By Vinnie Apicella What's this, a darker Yngwie? Well hair color aside, I'm hearing a grittier version of one of the more genuine of power metal performers-"Facing the Animal," originally done in '97, again more of the YJM tradition, this time with Mats Leven manning the mic and as with all who've preceded and follow he, it all fits superbly. "Facing the Animal" cuts right to the bone in terms of overall heaviness, this time Malmsteen keeps a slower pace within the bludgeoning rhythm structures, less dependency on keyboard/guitar amalgamation and more streamlined and direct. Now it doesn't always work as a tune like "Enemy" will dictate, it really has no stand out quality to it. But one thing I've noticed right off is that this is as close to anything he's done that's sounded like Alcatrazz since. well, "No Parole for Rock 'N Roll." Now Mr. Leven has as much to do with it as anything, his Bonnet-like screams of rage and the overbearing nature of the Malmsteen riff really recall the past. "Sacrifice" as a song is as much a testament to that as it is pure power and might. "Like an Angel" softens things up a bit as an ode to April, YJ's wife, while "My Resurrection" basically proves just that as it scales over and above much of the rest with a Rainbow/Purple-like splendor placed beyond a pounding beat! Makes for a fine one-two combination with the very melodic "Another Time." and jumping over to track nine with the very majestic "Alone in Paradise." Malmsteen traditionalists, as with most, will not be missing much with this one-all of the exemplary qualities we've come to expect are firmly instilled and if there's one defining moment, it's that origins, wherever they may have sprung up, are always apt to resurface later on no matter how far one attempts to move away. "Facing the Animal" isn't the best Malmsteen offering as it does possess its fair share of filler. there is however I think more concentration placed on tighter song structures and simplicity which makes for one of the more listenable YJM records and features one Cozy Powell behind the drum kit. © 2001, BBHrdRpt

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