Dokken Back for the Attack

Although 1987's BACK FOR THE ATTACK proved to be Dokken's fastest-selling album ever (achieving platinum status shortly after its release), it would prove to be the band's last new studio album until 1995's DYSFUNCTIONAL. Growing tensions between singer Don Dokken and guitarist George Lynch reached a boiling point during their stint as part of 1988's Monsters of Rock tour, and the band members went their separate ways after a lackluster live album (1988's BEAST FROM THE EAST). Still, BACK FOR THE ATTACK still managed to contain more than a few highlights.
Dokken's instantly identifiable melodic hard rock is gloriously on display on the MTV favorite "Burning Like a Flame," as well as the dirge-like "Heaven Sent." Other highlights include the band's lone instrumental, "Mr. Scary," which showcases the guitar talents of George Lynch, as well as the album opener rocker, "Kiss of Death," which deals with the dangers of the A.I.D.S. virus. And although it was issued a year earlier as a single, the theme song for the 1987 horror NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET III, "Dream Warriors," is tacked on the end of the album. Despite a brief reunion in the mid-'90s, BACK FOR THE ATTACK remains Dokken's last truly strong album.

• Format: CD
• Released: 07/15/2008
• Genre: Pop