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Michael Schenker seems to be unstoppable and released in 1982 what many call the best album of the Michael Schenker Group: 'Assault Attack'.
The lineup changes once again: on vocals, we have the great Graham Bonnet, former singer of Rainbow. On drums is the talented Ted McKenna, who, along with loyal bassist Chris Glen, would form the stable foundation of the group in subsequent albums. The sparse keyboard parts on this album are played by sessionman Tommy Eyre. From the volcanic cover, where Michael Schenker holds his legendary Flying V high, the album promises to be scorching, and so it is: the sumptuous title-track that opens the album gives no respite, and it must be said that Graham Bonnet brings out all the aggressiveness he possesses. The guitar passages are top-notch as always.
Rock you to the ground is the classic hardrock blues, and Dancer is pure poetry, with a truly wonderful arpeggio. Samurai is a memorable song, with a spine-tingling chorus. Following the trail of Lost Horizons, we find Desert song here, another epic and mystical song: the intro is nothing short of thrilling, and the song manages to transport the listener into Saharan atmospheres. Broken Promises is a good track where the solidity of the Glen/McKenna duo shines, but the gem of the album is undoubtedly Searching for a reason, perfect in every part, riffs and chorus included. Graham sings divinely in this track, while Michael is simply the god of guitar.
Ulcer is one of Schenker's crazy instrumentals: he has a blast playing them, while the listener is struck by the great qualities and technical prowess of this superb Teutonic guitarist. The production is excellent and entrusted to the magnificent Martin Birch, who also sits behind the console during the recordings. The sound is clear, and the recording is excellently handled. 'Assault Attack' receives good appreciation from critics and is rewarded by the public with a number 19 ranking in the UK charts.
In August of 1982, the band is invited to play at the Reading festival as headliner. Just a few days before this event, Bonnet is fired from the group after a quarrel with the charismatic leader Michael Schenker, who promptly calls Gary Barden back to the microphone. Although the reasons for this breakup are not well known, it is rumored that Bonnet claimed in an interview that Schenker had a supporting guitarist playing backstage.
In any case, like its predecessor MSG, Assault Attack is an essential piece in any respectable metal collection.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
03 Dancer (04:43)
She works at it hard and she keeps herself to herself
But she can take what she gets anyway
She talks of the things and places she wants to go
But she knows that she wants all the things she wants
She's a great dancer
Not ideally built for ballet
She's got her calling card to live this way
The young teenage boys
Would climb on cars just to take a look
They watch her move, schoolboy dreamers fantasy
She's a dancer, not ideally built for ballet
Embracing everyone to see the play
Everyone's eyes are looking on as she takes the stage
Seeing themselves as she plays out their lives for them
She's a great dancer
Not ideally built for ballet
She's got her calling card to live this way
The young teenage boys
Would climb on cars just to take a look
They watch her move, schoolboy dreamers fantasy
She works everyday, does anyone care ?
Playing the fool is anyone there?
She's a great dancer
Not ideally built for ballet
She's got her calling card to live this way
The young teenage boys
Would climb on cars just to take a look
They watch her move, schoolboy dreamers fantasy
She still looks quite young and the world has a space for her
Something there in her face good to photograph
The reason she said, for being able to take success
Living this life, cause she only has this chance
She's a great dancer
Not ideally built for ballet
She's got her calling card to live this way
The young teenage boys
Would climb on cars just to take a look
They watch her move, schoolboy dreamers fantasy
Everybody knows, she knows, she knows
She's got a good voice
She's keen and got some visual sense
She's keen and has to take a chance
Which she knows in her streetwise way
She knows, she knows...
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