Review | Alcatrazz – Prior Convictions

Bravewords Records

It has been a turbulent time for Alcatrazz in the last five, six years. Original members Jimmy Waldo (keyboards) and Gary Shea (bass) broke up with co-founder of the group and vocalist Graham Bonnet, leading to two different line-ups. Shea and Waldo moved on with guitarist extraordinaire Joe Stump and drummer Mark Benquechea and found in ex-Rainbow shouter Doogie White a more than capable replacement for Bonnet. The album ‘V’ was of very good quality indeed. It came as a surprise that White left again somewhere in 2024 to pursue a solo-career. Alcatrazz found a new singer in their own camp as their manager/producer Giles Lavery (who also sings in the legendary Warlord) stepped into the role and into the spotlights.

EUROPEAN TOUR

A new album is scheduled for somewhere in 2026 but as the band was to embark on a European tour with Girlschool and Bangalore Choir it seemed appropriate to have something to promote as well. ‘Prior Convictions’ is a compilation album of old Alcatrazz songs mainly from the first album ‘No Parole From Rock n Roll’ and the second one ‘Disturbing The Peace’. Seven songs were selected from the debut and two from the second album. And the group added two fresh compositions as well. Mind you, we are talking here of old songs that have been completely re-recorded with Giles Lavery providing a new vocal touch on them.

PRIOR CONVICTIONS

Entitled ‘Prior Convictions’ the albums kicks-off with two tracks that showcase the current group in optima forma. ,,Transylvanian Requiem’’ is a guitar driven instrumental showcasing the unique playing of veteran Joe Stump. Alcatrazz always had great guitar slingers with Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai being the most prolific. But as well on ‘V’ as now on ‘Prior Convictions’ Joe Stump proves that he belongs in the super league of axe grinders as well. His playing on ‘Prior Convictions’ is outstanding finishing on a superb high with ,,Kree Nakoori’’ being the closer of the record. And in between Stump just rules the roost with his riffs, and neo-classical solos with Waldo adding some colourful keys in support.

THE SONGS

I suppose the choice of songs is not that surprising. ,,Hiroshima Mon Amour’’, ,,God Bless Video’’, ,,Jet To Jet’’, ,,Island In The Sun’’ and ,,Kree Nakoorie’’ just belong on a Alcatrazz-compilation, you just cannot escape those neo-classical hard rocking songs. I am not surprised to conclude that all these tracks have stood the test of time. They are freshly recorded, the band is sticking reasonably close to the original versions with a little twist here and there, and most important the sound is up to date yet with a nod to the past. But as a song they all stand tall even after some 40 years.

GILES LAVERY

Graham Bonnet in his heyday was a singing force to be reckoned with. His high-pitched voice was something that made him stand out from many singers from the 70/80/90s era and above all distinctive and recognisable. To step into his shoes surely is a tough job. It takes guts and self-confidence to tackle the above-mentioned songs. I always thought that Mark Boals would have been a good singer for Alcatrazz but Giles Lavery for sure has shown what he is made off. Yes, I had to listen several times but the more I heard Giles, the more I found that he has done an outstanding job. Especially when he needs to go into the higher regions, he flawlessly answers the call. And judging on the new track ,,Stand And Wait Your Turn’’ the upcoming 2026 album could be another interesting adventure in the career of Alcatrazz.

ALCATRAZZ – THE CONCLUSION

Based on what I heard on ‘Prior Convictions’ I dare say that Alcatrazz has added a new chapter to their songbook and hopefully the best is yet to come in 2026. Even though this record contains mainly old songs the intensity, the playfulness and determination put in by the musicians can be felt all over the songs and their execution. Looking forward to their next musical outing.

Release date: 7 November 2025