🎸 Michael Schenker Group – MSG (1981)
MSG is the second studio album by The Michael Schenker Group, released in October 1981.
Often referred to as the “second MSG album,” this record continued the powerful momentum established by the band’s 1980 debut. With heavier production, sharper songwriting, and more refined arrangements, MSG helped solidify guitarist Michael Schenker as one of the most respected melodic hard rock guitarists of the era.
🧬 Album Overview
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Artist: The Michael Schenker Group
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Album Type: Studio
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Release Date: October 1981
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Genre: Hard Rock, Heavy Metal
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Label: Chrysalis Records
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Producer: Michael Schenker & Gary Lyons
This album leaned slightly more into early-80s heavy metal territory while retaining Schenker’s signature melodic phrasing and dramatic songwriting.
👥 Band Lineup (1981)
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🎸 Michael Schenker – Lead Guitar
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🎤 Gary Barden – Vocals
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🎹 Paul Raymond – Keyboards & Guitar (ex-UFO)
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🎸 Chris Glen – Bass
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🥁 Cozy Powell – Drums (legendary hard rock drummer)
The addition of Cozy Powell gave the band a heavier and more thunderous rhythm section compared to the debut album.
💿 Tracklist
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Ready to Rock
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Attack of the Mad Axeman
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On and On
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Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
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But I Want More
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Never Trust a Stranger
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Looking for Love
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Secondary Motion
🔥 Essential & Popular Tracks
🎵 Ready to Rock
A high-energy opener and one of MSG’s most recognizable live tracks.
🎵 Attack of the Mad Axeman
A fast, aggressive guitar-driven track — a fan favorite and a showcase of Schenker’s precision playing.
🎵 On and On
Melodic hard rock anthem with strong hooks and emotional vocals.
🎵 Looking for Love
One of the album’s more accessible and catchy songs.
🎸 Guitar & Sound Evolution
Compared to the 1980 debut, MSG features:
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⚡ More aggressive riffing
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🥁 Heavier drum presence thanks to Cozy Powell
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🎶 Stronger melodic hooks
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🎸 Tighter song structures
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🎹 More defined keyboard layers
Schenker’s tone remains sharp, emotional, and technically controlled — never overly flashy, always melodic.
🎉 Fun Facts
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“Attack of the Mad Axeman” is considered one of Schenker’s signature guitar tracks.
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Cozy Powell’s powerful drumming brought a heavier dynamic to MSG’s sound.
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The album cover features Schenker’s now-iconic black-and-white Flying V guitar aesthetic.
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Paul Raymond’s addition strengthened the band’s songwriting depth and stage presence.
🤯 Trivia
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Michael Schenker had already built his reputation through his work with Scorpions and UFO before forming MSG.
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Despite critical praise, internal tensions within the band would later lead to lineup changes.
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The album performed particularly well in Europe and Japan, where MSG had a strong following.
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Many guitarists of the 80s metal scene cite Schenker’s early MSG albums as major influences.
❓ Did You Know?
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🎸 “Attack of the Mad Axeman” is often included in lists of the greatest 80s guitar tracks.
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🌍 MSG developed a massive fanbase in Japan during this period.
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⚡ Cozy Powell would later play with bands like Rainbow and Black Sabbath.
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🎶 The album marked a transition toward a slightly more polished and commercially accessible sound.
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 - 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)
