Los Angeles-born, guitar-driven heavy metal icons ALCATRAZZ today release their new single “Guardian Angel,” taken from their upcoming fifth studio album “V.” The record will see release October 15th via Silver Lining Music.
As soon as the proverbial needle has connected with the proverbial first-etched groove of “V” album opener “Guardian Angel,” 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 ALCATRAZZ’s new singer Doogie White tears into action, smashing the notes and hitting the vocal heights which ALCATRAZZ music demands.
“‘Guardian Angel’ is the frantic opening track of the album. It’s very fast and intense,” explains White. “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,” furthers Stump. “Guitar wise, it starts off with a very intricate and harmonized neo-classic influenced section, followed by a ripping solo à la 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!”
Pre-order “V” HERE
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 were all on the same page about the direction and what we were trying to accomplish,” notes Waldo. “We had over twenty 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.”
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,” states Shea. “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.”
Over the course of three-plus decade career, the Scottish-born White is undoubtedly one of the finest vocalists in hard rock, having fronted Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force, Tank, and Michael Schenker. It is therefore no surprise 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’s 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,” enthuses Waldo. “He’s really fun to tour and work with. He plays with tons of energy live, kind of the ‘take no prisoners’ vibe.”
Produced by Giles Lavery and Jimmy Waldo, and mixed by Andy Haller (ELTON JOHN, JOE COCKER, 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” 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
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.
