One of the classic Heavy Metal acts to emerge from the ‘80s, Alcatrazz are a band with an extremely interesting history. First launched in 1983 by Vocalist Graham Bonnet, Keyboardist Jimmy Waldo, and Bassist Gary Shea, they would be the foundation for many years to come amidst several different lineups. Shifting around a bit, the late Iron Maiden Drummer Clive Burr was actually originally involved, but never recorded an album with them. From here some of the cast who came through the band included Jan Uvena (who worked with Alice Cooper) on drums for a bit, a then unknown Yngwie Malmsteen played on both 1983’s No Parole from Rock ‘n’ Roll and 1984’s Live Sentence, and Steve Vai, who recorded with them for 1985’s Disturbing the Peace.
Just a few of the all-star musicians who are a part of Alcatrazz’s history, in the late 2000s the band reformed for some shows, but did not release an album together until 2020’s Born Innocent. Received quite positively, unfortunately due to internal issues, Bonnet split with the current formation of Alcatrazz shortly after that release, and as it stands, there are now 2 versions of the band; Bonnet’s and Waldo and Shea’s. Since the split, Bonnet has yet to release any material, but Waldo and Shea have released two albums with Alcatrazz – 2021’s V, and more recently, 2023’s Take No Prisoners.
As a complete entity, Alcatrazz’s sixth overall studio album, Take No Prisoners arrived on May 19th through Silver Lining Music, and comes with some great throwback Heavy Metal leanings. Now, in case you are late to the party with all the movement here, well-known Vocalist Doogie White joined up with Alcatrazzz back in 2020 and was their vocalist for V. Highly accomplished, White has worked with everyone from Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow to Praying Mantis, thus his present solidifying this Alcatrazz lineup. Joining White, Waldo and Shea are Guitarist Joe Stump along with Drummer Larry Paterson.
All these names settled for you to have a greater understanding of what the modern Alcatrazz has in between the lines, Take No Prisoners is 10 songs in total with a lot to offer. As mentioned, possessing a very retro Heavy Metal vibe in the term of the shredding guitar work, songs like “Little Viper,” “Battlelines,” and “Bring the Rawk” transport you back in time… but in the best way possible. Nostalgic in the sense that the riffs are razor sharp and traditional Heavy Metal, it does not lessen the fact that these songs themselves are still very fresh.
Beyond these tracks, other really cool moments include “Don’t Get Mad… Get Even,” which features UK legends Girlschool, and the more laid back, beautiful “Strangers.” With these, the others discussed, and everything else that makes up Take No Prisoners, you have a very impressive collection.
Overall, Waldo and Shea do a wonderful job of keeping the legacy of Alcatrazz going in the right direction. With White on vocals, they sound a bit different than some might remember, because obviously Bonnet has a different voice, but it still has the feel of classic Alcatrazz… just with new elements.
All this in mind, the band followed up Take No Prisoners’ release with the standalone single “Sign of the Cross” in August, and like the album, it dazzles with melodic Metal perfection. And that is not all, the band will be on a European tour starting in England in February of 2024, before returning to North America for more shows from March into April. A lot to look forward to, it is recommended to rock out with Take No Prisoners, because Cryptic Rock gives it 4 out of 5 stars.
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