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Rating: The return of Malmsteen after three years of silence is celebrated with this "Unleash The Fury," which follows the compositional path of the previous (and heavily criticized) "Attack!" from 2002, where the only real change is characterized by the presence of Joakim Svalberg on the ivories, replacing the more famous Derek Sherinian.
This time, however, the flamboyant Swedish axeman gives the compositions a certain something, full of classicisms and vibrant riffs combined with solid rhythms that were missing in the previous work, offering us emotional peaks worthy of what was the eighties masterpiece "Trilogy." There are many references to the glorious platter I mentioned, starting with the heartfelt vocal performance of the inspired Dougie White, continuing with Patrick Johansson's granitic drumming, and ending, so to speak, with the intricate solo performance of good old Yngwie. Professional and well-crafted production combined with the exceptional mastering of the well-known Mike Fraser, adept at managing the spaces dedicated to each instrument without diminishing the effect of the solos of the guitar hero.
The earth-shattering start entrusted to the Priest-like "Locked And Loaded," with blistering riffs supporting enveloping and fast rhythmic exercises, a very aggressive bridge-chorus combined with well-crafted solos. Another energy-packed episode reveals itself in the sonic storm of the pressing up-tempo of "Cracking The Whip," while an epic reminiscent of Ronnie Dio wraps us emotionally in "Wind Of War..." a piece introduced by acoustic chants and solid riffs that flows into an effective "warlike" chorus, interpreted best by the former Rainbow Mr. White.
The epic theme is reprised in a hard-rock version in the beautiful "Cherokee Warrior," where a bluesy-picking Malmsteen also takes to the microphone with excellent results, producing a chorus with an eighties appeal that will surely awaken considerable nostalgia in his fans. Doom-metal inspired delusions accompany us in the slow and sulfurous "Revelation," where thundering riffs with a statuesque appearance duet with the singer's solemnity to create a track reminiscent of the vigorous and never forgotten "Pyramid Of Cheops" from the now distant "The Seventh Sign."
As the work progresses through a well-structured set of eighteen pieces, we encounter the instrumental delusions of the dreamy "Guardian Angel," an instrumental full of emotional solos and melancholic keyboards, and the Viking atmospheres of "The Hunt," an epic clash between solemn harmonies and a relentlessly fast six-string.
The grand finale is destined for the hard'n'heavy anthem of "Russian Roulette," with excellent baroque riffs and a vocal work that launches into an easily assimilable chorus, paying a heavy tribute to the "Marching Out" period but, above all, to the masterpiece of the title-track "Unleash The Fury." Introduced by engaging chimes, it develops into a battle between flamboyant guitars and accompanying keyboards that ignites with the deep and brilliant vocals of Dougie White, where the chorus also proves excellent, filled with references to the unforgettable "Queen In Love."
It's needless to add that Malmsteen's technical skills delight us throughout the entire platter and, although they prove quite repetitive, they thrill fans who have steadfastly followed the career of the egocentric (and fundamental) guitar hero from Stockholm for two decades. An album out of time and current trends, this "Unleash The Fury" continues the musical discourse undertaken by Malmsteen in the eighties without any variation, leaving a bitter taste to those expecting innovations but maintaining the pace and compositional credibility that has delighted his followers since the beginning. For the detractors, on the other hand, it's another opportunity to mock him.
Tracklist
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