The hard-hitting, melodic heavy metal band Alcatrazz once again threw down a studio gauntlet in 2020 with Born Innocent, their first studio venture since 1986’s Dangerous Game. Alongside the unique vocal prowess and range of star frontman Graham Bonnet, Born Innocent also features fellow founding members Jimmy Waldo and Gary Shea. And from the classic album art, featuring the mighty rock itself, Born Innocent is a journey into the sort of heavy, melodic and supremely articulated hard rock that is a cornerstone of the likes of Rainbow and the Michael Schenker Group, territory Alcatrazz successfully strode in the ‘80s before going on hiatus.

Born Innocent features guest appearances from Chris Impellitteri, the late Bob Kulick and virtuoso Japanese guitar maestro Nozomu Wakai and Steve Vai.

Though Alcatrazz might well have been Born Innocent, their new album shows they’ve obviously learnt some robust and rawkus things along the way.