ESSENTIAL ALBUMS
C
ocky, bold, and completely sure
of himself, 18-year-old Yngwie
Malmsteen left his native Sweden
(in 1982) to become a guitar hero.
First recording with Steeler, then
playing with Alcatrazz, and soon
after as a solo artist, his stylistic melding
of Di Meola and Holdsworth, Blackmore
and Bach, Malmsteen splashed upon the
metal music scene turning all heads in
its wake.
His awesome guitar techniques and clearly
focused Bach rock ideas influenced a new
generation of guitar player/composers.
His 21st solo recording, the mostly
instrumental World on Fire, is another
explosive neo-classical guitar extravaganza.
Yngwie has often spoken of his influences.
Here we ask him for some album titles to
go with the names. He was happy to share
a few essentials. ■
8
DIGITAL EDITION
AUG/SEPT