“Shred guitar” and “neo classical metal” are two phrases that have been commonplace in the world of heavy metal for decades by this point, but both can be attributed to the unmistakable work by Yngwie Malmsteen. Ever since the early 1980’s, Yngwie has been pushing the limits of guitar, and influencing countless other players in the process.
And he continues to impress to this day, as evidenced by his forthcoming album, Relentless, the highly anticipated follow-up to 2008’s critically acclaimed Perpetual Flame (Yngwie’s first album for Rising Force Records).
The album is the second to feature ex-Judas Priest and Iced Earth singer Tim “Ripper” Owens, and features over 60 minutes of incredibly complex, kick ass arrangements.
“This title truly is the right one for this album,” explains Yngwie. “I mean, after all these years, some kind of force is driving me to create something that totally surpasses everything I’ve done before. I tried to capture the raw energy of a live performance, yet push myself to the most demanding level of playing and composing to harness that elusive magic that can’t just be switched on. All the way out, caution to the wind, but disciplined performances was what I went for. Maybe I did it too, check it out!” Confirmed song titles for Relentless include “Relentless,” “Look At You Now,” “Shot Across the Bow,” “Adagio B Minor Variation,” “Caged Animal,” “Critical Mass,” “Into Valhalla,” “Enemy Within,” and “Caprici Di Inferno.”
Bursting onto the scene with such classic releases as 1984’s ‘Rising Force,’ 1985’s ‘Marching Out,’ and 1986’s ‘Trilogy,’ Yngwie instantly made a name for himself, by recreating the spirit of celebrated composer/musician Niccolò Paganini, but within the realm of heavy metal guitar. Soon, countless other guitarists were copying Yngwie’s style…but there is simply only one Yngwie. Yngwie’s career continued to thrive throughout the world, including such additional triumphs as his totally classical work for orchestra and solo electric guitar, ‘Concerto Suite,’ which proved once and for all that his classical credentials were genuine.
Yngwie continues to receive accolades worldwide, such as recently being selected as one of Time Magazine’s “Top Ten Greatest Electric Guitar Players” (amongst the stellar company of Les Paul, Jimmy Page, and Jimi Hendrix). A respected musician among both his peers and his fans, Yngwie continues to play and compose at a level of mastery that many career musicians only dream of. Relentless is a must-have, which will appeal to all Yngwie fans and rock music fans alike. Prepare yourself for a Relentless classical metal attack!
