ALCATRAZZ Dangerous Games Mind-Blowing Fusion of Heavy Metal and Japanese Intricacies Heavy Metal Vinyl Album Gallery #vinylrecords

"Dangerous Games," Album Description:

In the world of heavy metal history, ALCATRAZZ's third and final studio album, "Dangerous Games," stands as a distinctive and experimental chapter in the band's repertoire. Released in 1986 under Capitol Records, this 12" Vinyl LP Album marked a significant departure from the band's previous works, embracing a heavily Japanese-influenced style that set it apart in the metal landscape of its time.

The production of "Dangerous Games" was entrusted to Richie Podolor, a seasoned figure in the music industry, whose touch brought a new sonic dimension to ALCATRAZZ's sound. Bill Cooper handled the intricate process of recording, ensuring that every note and riff resonated with precision. The mastering, a critical step in shaping the final auditory experience, was skillfully undertaken by Mike Reese.

The visual identity of the album was not left to chance, with a striking album cover designed and drawn by the talented trio of Tommy Steele, Ray Kahara, and Manuel Nuñes. The cover art encapsulates the essence of the album, offering a visual journey into the amalgamation of metal and Japanese influences that define "Dangerous Games."

What sets "Dangerous Games" apart is its audacious exploration of Japanese musical elements, a departure from the band's previous more conventional metal offerings. ALCATRAZZ, known for their virtuoso performances and Graham Bonnet's distinctive vocals, embraced this stylistic shift with fervor, infusing traditional Japanese melodies and structures into their compositions.

The album kicks off with a powerful statement in the form of its title track, "Dangerous Games," where the fusion of metal and Japanese influences becomes immediately apparent. The intricate guitar work, the dynamic rhythm section, and Bonnet's commanding vocals create a sonic tapestry that is both unconventional and captivating.

Tracks like "Undercover" and "No Imagination" further showcase the band's willingness to experiment with sound. The incorporation of traditional Japanese instruments and scales adds a layer of complexity to the music, creating an album that transcends the boundaries of conventional heavy metal.

"Dangerous Games" serves as a testament to the band's willingness to evolve and take risks, even if it meant deviating from the established norms of the genre. While the album may not have achieved the commercial success of its predecessors, its influence can be heard in subsequent generations of metal bands willing to explore new sonic territories.

Music Genre:

Heavy Metal / Hard Rock

The album: "ALCATRAZZ - Dangerous Games" was produced by: Richie Podolor

Bill Cooper - Sound Engineer

Mike Reese - Mastering Engineer

Ray Kahara - Art Direction

Tommy Steele - Design

Manuel Nuñes - Illustration

Record Label: Capitol 1A 064 24 0592 Record Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

Year & Country 1986 Made in Netherlands

Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: ALCATRAZZ - Dangerous Games

Graham Bonnet - vocals

Graham Bonnet stands as one of the most dynamic and versatile vocalists in the history of rock music. With a career spanning over five decades, Bonnet has left an indelible mark on the genres of rock, heavy metal, and hard rock. Known for his powerful voice and wide-ranging musical versatility, Bonnet has fronted some of the most influential bands and has built a remarkable solo career.

Early Years and Rise to Fame

Born on 23 December 1947 in Skegness, England, Graham Bonnet began his musical journey in the 1960s. His initial foray into the music industry was with the pop duo The Marbles, where he achieved a hit single, "Only One Woman," in 1968. This early success showcased Bonnet's strong, clear vocal style and hinted at the powerful performances that would define his later career.

Breakthrough with Rainbow

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Bonnet's big break came in 1979 when he joined Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow, replacing Ronnie James Dio as the lead vocalist. His first and only album with Rainbow, "Down to Earth," was released the same year and featured the hit singles "Since You Been Gone" and "All Night Long." Bonnet's distinctive voice, blending rock grit with melodic finesse, brought a fresh sound to Rainbow and helped the album achieve commercial success.

Michael Schenker Group and Alcatrazz

After leaving Rainbow, Bonnet joined the Michael Schenker Group (MSG) in 1982. His tenure with MSG was brief but notable, contributing to the album "Assault Attack," which is often celebrated for its powerful vocal performances and technical prowess.

In 1983, Bonnet founded Alcatrazz, a band that would become a significant chapter in his career. Alcatrazz's music was a unique blend of heavy metal and hard rock, characterized by intricate musicianship and Bonnet's soaring vocals. The band's debut album, "No Parole from Rock 'n' Roll," featured the virtuosic guitar work of Yngwie Malmsteen. The follow-up albums, "Disturbing the Peace" (1985) with Steve Vai and "Dangerous Games" (1986) with Danny Johnson, further solidified Alcatrazz's reputation as a pioneering band in the metal scene.

Solo Career and Collaborations

Parallel to his work with bands, Bonnet maintained a solo career that showcased his versatility as an artist. His self-titled debut solo album in 1977, before joining Rainbow, featured a mix of rock and pop, demonstrating his ability to traverse genres. In the years following Alcatrazz, Bonnet continued to release solo albums and collaborated with numerous artists and bands.

One notable collaboration was with the supergroup Impellitteri , where he recorded the critically acclaimed album "Stand in Line" in 1988. Bonnet's powerful vocals paired with Chris Impellitteri's blazing guitar work made for a compelling combination.

Continued Influence and Legacy

Graham Bonnet's influence on rock and metal is profound. His ability to adapt his vocal style to various musical contexts has made him a sought-after vocalist throughout his career. Whether delivering hard-hitting rock anthems or more melodic tracks, Bonnet's voice remains instantly recognizable and consistently powerful.
Danny Johnson - guitar, backing vocals
Gary Shea - bass
Jan Uvena - drums, percussion, backing vocals
Jimmy Waldo - keyboards, backing vocals

Complete Track-listing of the album "ALCATRAZZ - Dangerous Games"

"It's My Life" (Carl D'Erico, Roger Atkins) - 4:10
"Undercover" (Danny Johnson, Jimmy Waldo, Jo Eime, Graham Bonnet) - 3:41
"That Ain't Nothin'" (Johnson, Waldo, Eime, Bonnet, Gary Shea, Jan Uvena) - 3:53
"No Imagination" (Eime, Bonnet) - 3:16
"Ohayo Tokyo" (Eime, Bonnet) - 2:59

"Dangerous Games" (Johnson) - 3:26
"Blue Boar" (Johnson, Waldo, Eime, Bonnet) - 3:14
"Only One Woman" (Barry Gibb, Maurice Gibb, Robin Gibb) - 3:43 (The Marbles cover)
"The Witchwood" (Johnson, Waldo, Eime, Bonnet) - 4:00
"Double Man" (Johnson, Waldo, Eime, Bonnet, Shea, Uvena) - 4:30
"Night of the Shooting Star" (Eime, Bonnet) - 1:04

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Index of ALCATRAZZ (Heavy Metal Band) Album Cover Gallery & 12" Vinyl LP Discography Information

Alcatrazz: Masters of Melodic Metal and Hard Rock

ALCATRAZZ Band Description:

Formed in 1983, Alcatrazz swiftly made a name for themselves in the realms of heavy metal and hard rock, blending intricate musicianship with powerful vocals. The band emerged during a time when the music scene was dominated by flashy guitar solos and soaring vocal performances, and Alcatrazz was no exception. Their music, characterized by a unique fusion of melodic sensibilities and aggressive undertones, captured the attention of fans worldwide.

Formation and Core Members

Alcatrazz was founded by Graham Bonnet, a seasoned vocalist known for his work with Rainbow and the Michael Schenker Group. His vision was to create a band that stood out in the crowded metal scene of the early 1980s. Joining him were Jimmy Waldo on keyboards, Gary Shea on bass, Jan Uvena on drums, and the young, prodigious Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen. Malmsteen's tenure with the band was brief but impactful, setting the tone for Alcatrazz's signature sound with his neoclassical guitar style.

Following Malmsteen's departure after the debut album "No Parole from Rock 'n' Roll," the band recruited the equally talented Steve Vai. Vai's inclusion in the lineup elevated Alcatrazz's technical prowess, especially evident in their second album, "Disturbing the Peace."

"Disturbing the Peace" (1985)

"Disturbing the Peace" marked a significant evolution in Alcatrazz's sound. Released in 1985, this album showcased Steve Vai's virtuosity, blending seamlessly with Bonnet's powerful vocal delivery. Tracks like "God Blessed Video" and "Will You Be Home Tonight" highlighted the band's ability to balance melodic hooks with intricate musical passages. Vai's guitar work brought a new dimension to the band's music, making this album a standout in their discography.

The production of "Disturbing the Peace" was handled by Eddie Kramer, known for his work with legendary acts like Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin. His expertise helped in capturing the raw energy and refined musicianship of Alcatrazz, ensuring the album's sound was both polished and powerful. The album received critical acclaim for its innovative approach and solidified Alcatrazz's position in the metal and hard rock pantheon.

"Dangerous Games" (1986)

Following Vai's departure to join David Lee Roth's band, Alcatrazz released "Dangerous Games" in 1986 with Danny Johnson on guitar. This album took a slightly different direction, incorporating more commercial rock elements while retaining the band's heavy metal roots. Tracks like "Undercover" and the cover of The Animals' "It's My Life" exemplified this blend, showcasing Bonnet's versatile vocal range and the band's adaptability.

"Dangerous Games" was produced by Chris Tsangarides, whose experience with heavy metal acts like Judas Priest brought a cohesive sound to the album. While not as groundbreaking as its predecessor, "Dangerous Games" demonstrated Alcatrazz's ability to evolve and experiment with their musical style.

Legacy and Impact

Alcatrazz's influence on the heavy metal and hard rock genres cannot be overstated. Their ability to blend melodic rock with the technical prowess of metal set them apart from their contemporaries. Despite numerous lineup changes, the core of Alcatrazz—led by Graham Bonnet's distinctive voice—remained a constant force.

The band's willingness to experiment and adapt, whether through the neoclassical flair of Yngwie Malmsteen, the innovative techniques of Steve Vai, or the solid musicianship of Danny Johnson, ensured that their music remained relevant and influential. Albums like "Disturbing the Peace" and "Dangerous Games" continue to be celebrated by fans and musicians alike for their technical excellence and melodic sensibilities.

ALCATRAZZ - Dangerous Games 12" Vinyl LP

ALCATRAZZ - Dangerous Games album front cover vinyl record

ALCATRAZZ's third and final studio album, "Dangerous Games," stands as a distinctive and experimental chapter in the band's repertoire. Released in 1986 under Capitol Records, this 12" Vinyl LP Album marked a significant departure from the band's previous works, embracing a heavily Japanese-influenced style

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ALCATRAZZ Disturbing The Peace 12" Vinyl LP

ALCATRAZZ Disturbing The Peace album front cover vinyl record

"Disturbing the Peace" marked a significant shift in Alcatrazz's musical style. The album's sound is characterized by Bonnet's powerful vocals and Vai's virtuosic guitar playing, which blended hard rock and heavy metal elements with classical and progressive rock influences.