Released 45 years ago this October
Sonic Attack
Hawkwind · 1981
43 min · 11 tracks · progressive rock
A cosmic journey through heavy riffs and experimental soundscapes that embodies the essence of space rock.
Top tracks — play these first
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Sonic Attack Start here — The title track opens the album with a powerful blend of heavy guitar and synthesized sounds, setting the tone for the cosmic themes that permeate throughout.
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Living on a Knife Edge — This track features a driving rhythm and incisive lyrics that reflect societal anxieties, showcasing Hawkwind's ability to merge political commentary with their signature sound.
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Virgin of the World (From the Church of Hawkwind) — Blending ethereal melodies with complex arrangements, this song exemplifies the band's unique narrative style, weaving spiritual themes into their music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases a blend of heavy riffs and experimental sounds, maintaining a cohesive journey through its runtime.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a heavy, distorted riff in 'Sonic Attack' that sets a dark tone, followed by tracks that explore varying tempos and textures.
- Several tracks feature spoken word elements layered over instrumental sections, creating an immersive soundscape.
- The last three tracks gradually decrease in intensity, with 'Trans-dimensional Man' ending on an ambient note that contrasts with the earlier heaviness.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic progression with resolution
- wave-like pacing throughout tracks
- haunting vocals and cosmic themes
- immersive journey through sound
- reflective moments amidst intensity
Maybe skip if you
- dislike gradual sonic exploration
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — The album marks a departure in sound, pushing boundaries within space rock.
- Career context
- By the time 'Sonic Attack' was released in October 1981, Hawkwind had already established themselves as pioneers of space rock with a rich discography. This album marked a transitional phase after their 1979 release 'PXR5', showcasing a blend of progressive rock and punk influences while continuing to explore science fiction themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Pink Floyd· Can· Monster Magnet
Tracklist
- 1 Sonic Attack Start here 4:45
- 2 Rocky Paths 4:00
- 3 Psychosonia 2:32
- 4 Virgin of the World (From the Church of Hawkwind) 4:32
- 5 Angels of Death 5:42
- 6 Living on a Knife Edge 4:49
- 7 Coded Languages 1:44
- 8 Disintegration 1:06
- 9 Streets of Fear 4:12
- 10 Lost Chances 5:45
- 11 Trans-dimensional Man 4:03
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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