Yngwie Malmsteen – Rising Force
When Virtuosity Meets Heavy Metal
Yngwie Malmsteen’s - Rising Force - All Rights Reserved
It’s time to introduce you to an artist who forever shaped my musical journey and my vision of the guitar: Yngwie Malmsteen.
Never heard of him? In a few words, Yngwie is a Swedish guitarist whose unmistakable style combines a brilliant fusion of baroque influences from classical music with the raw power of Heavy Metal. Playing at lightning speed, he sparked a true revolution in the world of guitar.
But before diving into the album Rising Force, let me share how I discovered this extraordinary artist.
A Young Enthusiast’s Musical Revelation
About twenty years ago, I was a teenager consumed by a growing passion for the electric guitar. After two years of dedicated practice, my skills were becoming decent, and my musical influences were expanding at an incredible pace.
I transitioned from punk rock and grunge to more technical bands like Metallica, Guns N' Roses, and Megadeth, feeling an increasing fascination for Heavy Metal and the challenges it offered guitarists.
At this pivotal moment, my first guitar teacher, though skilled in blues and jazz, referred me to another instructor better aligned with my aspirations. Stefano, as I’ll call him, quickly became more than a teacher—a true mentor.
His impressive mastery, kind yet demanding approach, and dedication to helping me realize my potential were game-changers. One of his first gifts to me was lending two of Yngwie Malmsteen’s albums, along with this challenge:
“Brace yourself. You’re not ready for what you’re about to hear.”
Rising Force
Of the two albums he lent me, Stefano advised me to start with Trilogy Suite Op. 5 from the Trilogy album. From the first notes, I was captivated. The virtuosity was so fast and precise it seemed almost unreal.
However, it was Rising Force that left an indelible mark on me—an album I now regard as a masterpiece.
The album opens with Black Star, a majestic instrumental track. Legend has it that this piece was meant as a response to Eddie Van Halen’s Eruption—though neither artist has ever confirmed this claim.
It’s followed by Far Beyond the Sun, pushing the boundaries of speed and complexity, and then Evil Eye, with its captivating riff and relentless intensity.
But for me, one of the standout tracks is Icarus’ Dream Suite Op. 4, which incorporates a sublime interpretation of Albinoni’s Adagio. This moment of grace transcends the album.
The vocal tracks, like Now Your Ships Are Burned and As Above, So Below, are elevated by Jeff Scott Soto’s powerful voice, adding another layer to Malmsteen’s virtuosity.
The album closes with Farewell, elegantly revisiting the theme of Black Star and bringing this masterpiece full circle.
A Revolutionary with a Divisive Personality
Yngwie Malmsteen is a prodigy admired as much as he is criticized. His confidence, at times bordering on arrogance, divides opinions. Yet, his influence on the guitar world is undeniable.
By translating baroque principles to the electric guitar, he created a unique style that has inspired countless artists. His blistering speed—so much so that some producers initially thought his early recordings were sped up—remains legendary.
Of course, some critics argue that his compositions can feel repetitive and that his style has seen little innovation over the years. To that, I would say his pieces remain masterclasses in technique, beautifully reinterpreting baroque music in a modern form.
For me, Yngwie Malmsteen has been, and continues to be, a major source of inspiration. He encouraged me to explore more complex musical horizons and to never stop seeking emotion within virtuosity. Rising Force is an invitation to dive into the unique universe of this exceptional artist.
And you? What are your thoughts on this guitarist? Have you ever been deeply moved by a virtuoso who transformed your perception of music?
I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments!
Thanks for reading!