Los Angeles-born guitar-driven heavy metal icons ALCATRAZZ today release their epic new single “Grace Of God.” The track is taken from the anticipated new full-length, V, set for release October 15th via Silver Lining Music.
The band celebrates the release of “Grace Of God” with a new video contrasting scenes of beautiful, breathtaking landscape with somber and evocative displays of raw emotion and battle. The track takes the listener on a monumental journey with vocalist Doogie White’s powerful soaring vocals, perfectly complimented by Joe Stump and Jimmy Waldo’s intricate weaving guitars-and-keys-wizardry bolstered by the thunderous and robust bass and drums from Gary Shea and Mark Benquechea.
“I love ‘Grace Of God,’” comments White, “it is a cracking tune with lots of intricate vocal parts; I love what everybody in the band has done on it, it has great energy and drive… It’s just magic!
“Lyrically, it is set in the Middle Ages,” White continues, “it is about the fear of being sent off to war to fight for your King, your Queen, or your country… to invade a land you’ve never heard of, to conquer people you know nothing about, to fight for a reason you’re not sure of, and the desperation in accepting such fate.”
“When I first heard ‘Grace Of God,’ I just couldn’t believe how perfectly well the melody and lyrics fit together: it’s hard to imagine anything else being better than that,” enthuses Waldo. “Doogie has the ability to write exactly what the melody of a track calls for and the result is very powerful.”
V is available for preorder at THIS LOCATION.
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,” confirms Shea. “I feel great and I’m looking forward to the release of our new album with its heavy rocking metal sounds.”
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 Riot’s Donnie Van Stavern (bass on “Guardian Angel,” “Nightwatch,” and “Target”), underscoring how perennially popular ALCATRAZZ’s music remains with their peers. 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.
ALCATRAZZ:
Jimmy Waldo – keyboards
Gary Shea – bass
Doogie White – lead vocals
Joe Stump – guitar
Mark Benquechea – drums