Album Review: Yngwie Malmsteen - Trilogy (1986)

In light of my lukewarm reception of Eclipse back in 2016, I'm finding listening to the better appraised Trilogy to be more or less in agreement with the general critical consensus, and of course, it is proving itself to be a much better album.  In this instance, I'm somewhat less mesmerized by Malmsteen's ever brilliant guitar prowess and more interested in Mark Boals' badly underrated, near-operatic metal vibrato, which is perhaps best emphasized by songs like "Liar", "Queen in Love" and "Magic Mirror."  The first three songs - "You Don't Remember, I'll Never Forget", "Liar", and "Queen in Love", are already familiar to me, and I'm warming rather quickly to "Fury", "Magic Mirror" and the instrumental "Trilogy Suite: Op 5."  There's another instrumental, "Crying", which is OK, but inferior to the former, and "Fire" is probably the weakest point on the record, but it's far from being filler material.  I anticipated a very good album, and again, I got one.  One of the finest albums neoclassical metal has to offer.  I personally recommend you give it a chance.  A-

Album Review: Yngwie Malmsteen - Eclipse (1990)

Given heavy metal's image amongst much of the mainstream populace as being unsophisticated, uncouth neanderthal drivel, many will be surprised, if not shocked, to learn of the existence of a particular sub-genre called neoclassical metal.  Among various circles, the very notion of a metal-classical music synthesis seems absurd, if not unheard of.  And that would be understandable.  But it is important to note that heavy metal is a diverse, technical and complicated style of music worthy of appraisal far beyond socially mediated, (and very unfair) preconceptions of metal fans as being trashy knuckleheads.  People need to give it a chance - hell, as a traditionally synth-pop, new-wave loving 80s kids, I did.  And I have absolutely no regrets whatsoever.  Swedish faster-than-light guitar guru Yngwie Malmsteen demonstrates aptly just how classical music and heavy metal aren't necessary diametrically opposed to the point of complete incompatibility.  Take his 1990 album Eclipse - not the best metal album I've heard, but I love uber-fast shredding, and this record has it in spades.  The solos are a bit lengthy and drag on for a bit, but nonetheless they are impressive in their speed and precision and of course, their classical homages.  And coupled with a competent vocalist, Malmsteen successfully transforms mainstream heavy metal into a more focused art form.  "Making Love", "Judas" and "Eclipse" are great starting points, and everyone who has owned his "best of" albums will know them.  But my shredding favorite on this album is 'Demon Driver."  And don't forget to give "Motherless Child" a go as well.  Not bad, I must say.  Not bad at all.  B