"Sonic Attack" is the eleventh studio album by the English space rock group Hawkwind, released in 1981. It achieved moderate success, spending five weeks on the UK albums chart and peaking at No. 19.
Following the departure of drummer Ginger Baker and keyboardist Keith Hale after the previous album "Levitation", former Hawklords drummer Martin Griffin rejoined the group. Guitarist Dave Brock and bassist Harvey Bainbridge opted to handle synthesizers and sequencers themselves, foregoing a dedicated keyboardist.
Recorded from June to August 1981 at Rockfield Studios, the album faced challenges when Griffin contracted German measles, limiting his contributions and requiring overdubbing of some drum parts. Bainbridge described the recording process as adjusting to Brock's initial recordings dumped onto the multi-track, requiring adaptation from the rest of the band.
Science fiction author Michael Moorcock, a long-time collaborator, contributed lyrics and vocals centered around themes of social control through language manipulation. Musically, "Sonic Attack" leans heavily into heavy metal influences. The title track, a re-recording of the Space Ritual spoken piece with new electronic backing, stands out alongside tracks like "Virgin of the World" (originally from "Church of Hawkwind") and the single "Angels of Death", backed by "Transdimensional Man".
To support the album, Hawkwind embarked on a 28-date UK tour in September and October, later followed by a European tour supporting Krokus in March 1982. The album's blend of sci-fi concepts and heavy metal elements reflects Hawkwind's enduring exploration of space rock themes during this period.
