Attack

Attack is a German heavy metal entity formed in 1983, primarily led by multi-instrumentalist Ricky Van Helden. Emerging during the peak of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal's influence on mainland Europe, Attack carved out a niche within the 'Teutonic Metal' sub-movement.

Their sound identity is characterized by a blend of traditional heavy metal, early power metal, and occasional neoclassical flourishes, often compared to contemporaries like Riot or Virgin Steele due to their epic songwriting and melodic sensibilities. Throughout the 1980s and early 90s, the band released a series of cult-classic albums including 'Danger in the Air' and 'Destinies of War,' which are highly regarded by collectors of rare European metal. Despite numerous lineup changes and the challenges of the shifting musical landscape in the 90s, the band maintained a loyal underground following. Critical consensus views Attack as a quintessential 'cult' band, representing the bridge between the raw speed of the early 80s and the more structured, epic power metal that would dominate the German scene in the following decade.