Unleash The Fury - Yngwie Malmsteen
Published August 01, 2005
The master of speed, Paganini's heir, Yngwie Malmsteen has released a new album "Unleash The Fury". This blazing-fast compilation might sound familiar, yet it gives him ample space to unleash his skills on his signature scalloped fretboard, inspired by a 17th century lute design.
Some in the music community find his style repetitive or boring, but there are many others who swear by his work, and live, breathe and dream Malmsteen. His supporting musicians seem to fade in the background, making it hard for any but the most ardent fan to name them, or track their appearances across albums. He saw much success in the 1980s and 1990s, but more so in markets like Japan, where he is "Ichiban", or Number One.
He constantly features in those interminable 'greatest guitarists', but isn't given to much self-praise or publicity. Malmsteen's richly detailed website features the following response in the 'Ask Yngwie' section,
Question from Emmanuel Calvario: "Yngwie, I know that you know Michael Angelo was nominated as the no.1 shredder of all times. They say that you and Angelo both mastered sweep picking and economy picking. But they say that you haven't mastered playing a one note per string arpeggios. Is that true? For you, Yngwie, who's faster between you and Michael Angelo. Just a direct and sure answer from you, sir. Because for me, you the best guitarist in the world."Answer from Yngwie: "I don't personally know Michael Angelo or his music, but regarding contests and who is faster or whatever. It doesn't interest me. Trying to determine who picks more notes per second is ridiculous. What is important is the quality of the music and how well it speaks to fans who love it."
His musical longevity is testimony to his talents and prowess, as well as his seminal influence on hordes of aspiring guitar maestros the world over. I remember reading in a fan-mag subscribed to by a friend, an avid Malmsteen fan, that when he was asked why he did not make any MTV videos, he scoffed at the trend, and noted that he would still be around, and rocking, when Nirvana were dead and gone.
Prophetic words - and now it behooves this review to examine the disc in question - "Unleash the Fury"
The Rising Force band has had keyboardist Derek Sherinian replaced by Joakim Svalberg. The other members are Dougie White on vocals and Patrik Johansson on drums.
The first song, "Locked And Loaded", like much of the vocal tracks, has a Judas Priest-style flavor, although evaluating the influence is tantamount to solving the chicken-and-egg problem. the song takes off after the first half, with Yngwie raising the pace and keeping it high.
"Revolution" is an unremarkable song, except of course, when Yngwie takes control at the end - nothing unusual though.
From the outset, "Cracking The Whip" is Yngwie-driven. The vocals, too, stand up to the frenzy in this track, sounding somewhat like "Breaking The Law", and following the same meter.
"Winds Of War (Invasion)" is my favorite song from this album. Beginning with an introspective, gentle tone, every member of the band comes together on this track, from the vocals to the keyboards to the drums, balanced perfectly by Yngwie, who seems to keep pace with the band, rather than the other way round.
- Unleash The Fury - Yngwie Malmsteen
- Published: August 01, 2005
- Type: Review
- Section: Music
- Filed Under: Music: Hard Rock, Music: Metal, Music: Rock, Review
- Writer: Aaman Lamba
- Aaman Lamba's BC Writer page
- Aaman Lamba's personal site
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Sweden
He's for real.
I think that covers all the questions.
A comment from my blog,
On a related note, the hilarious incident involving Malmsteen which might as well have led to the naming of this album:
Apparently he abused an airline passenger with the phrase 'You've unleashed the f*cking fury'
YNGWIE MALMSTEEN threatened to kill a fellow passenger on a flight to Tokyo, Japan after the woman poured a glassful of water on the guitarist.Audio clip of Malmsteen on flight
The passenger, who had no prior contact with Yngwie, allegedly overheard Malmsteen making derogatory comments about homosexuals and decided to show her disapproval by emptying the contents of her glass on the hefty axeman....
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Yngwie IS God. Still.
Regarding Aamans blog about the airline incident:
LOL!
Yngwie Is an asshole, he could of been a great guitarist but his pursuit for speed has costed him in other areas such as phrasing and conveying what he is playing emotively to listners. I find myself bored listening to him after 30 seconds
Great Yngwie, I think this album will open a new way
Yngwie is the best.
Yngwie is a dickhead, pure and simple. Meet him sometime, you'll wish that you hadn't. He thinks he's God, and he aint shit OR Shinola compared to many many others. He's just looking for speed,and blows horseballs because of it.
Add your comment, speak your mind
(Or ping: http://blogcritics.org/mt/tb/33329)
What the hell?!!!
Is this guy for real or a goof?
How does one pronounce "Yngwie" and what country is he from?
That is all.