"Alchemy"
Spitfire Records
By Vinnie Apicella And on his latest masterwork, the inimitable Mr. Malmsteen proves yet again, the power contained within the force. Rising up and marching out for this latest installment, what could very well be his best effort in years, YJM's Rising Force is a reinvention of what he once established fifteen years prior. Building on the solid framework of his many notable nineties' releases, this one in name alone should prove worthy of acclaim-the return of Mark Boals on vocals continues forth in the spirited "Trilogy" tradition and takes it another leap further. A patented Malmsteen introduction in the form of "Blitzkrieg" breaks down the barriers of uncertainty that many a discerning eye have become accustomed to when a band resurrects a once classic name. Like a slowly building crescendo approaches "Leonardo," a haunting prophecy-like measure built upon the framework of the historical figure-much maligned if not altogether misunderstood. Many of Malmsteen's creations come off as being thematic in nature, musically in particular-something he's been very proficient at, as a creator, one of his strong points which really sets apart from purposefully commercial works in the past. To understand truly, the remarkable complexities and majestic measures built into something like "Alchemy," there's really no other way but to listen. "Stand (The)" is simply one of their best moments on this or any other album-and it's here where I begin to notice that what I'm hearing isn't altogether so different as I imagined but as I become more familiar with his current work, there's a definite influence with where other big time traditionally-inspired metal groups like Nocturnal Rites, Hammerfall, and we're stretching a bit here but how about later versions of Sabbath with Tony Martin at the helm? Boals' vocals are a real strength here and yet there's no immediate draw in to his past work, seemingly having fallen slightly with yesterday's passing-well strike me down for saying so, but is the Queen no longer in love? "Wield My Sword" is the key track to this album-absolutely vintage. Fast and furious, the trademark Malmsteen scales are in fine working order and the speed of the tempo is a perfect fit with the previously slower paced material-incidentally, this one is followed by "Blue," which is a beautifully arranged instrumental blues-based piece, unexpectedly divergent and a welcome addition. "Legion of the Damned" is amongst his best work ever, all throughout, every piece to the song, from it's grinding groove-based opening which carries the pace, to the lightly layered keyboard stimulus onward into a catchy chorus and drum kick that smokes the senses. there's so many moments taking place here all within this one song that if only for its own existence, a feat unto itself-an album's worth of dynamic intensity and immeasurable measures! "Alchemy" features basically all of the strong points Malmsteen's Rising Force has ever been known for and while there's always bound to be about 20-30 percent filler fodder sewn within, this, while not specifically designed as a comeback, possesses enough flash and firepower to rival any work he's produced in the last several years! |
More from the Online Metal Journal |
 |
|
|
|