Before glam exploded and metal ruled MTV, one album tried to bridge the shred-heavy brilliance of Europe with the big-hook ambitions of American rock radio—only to be lost in the chaos of lineup changes and flashing lights. Literally.

In this episode, we rediscover Assault Attack by the Michael Schenker Group—a cult classic released in 1982 that had everything going for it: a legendary guitarist, a powerhouse vocalist, and production by Martin Birch. So why didn’t it break through?

We dig into the story behind the album’s creation, from the fallout after One Night at Budokan to the last-minute firing of Graham Bonnet before the band could tour. Along the way, we explore what makes Assault Attack stand out musically—from Schenker’s melodic riffing to the underrated grooves laid down by bassist Chris Glen and drummer Ted McKenna.

This episode is for fans of underappreciated hard rock, for those who love when bands sound like bands (not just guitar showcases), and for anyone who’s ever found a hidden gem in the cassette bin and wondered how it got there. If you’re into Rainbow, UFO, or even Iron Maiden’s deeper cuts, this one’s got something for you.

Episode Highlights

• 0:00 – [Intro: “Assault Attack”] – The mystery of a great album no one saw live• 5:12 – [Band History] – How MSG went from Budokan to Bonnet• 12:45 – [Album Overview] – Birch’s production magic and the shift in sound• 21:30 – [“Desert Song”] – A haunting riff and vocal synergy• 29:00 – [“Broken Promises”] – The secret star: Chris Glen’s bass lines• 34:20 – [“Dancer”] – Big hooks, goofy lyrics, and Bonnet’s vocal drama• 42:00 – [Legacy & What-Ifs] – What could’ve been with Coverdale or a proper tour• 48:10 – [Community Pick] – How one vote brought this album into the spotlight

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Dig deeper into forgotten albums and the stories that shaped them. Listen to the full episode now, and if you want to have a say in what we cover next:

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