Thursday, November 17, 2005
The musician is also known for his fiery temper.
By JOHN BENSON
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
In terms of shredding on the guitar, no one does it better than Yngwie Malmsteen.
The proof is evident with this virtuoso's most triumphant moment, which can finally be seen on the recent U.S.-released DVD "Concerto Suite for Electric Guitar and Orchestra." Filmed in 2001 and featuring Malmsteen performing his 1998 album of the same name live with the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, the DVD, a favorite import of fans, truly displays the Swedish musician's classical training and metal acumen.
"That's the most challenging thing I've ever done," said Malmsteen, calling from Los Angeles. "When I initially recorded it with the Prague [Czech] Harmonic, the orchestra recorded [its parts] and then I recorded my guitar later on, taking my time. So I never played it live [in its entirety]. Then, I never played it in front of people and I certainly have never done it with cameras rolling. So it was [full] of challenges and somebody came down and led me through it. It was divine intervention."
Legendary talent, temper
Malmsteen's legend as a lightning-fast guitar player began just over two decades ago with the release of "Rising Force." In fact, that debut tour triggers Malmsteen's biggest memory of Northeast Ohio, performing New Year's Eve 1984 at the Richfield Coliseum and getting into a fight with a member of his band.
Around the world, Malmsteen is known for his guitar work and his temper, which was evident a few years ago when he got into an altercation on an airplane after a passenger spilled her drink on him. At the time, he screamed something about unleashing the fury. So naturally, when it came time to title his latest album, he called it "Unleash the Fury." As for that new disc, he's extremely pleased, which is a departure from past albums.
"I look at my rock [albums] that I've done throughout the years, which is quite a few now, and it's always been like a jigsaw puzzle with one or two pieces missing," Malmsteen said. "So far, this album, I feel very strongly [that] it's extremely complete. It's like the whole picture is finished."
He added, "It's got all of the aspects -- heavy metal stuff, more sophisticated stuff, acoustic, instrumental -- of a record that I would like to buy if I was a fan. It has the whole shebang."
More metal to come
Regarding future projects, Malmsteen says there are more classical albums in him. However, he plans on recording metal albums for the near future, wanting to take advantage of his age now before he becomes "some old fart trying to be on stage."
As for that old fart's show, which he brings to Cleveland for a gig Friday at The Odeon Concert Club, Malmsteen, in true Malmsteen fashion, says his five-piece band is on top of its game.
"It's just complete and utter mayhem," Malmsteen said. "Just crazy and so much energy, it's exploding. It's a lot of excitement."
After collecting his thoughts, a devious-sounding Malmsteen added, "Come prepared to get the fury unleashed."