Yngwie Malmsteen - Rising Force
1984 Polygram Records
1 Black Star (4:51)
2 Far Beyond the Sun (5:49)
3 Now Your Ships Are Burned (4:09)
4 Evil Eye (5:12)
5 Icarus' Dream Suite (8:30)
6 As Above, So Below (4:36)
7 Little Savage (5:21)
8 Farewell (:48)
Rising Force was a revelation upon its release in 1984; Eddie Van Halen had
introduced dazzling speed to the realm of rock guitar technique, and the
compositions of Randy Rhoads had begun to fuse heavy metal with neo-classical
influences, but no one before Yngwie Malmsteen was able to combine those
elements with such blinding virtuosity. Malmsteen's innovative guitar style made
Rising Force a mandatory primer for '80s metal guitarists, with its classical
chord progressions and Malmsteen's use of harmonic minor scales, a wide vibrato
imitative of classical violinists, and impossibly fast picking techniques,
including the sweep-picked arpeggio (sort of a cross between strumming a chord
and picking each note individually). Malmsteen's obsessions with Bach, Beethoven,
and Paganini are used in the service of a dark, stately, gothic atmosphere and
sent guitar students scurrying to learn their works as well as Malmsteen's own.
The true inauguration of the age of the guitar shredder. ~ Steve Huey, All Music
Guide
Jeff Scott Soto Vocals
Barriemore Barlow Drums
Jens Johansson Keyboards
Yngwie Malmsteen Guitar (Bass), Guitar (Electric), Bass Pedals, Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar