Ocean’s Cpa Force

Guitar virtuoso and heavy metal legend Yngwie Malmsteen is not subtle; 15 seconds into Attack!!'s opener, he fires off his first round of six-string artillery like a soldier left for dead, littering the earth with spent cartridges of neo-classical brutality. There's no denying his impressive chops – the instrumental "Baroque & Roll" is a veritable "horned-hand" seminar – but like all lecturers, Malmsteen goes on too long. He provides so much information to his weary students of rock that the unbridled joy of the subject gets lost. Ex-Rainbow vocalist Doogie White – who does a fantastic Ronnie James Dio impersonation – does wonders with Malmsteen's insipid lyrics, utilizing his throaty growl on timeless rockers like "In the Name of God" and the ubiquitous Viking anthem "Valhalla."…

Malmsteen's playing on the follow-up to the epochal Rising Force is slightly more raw and aggressive, but the most notable difference is the addition of lyrics on many of the songs. By his own admission, Malmsteen isn't much of a lyricist, and his frequent use of occult and pagan imagery (demons, Vikings, and so on) isn't as effective at producing a dark, gothic mood as his compositions and guitar playing are. Still, those aspects of the album are vital and stimulating, making Marching Out a worthwhile listen. ~ Steve Huey

Neoclassical guitar godfather Yngwie Malmsteen returns to fine form with 2008's PERPETUAL FLAME. Joining the ranks of the Rising Force for this outing are vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens (of Judas Priest/Iced Earth fame) and ex-Dream Theater keyboardist Derek Sherinian. With Malmsteen aptly handling both guitar and bass duties, PERPETUAL FLAME finds the infamous Swede burning up the fretboards with his screaming vibrato, seemingly impossible unison runs, and trademark harmonies.