but gained strong cult status over time.
❓ Did You Know?
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🎤 Graham Bonnet reportedly recorded much of the album quickly, bringing a spontaneous edge to the performances.
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🎸 “Desert Song” is frequently cited as one of Michael Schenker’s most emotional compositions.
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⚡ Many fans consider Assault Attack the heaviest MSG album of the early era.
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🌍 MSG had particularly strong followings in Japan and Europe during this period.
The Michael Schenker Group Full Discography
Download The Michael Schenker Group Albums from Amazon Music
More Albums:
The Michael Schenker Group – The Michael Schenker Group (1980)
Michael Schenker Group - MSG (1981)
Michael Schenker Group - Assault Attack (1982)
Michael Schenker Group - Built to Destroy (1983)
Michael Schenker Group - Written in the Sand (1996)
Michael Schenker Group - The Unforgiven (1999)
Michael Schenker Group - Be Aware of Scorpions (2011)
