ALCATRAZZ – Take No Prisoners

In 1983 Graham Bonnet, Jimmy Waldo and Gary Shea were forming a band, and came upon a young Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen, who was later replaced by a then virtually unknown Steve Vai. Alcatrazz became famous for Bonnet’s signature vocals, flashy guitars, and a style of metal that was different from their contemporaries. Today fans have two different Alcatrazz bands to listen to, with keyboardist Jimmy Waldo and bassist Gary Shea continuing their brand of Alcatrazz music, and Graham Bonnet doing his own with Graham Bonnet’s Alcatrazz. Waldo/Shea’s Alcatrazz is now fronted by veteran vocalist Doogie White (Rainbow/Michael Schenker Group), and are releasing their second effort with their new lineup titled Take No Prisoners.

About the Album

Alcatrazz – Take No Prisoners is a solid album of ten new songs, with one track “Don’t Get Mad…Get Even” featuring legends Girlschool. Musically, the album covers the gambit from Power Metal to Classic Heavy Metal, with speedy songs like “Bring On The Rawk” and straight forward rockers like “Battle Lines”. Guitarist Joe Stump can certainly cover the shredding required to fit the bill, and Doogie White brings a certain class all his own to the vocal work.

Final Notes

The album has good songs, and the musicianship is of course great with the talented veterans assembled. The production felt like it could have been a little more polished, but nothing stands out in a negative way. Doogie White’s vocals are always good, as he has a knack for this kind of music. Does the band make any new musical statements, or wow with innovations? Probably not. In conclusion, the Waldo/Shea Alcatrazz with Doogie White is a very good band, and the songs are all worthy of a listen. Fans of Power Metal, Traditional Heavy Metal and Melodic Metal will all find things to like here, as to the question whether or not the band captures the magic that makes it an Alcatrazz album is in the end for the listener to decide.

Lineup

• Jimmy Waldo – keyboards
• Gary Shea – bass
• Doogie White – lead vocals
• Joe Stump – guitar
• Larry Paterson – drums

Take No Prisoners – Tracklist

1. Little Viper
2. Don’t Get Mad…Get Even (feat. Girlschool)
3. Battlelines
4. Strangers
5. Gates of Destiny
6. Alcatrazz
7. Holy Roller (Love’s Temple)
8. Power in Numbers
9. Salute the Colours
10. Bring on the Rawk