A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure to speak directly with guitar legend Yngwie Malmsteen (see link below). We agreed that 2008 was quickly developing into a very special year for him. First, he had just finished the highly successful European leg of his tour and was just about to begin dates in North America. Also, he was about to be inducted into the Hollywood Rock Walk an achievement that he described as ‘humbling’. Not only that, but he has also teamed up with the Fender Custom Shop to release an updated limited edition Yngwie signature model.
Now to cap it all off we have the release of his latest album Perpetual Flame (Rising Force Records, October 2008). During the interview I asked Yngwie about the album’s title. "I guess the clue is in the title of the album, Perpetual Flame. That fire is still burning in you…", to which he replied, "That’s very perceptive of you. That is exactly what I wanted to say with the album. Thanks for picking up on it."
If anyone needs confirmation that the fire does indeed still burn then the first thirty seconds of the album’s opener “Death Dealer” will confirm it in huge great neon letters. Teaming up with ex-Judas Priest singer Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens for the first time has proved to be something of a match made in Yngwie heaven. If ever a vocalist could deliver the sheer passion and power alongside his guitar then Tim has to be that man.
“Death Dealer” comes with all the classical undercurrent that has become his trademark. The first scream from Owens marks his arrival in real style. “Damnation Game” with its opening riff to match its title continues the pace without pausing for breath. The dark, sinister, “Live To Fight” starts off with a Black Sabbath style bell tolling in the distance.
“Red Devil”, a more straight-on heavy rock number, has the Ripper ion great form. The rest of the band is made up of Michael Troy on keys, Bjorn Englen on bass, and Patrick Johnsson Continuing as drummer . The rave reviews from the European tour confirm their credentials.
Article comments
1 - Bryan
Nice review. I will definitely be checking this out. Been a fan of Yngwie since the late 80's. His albums aren't always at the top of my playlist, but this one sounds smokin! Ripper is a great singer, whom I was lucky enough to see live long ago in a variety of cover bands at the Catalyst in Santa Cruz(He was the vocalist for the cover bands of Prest, Maiden and Ozzy/Sabbath all in one night!). It would be nice to see these fantastic musicians have some success together.
2 - js
this is a decent cd....in the Malmsteen world. Best track is Red Devil. I suggest listening to the entire album before buying as most of the songs are redundant and some have a deja-vu (deja-entendu?) feel (Damnation Game is I'll see the lights tonight, but weaker).