Yngwie Malmsteen
In 1985, one of the weirdest names in the annals of rock ’n’ roll filtered through a tonnage of critical raves and fan accolades. Yngwie Malmsteen’s first solo album, Rising Force, placed the Swedishborn guitarist at the top of the heaviest string pickers in rock.
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Yngwie Malmsteen
In 1985, one of the weirdest names in the annals of rock ’n’ roll filtered through a tonnage of critical raves and fan accolades. Yngwie Malmsteen’s first solo album, Rising Force, placed the Swedishborn guitarist at the top of the heaviest string pickers in rock. Shored up by his incredible speed and dexterity, Malmsteen, at 22, managed an original synthesis of classic, jazz, art rock and metal.
Music was always encouraged in the Malmsteen home. However, it wasn’t until he saw Jimi Hendrix on television that seven-year-old Yngwie realized what his life was all about. Influenced further by Deep Purple, Yngwie put together a rotating group of musicians called Rising Force in 1978. Sending tapes overseas to Mike Varney of Shrapnel Records, Yngwie was encouraged to come to America and join the band Steeler in California. After one album, Graham Bonnet, (Rainbow, Michael Schenker Group) asked him to join Alcatrazz. Personality problems soon ended Yngwie’s stay with Alcatrazz, though he managed to cut at least one album with the band. Following his envybreeding stints with Steeler and Alcatrazz, Yngwie dazzled the rock world with his solo virtuosity and blinding six string speed. He was voted “Best New Talent” by Guitar Player readers in 1984, and his name was added to the likes of Al DiMeola, Eddie Van Halen and the late Randy Rhoads.
After 10 months of solid touring with AC/DC and Dio in 1986, Malmsteen released his second solo effort, Marching Out. Today, he admits: “I love the kind of material I’ve been recording, but I wouldn’t mind a hit record either. As long as I don’t sell out—why not let people know who I am?”
