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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.
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