I remember as though it were yesterday the moment I purchased the very first Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force album (and it was an LP). I was very excited for this album because I was familiar with Yngwie’s work with Alcatrazz and in Steeler (featuring Ron Keel on vocals) and I thought this innovative guitar player was the greatest things since sliced bread. I mean come on, you have this rocker who had taken it upon himself to take the intricacies of classical music and transform it into hard rock. How cool is that? Anyone who can “metalize” Mozart is the ok in my book. Needless to say I was not let down with the first release and I have loosely followed his career for over two decades.
In these two plus decades not much has changed with Yngwie’s sound. I would say he is probably the most consistent musician in the music biz as he sounds nearly the same as he did back in the 80’s. This can be good and it can also get repetitive nonetheless. In his illustrious career Yngwie has recorded nearly 20 studio albums and has worked with countless vocalists including Jeff Scott Soto, Joe Lynn Turner, and now Ripper Owens (among many others). His latest release is entitled PERPETUAL FLAME and it is more of the same. Basically this CD is “typical” Yngwie with a different vocalist. Ripper Owens (Judas Priest, Iced Earth) does a fine job though giving some life to what could easily be lifeless music. I know a lot of people harp on Ripper for being a “wannabe” but let’s face it, the guy can sing! Personally I don’t think he gets the credit he deserves but he proves that he is the real deal with PERPETUAL FLAME. Can we also be honest here… Anybody who can walk away from an Yngwie recording and still have positive things to say about the guitarist must be a special person.
Some of the highlights to the CD include performances by famed keyboardist Derek Sherinian and Owens shines throughout. From the opening “Death Dealer” to the closing “Heavy Heart” Malmsteen proves that he is THE guitar god of hard rock. As generic and predictable that his guitar playing may be still no one compares to him nor can he be imitated. What I have found though is that Ripper has added a heavier flavor to Malmsteen’s sound and gives it much more depth and life.
My final thoughts on PERPETUAL FLAME are first, this is probably Malmsteen’s best effort since TRILOGY. Secondly, Ripper Owens should be credited to giving this CD the life it has. Thirdly, I hope Malmsteen and Owens stick together for future releases and tours because this lineup is a keeper. Fourthly, this is a God awful CD cover but it does not say anything about the quality of the CD. Lastly, if you are a fan of Yngwie in any shape or form then I would HIGHLY recommend you get your hands on this gem.
Reviewed by Jeff Holton
