Unleash The Fury - Yngwie Malmsteen

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.

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Article Author: Aaman Lamba

Aaman Lamba is a Blogcritics editor, as well as the Publisher of Desicritics.org, a Blogcritics network site covering media, politics, culture, sports and more with a global South Asian focus

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Article comments

  • 1 - Bob A. Booey

    Aug 01, 2005 at 3:26 pm

    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.

  • 2 - Triniman

    Aug 01, 2005 at 4:17 pm

    Ing - Vay

  • 3 - JR

    Aug 01, 2005 at 4:33 pm

    Sweden

  • 4 - Phillip Winn

    Aug 01, 2005 at 5:26 pm

    He's for real.

    I think that covers all the questions.

  • 5 - Aaman

    Aug 02, 2005 at 11:58 am

    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.

    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....
    Audio clip of Malmsteen on flight

  • 6 - Phil Fiumano

    Aug 02, 2005 at 3:46 pm


    My Name is Phil Fiumano, I am a Producer and Host of a Television show called
    NYRocks it is a Variety Show for the New Millennium, it's Taped Live in
    The studio at clubs or at your events or conventions and Red Carpet affairs
    I am also a freelance Producer/Cameraperson for hire.
    My forte is to capture live events in N.Y.C for the TV Show and Shows. The Show
    consists of Musical performances by bands,solo acts & interviews
    With Film, TV and Sports Celebrities. You can find me at
    NYRockstv.com.The Show is on Manhattan cable Ch 56 Mondays at 2 am
    And Staten Island Cable Ch 35 every friday night at 11pm to 12 pm and repeats mondays at 12pm to 1 pm, NYRocks NEWS in September NYRocksTV will be on in Brooklyn Cable BCAT but the reason why, I am starting this group first is so we
    Can all can communicate with one another and network. For example if
    you need a Cameraperson/Videoeditor/Sound/Graphics Person/Writers or
    Talent you can contact me. If you would like to be on my Show or need
    A Commercial shoot you may contact me as well. I have contacts with
    agents, acting schools here to assist you on living your dreams, it's
    All about helping each other and anyone that seeks it will find it. I
    Don't want anything but to support you. It's free to join and anyone
    that wants to help is welcome, lets go on
    with the show and check out my links ,I am also now on MY SPACE my addy is http://www.myspace.com/nyrockstv .
    or at my website www.NYRockstv.com
    my Email is NYRockstv@aol.com
    All industry posting/inquires are welcome, I am looking for show sponcors, and volunteers and student production interns
    and you can call me at Phil NYRocks at (718) 490-9779

    NewYorkCityProducers@yahoogroups.com

    Rock on and Peace out.
    Thank You
    Phil Fiumano
    NYRockstv.com

  • 7 - Aaman

    Aug 02, 2005 at 4:50 pm

    Is that spam or are you inviting me?

    Or Malmsteen?

  • 8 - Bob Bubba

    Dec 17, 2005 at 5:37 pm

    Yngwie IS God. Still.

  • 9 - JustSomeone

    Dec 20, 2005 at 10:19 am

    Regarding Aamans blog about the airline incident:
    LOL!

  • 10 - qwerty

    May 09, 2006 at 3:50 am

    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

  • 11 - Conanrealm

    Jul 05, 2006 at 11:15 am

    Great Yngwie, I think this album will open a new way

  • 12 - Alex

    Nov 29, 2006 at 8:04 am

    Yngwie is the best.

  • 13 - PJ

    Dec 10, 2007 at 4:51 pm

    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.

  • 14 - Speedy

    May 24, 2010 at 10:54 am

    Don't ever, ever, ever, pour water on this most sacred of guitarists, for he will UNLEESH THE FOOKING FURY on you, biatch! Then again, why should you worry? His blessed exterior will simply repel water, as well as any other fluids that might be splashed, dripped or spurted upon him, for he is as a FOOKING ROCK GOD!!!!

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