Back for the Attack

The fourth and final studio album Dokken recorded during its ‘80's heyday is undeniably the band’s finest hour. The album draws its power from the chemistry between guitarist George Lynch and singer Don Dokken. With his majestic tenor, Dokken was always vying for control of the band against the devastating prowess of Lynch. “Dream Warriors,” “Burning Like a Flame” and “Kiss of Death” unite their dueling powers in the name of hard rock ecstasy. Rather than just churn out the same fluffy pop metal as their peers, Dokken’s music was a mix of high drama, virtuosity and heavy rock. While most of the era’s bands took their cues from Cheap Trick and Aerosmith, Back for the Attack looks to older European groups like Scorpions and Rainbow. Sure, the power ballad “Heaven Sent” and the stadium anthems “Prisoner” and “So Many Tears” were built for radio play, but Dokken was never as vapid as their Sunset Strip peers. Part of that depth comes from Lynch’s innovative guitar work. For proof of why he is still revered by guitar nerds, just check the molten instrumental “Mr. Scary.”