ALCATRAZZ, the mighty Los Angeles-born guitar-driven heavy metal icons, release their new single ‘Guardian Angel’ taken from their upcoming new album, set for release October 15th 2021 via Silver Lining Music.

As soon as the proverbial needle has connected with the proverbial first-etched groove of ‘Guardian Angel’, the first track from their fifth studio album V, it is quite literally pedal to the metal in the most glorious, traditional sense. Guitarist Joe Stump and guest-drummer for the track, Nigel Glockler [SAXON], front-foot it from that first split second, screaming guitar sprinting next to those thunderous drums, and then the voice of new Alcatrazz’s singer Doogie White tears into action, smashing the notes and hitting the vocal heights which Alcatrazz music demands.

White explains

“‘Guardian Angel’ is the frantic opening track of the album, it’s very fast and intense, It features Nigel Glockler on drums, who carries out a hell of a performance. Inspired lyrically by a biography of an old stage actress not being able to perform again, the song is a sort of lament of these difficult times, about the pain and sorrow of witnessing classic venues struggling to stay alive and the grief of not being able to perform nor attend concerts.”

“‘Guardian Angel’ is a killer opening, fast double-bass, track, guitar wise, it starts off with a very intricate and harmonized Neo-Classic influenced section, followed by a ripping solo ‘ala Ritchie Blackmore to then go into another arpeggio section and harmony. As far as tempo goes, it’s in the spirit of early Helloween or classic Stratovarius, only heavier and meaner. Once everybody hears it, they’ll know we mean business!”

Furthers Stump.

Formed in 1983, Alcatrazz became famous for its blend of melodic and progressive rock and for introducing guitar heroes Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai. Emerging in 1983 with No Parole from Rock ‘n’ Roll, which featured the hit ‘Island in the Sun’, the band continued building popularity in 1985 with their sophomore effort, Disturbing the Peace, which contained the hit, ‘God Blessed Video’. The band issued one more studio LP, 1986’s Dangerous Games, before ceasing operations the following year. The band regrouped and released highly acclaimed Born Innocent in 2020, their first studio album containing all-new material since 1986.

Both vintage and timeless, V treads the Alcatrazz textured-territories of old but with renewed vigor and verve.

“The new album brings us full circle from our original roots to a modern much heavier version of all things Alcatrazz in 2021. I feel great and I’m looking forward to the release of our new album with its heavy rocking metal sounds.”

Confirms Shea.

There is little doubt that this Alcatrazz is going full-tilt with not one ounce of a shackle holding them back and in that regard, White’s supreme vocal work on all 12 tracks serves as the catalyst for their creative synergy, and not only that, his supremely positive energy brings the band closer than it has been since, well, 1986!

“The guys called me and asked if I wanted to join the band, and, you know, I’m sure they could and would’ve been spoiled for choice, but, they asked me I.heard the music and ‘Turn of the Wheel’ was the first song we wrote together. It’s a great song, a “metal” hit! V has a couple songs that are “commercially metal”, and then it has some that are very dark and menacing, It touches on a lot of the isolation and loneliness, alcoholism, redemption and darkness, but hopefully there’s a ray of hope and light at the end of it all.”

Furthers White

Produced by Giles Lavery and Jimmy Waldo, and mixed by Andy Haller (Elton John, Joe Cocker and System of a Down), V also includes guest appearances from Saxon’s Nigel Glockler (drums on ‘Guardian Angel’ and ‘Blackheart’), Tank’s Cliff Evans (bass on ‘Grace of God’) and Donnie Van Stavern of Riot (bass on ‘Guardian Angel’, ‘Nightwatch’ and ‘Target’), underscoring how perennially popular Alcatrazz’s music remains with their peers.

And just in case you’re wondering what V stands for? Alcatrazz’s fifth studio album of course… but it also stands just as resolutely for Victory; the victory that sees Alcatrazz 2021 stronger than ever despite all the odds.

V is available to pre-order at this location

V Track Listing:

1. Guardian Angel

2. Nightwatch

3. Sword Of Deliverance

4. Turn Of The Wheel

5. Blackheart

6. Grace Of God

7. Return To Nevermore

8. Target

9. Maybe Tomorrow

10. House Of Lies

11. Alice’s Eyes

12. Dark Day For My Soul

ALCATRAZZ, the mighty Los Angeles-born guitar-driven heavy metal icons, announce the release of their fifth studio album, aptly titled V, which is set for release via Silver Lining Music on October 15th, 2021.

Their new single/video, “Sword of Deliverance”, is now available, and as far as lead statements go, it’s one hell of a reminder that when Alcatrazz is firing on all cylinders with all its guns blazing, it is a vital part of any metalhead’s day. And there is little doubt that Alcatrazz 2021 – Doogie White on vocals, founding members Jimmy Waldo and Gary Shea on keyboards and bass respectively, Mark Benquechea on drums and Joe Stump on guitar – are the chemistry that is causing the musical fire.

“Sword of Deliverance” is a mighty, metal monument!” affirms White. “A call to arms for the Alcatrazz collective. Loud, proud and ready!”, affirms White

Formed in 1983, Alcatrazz became famous for its blend of melodic and progressive rock and for introducing guitar heroes Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai. Emerging in 1983 with No Parole from Rock ‘n’ Roll, which featured the hit “Island in the Sun,” the band continued building popularity in 1985 with their sophomore effort, Disturbing the Peace, which contained the hit, “God Blessed Video.” The band issued one more studio LP, 1986’s Dangerous Games, before ceasing operations the following year. The band regrouped and released highly acclaimed Born Innocent in 2020, their first studio album containing all-new material since 1986.

While Born Innocent was a smart and strong return to the studio, there is a synergy and crackle about V which shows a band both in lockstep with each other and back in love with the writing process.

“We all are very happy with the new album, we all were on the same page about the direction, and what we were trying to accomplish. We had over 20 songs to pick from, it was tough, we liked them all, that’s very unusual for a band. I think this album sounds like the natural progression from No Parole, only heavier.”, exclaims Waldo

Both vintage and timeless, V treads the Alcatrazz textured-territories of old but with renewed vigor and verve. Whether it be the choral-echoes sitting inside the storming tempest which is “Nightwatch,” the staunch, speedy melodic metal of “Turn Of The Wheel” or the thick, bluesy chug of “House Of Lies,” there is little doubt that this Alcatrazz is going full-tilt with not one ounce of a shackle holding them back. In that regard, White’s supreme vocal work on all 12 tracks serves as the catalyst for their creative synergy, and not only that, his supremely positive energy brings the band closer than it has been since, well, 1986!

“The addition of Doogie is a natural transition for the Alcatrazz Legacy, he is a hard-working professional who loves to sing and doesn’t shy away from deadlines. His long list of career achievements is the perfect fit for us as we have been leading parallel lives all these years creating music. I am looking forward to bringing this new powerful line-up on the road.”, states Shea

Over the course of three-plus decade career, the Scottish-born White is undoubtably one of the finest vocalists in hard rock, having fronted Richie Blackmore’s Rainbow, Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force, Tank and Michael Schenker. It is therefore no surprise at all to hear him dovetail so easily with Alcatrazz, indeed, it feels like the most natural of career progressions.

There is little doubt that besides the work of White, much is going to be quite rightly said about the scintillating performance of Joe Stump throughout V, and it feels as though he has truly found his place alongside previous Alcatrazz guitar gods Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai. Every riff is supremely sharp, and every solo carries with it platinum sovereignty, whether engaging in the shred or delivering a more nuanced lead break.

“I really enjoy playing with Joe, he’s not only a great player but a great writer as well, He’s really fun to tour and work with. He plays with tons of energy live, kind of the take no prisoners’ vibe.”, enthuses Waldo

Produced by Giles Lavery and Jimmy Waldo, and mixed by Andy Haller (Elton John, Joe Cocker and System of a Down), V also includes guest appearances from Saxon’s Nigel Glockler (drums on “Guardian Angel” and “Blackheart”), Tank’s Cliff Evans (bass on “Grace of God”) and Donnie Van Stavern of Riot (bass on “Guardian Angel”, “Nightwatch” and “Target”), underscoring how perennially popular Alcatrazz’s music remains with their peers.

And just in case you’re wondering what V stands for? Alcatrazz’s fifth studio album of course… but it also stands just as resolutely for Victory; the victory that sees Alcatrazz 2021 stronger than ever despite all the odds.

V is available to pre-order at this location

Born Innocent Track Listing:

1. Guardian Angel

2. Nightwatch

3. Sword Of Deliverance

4. Turn Of The Wheel

5. Blackheart

6. Grace Of God

7. Return To Nevermore

8. Target

9. Maybe Tomorrow

10. House Of Lies

11. Alice’s Eyes

12. Dark Day For My Soul

ALCATRAZZ, the Los Angeles-based iconic heavy metal band, has released its new single “Turn of the Wheel” today via Silver Lining Music. The new album featuring original members Jimmy Waldo and Gary Shea, along with new vocalist Doogie White, drummer Mark Benquechea, and guitarist Joe Stump will be released in the fall of 2021. Pre-order will begin on July 23rd.

Vocalist Doogie White comments:

“Turn of the Wheel’ was the first song we wrote together. When I heard the riff and the groove, I thought HERE WE GO! From that moment, it was all hands on deck to do the best album we could. ‘Turn of the Wheel,’ as a complete RAWK tune works brilliantly. We spend so much time wondering about how the mistakes we made yesterday could be made better tomorrow that we forget about today. Today is what we have. Yesterday is gone, and we may not have tomorrow.”

Formed in 1983, Alcatrazz became famous for its blend of melodic and progressive rock and for introducing guitar hero’s Yngwie J. Malmsteen and Steve Vai. Emerging in 1983 with No Parole from Rock ‘n’ Roll, which featured the hit “Island in the Sun,” the band continued building popularity in 1985 with their sophomore effort, Disturbing the Peace, which contained the hit, “God Blessed Video.” The band issued one more studio LP, 1986’s Dangerous Games, before ceasing operations the following year. The band regrouped and released Born Innocent in 2020, their first studio album containing all-new material since 1986.

Alcatrazz released the following statement in regards to 2021:

“We are extremely happy that our good friend Doogie White will be our singer for the 2021 Alcatrazz tour dates. We are all fans of Doogie’s voice and impressive catalog of music. We promise an explosive live show of the Alcatrazz classics that you know, plus some added selections from Doogie’s work with Rainbow and Michael Schenker. We might even have a couple of new songs for you as well! We look forward to seeing all our fans and friends in what we hope is a much-needed return to live music next year! See you all soon…Be safe! – Jimmy Waldo, Joe Stump, Gary Shea & Mark Benquechea”

• Jimmy Waldo – Keyboards
• Gary Shea – Bass
• Doogie White – Lead Vocals
• Mark Benquechea – Drums

New album coming this fall! Stream & download ‘Turn of the Wheel’ at this location