Yngwie Malmsteen

The Collection is a strong 14-song overview of Yngwie Malmsteen's finest moments from his mid-'80s records, highlighted by "Black Star," "Far Beyond the Sun," "You Don't Remember," "I'll Never Forget," "Heaven Tonight," and "Guitar Solo (Trilogy Suite Op: 5/Spasebo Blues)," which showcases his blindingly fast neo-classical style in all its excessive glory…

Malmsteen shocked some longtime listeners with his heavy reliance on blues-rock on this album, especially his extensive, Hendrix-influenced use of a wah-wah pedal. This alone makes the album necessary for Malmsteen fans, even though his more neo-classical work (solos, instrumentals, etc.) seems less inspired here. And the saccharine ballad "Prisoner of Your Love" is downright embarrassing. ~ Steve Huey

Yngwie Johan Malmsteen (born Lars Johan Yngve Lannerbäck, 30 June 1963) is a Swedish guitarist, songwriter, composer, and bandleader. Malmsteen first became known in the 1980s for his neoclassical playing style in heavy metal, and has released 21 studio albums in a career spanning over 40 years. In 2009, Time magazine rated Malmsteen as number 9 among the 11 greatest electric guitar players of all time.

Alchemy was Yngwie Malmsteen's final album in the 90's, a mystical tour-de-force featuring his complicated fret work and some awe-inspiring solos. ~ Bradley Torreano

After toiling with classical references in his music for most of his career, guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen finally dedicated himself to writing a concerto for electric guitar. The combination is not unique, as several rock groups, including Metallica, have been backed by full orchestras, but this is the first work of its kind to feature the electric guitar as the lead instrument in a concerto. One of Malmsteen's biggest target's for criticism has been his inability to move beyond his speed demon reputation that he acquired after bursting on the scene in the early '80s…

This is an excellent effort by that infinite genius. Magnum Opus features some fantastic songs like Vangeance, Voodoo and Time will tell. Even an ordinary ballad like I'd die without you is given a sterling edge by the power of Malmsteen's soloing. But the real classic on this album, is the instrumental Amberdawn…

Malmsteen continued his prolific return to recording following a series of personal disasters with this mini-album, released one month after Power and Glory. It contains two new tracks, plus live material recorded at Budokan, where Malmsteen played to a rabid Japanese fan base. ~ Steve Huey