Yngwie J. Malmsteen
Odyssey

Yngwie J. Malmsteen, the supreme guitarist with the notable peculiarity that should be known to all: having learned to play without the aid of a teacher, lessons, or courses. Despite being completely self-taught, the results, technically speaking, are apparent: numerous, lengthy, and stunning solos. It's a real shame, however, that behind these amazing solos, there's very little else. In fact, his virtuosity leaves room for a barely adequate artistic streak, lack of expressiveness and feeling. Much of his discography is marked by pure and often unnecessary egocentrism, exhibitionism, hypocrisy, and lack of content (other than technical). Moreover, his famous solos, which continuously follow one after the other, seem too similar to each other: the only striking thing about Malmsteen is the speed. Also, he did not handle the writing of the lyrics; instead, singer Joe Lynn Turner takes on this role. Nonetheless, on the whole, the songs are quite catchy, the mixing is almost impeccable, and when it comes to flaunting, Malmsteen flaunts. His problem, therefore, is the inability to create a ballad that is moving solely through simplicity. If, by some miracle, he seems to succeed, he literally has to ruin it with some flashy display.

At times, the members of his band, more than competent musicians, remain unjustly ignored. Starting with a keyboardist wasted on Malmsteen: the illustrious Jens Johansson. His brother Anders Johansson is on percussion (good rhythms), while the vocals are handled by Joe Lynn Turner, who has a rather high vocal timbre. As for the bass, on some tracks, it is recorded by Malmsteen himself, and on others by Bob Daisley. In both cases, the bass often follows the same riff as the guitar dropped an octave, but with a keen ear, you can notice here and there some flashy bass moments. (see Dreaming and Krakatau)

Now let's think about the CD: it starts with the historic Rising Force, a decisive song, the symbol of Malmsteen. After the second chorus, one of the most beautiful solos in the world takes place. Then more solos by Johansson and Malmsteen. "Hold On," a song with that melancholic touch typical of Malmsteen. Unfortunately, there are the usual solos that ruin everything. "Heaven Tonight" is a song with a catchy chorus with that classic rock flavor in the Queen style. It continues with Dreaming (Tell Me), very light and calm, the arpeggios under the singing are beautiful. It's a pity that this is also ruined by those repeated flashy displays with the classical guitar. "Bite The Bullet" is a small instrumental piece that serves to introduce "Riot In The Dungeons": catchy but silly melody. Better the intro. It goes on with "Deja Vu," a song that personally tells me nothing. At a certain point, Malmsteen seems to say a phrase directed at Johansson like: "I'll allow you to show off a bit too." "Crystal Ball" and "Now Is The Time" are two tracks created with quite some soul. But the usual discourse about solos making the songs worse, unfortunately, applies here too. In "Faster Than The Speed Of Light," there are solos worthy of the song's title. Following is Krakatau, a very interesting instrumental piece with oriental and Prog Metal influences. Beautiful solos by Johansson and Malmsteen in the second part. Ending with "Memories," another instrumental piece, achieved with classical guitars. It seems engaging, and yet surprisingly, in this single track, Malmsteen does not flaunt. So where's the problem? It's too short, lasting just over a minute.

In short, it's absolutely right that every good guitarist is inspired by Malmsteen. But this is an inspiration tied solely to the strictly technical point of view. Indeed, as already mentioned, his creative streak is lacking. A good artist, to be defined as such, beyond being able to flaunt, must also understand when to do so. For example, in "Hold On," "Dreaming," "Crystal Ball," and "Now Is The Time," the flashy displays are unnecessary.
Forgive me if I overused the term "flashy display" but Malmsteen makes me write it.
Classic 3.5 CD.