Guitar virtuoso Yngwie Malmsteen made his presence known in Chicago when he thrilled a packed hall last night at the House of Blues. Yngwie’s faithful arrived in full force, enjoying every riff-soaked moment of the 90-plus minute power set.The renowned shredder is currently touring his new album, Perpetual Flame, which is so titled based on Yngwie’s extensive, uninterrupted tenure as a guitar god. The album is the first to be released on Rising Force Records, the stars’ own label, and is filled with nearly 70 minutes of guitar-filled paradise.
With the new album comes a touring lineup that falls into the framework of every Yngwie band in the past – world-class musicians. The Perpetual Flame tour, along with Yngwie, features singer Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens, formerly of Judas Priest and Iced Earth, and drummer Patrick Johansson, both of who played on the album. Bass player Bjorn Englen and keyboardist Michael Troy then round out the sound.
As expected, Yngwie showcased his extraordinary ability with the greatest of ease. In a very energetic demonstration, he played with his teeth, slung his Stratocaster around his back, nailed solos behind his head and youthfully paraded around the stage never compromising his skill or the integrity of a song. Yngwie proved he is not just a guitar wizard but also a legitimate showman. He even incorporated bits of humor into his show like the time he sustained a note so long he looked at his watch as though to say, “Wow, check this out!”
Owens stayed true to the “Yngwie sound” while singing songs from the new release, but was also able to successfully lend his own unique brand to the equation by showing off his patented vocal style and very wide range. However, as much as Owens made his own mark on the new tracks, it was when he perfected past favorites such as “I’ll See the Light Tonight” and “I Am A Viking”, that he was fully embraced by the Yngwie contingent.
The band played a nice blend of songs, including selections from the classics Marching Out, Trilogy and Odyssey up to the newest release that includes the high-powered “Red Devil”, an homage to one of Yngwie’s greatest loves - the Ferrari. He does own three of them after all. Also performed was his timeless masterpiece, “Trilogy”, an instrumental that has motivated up and coming guitarists all over the world for over 20 years.
No doubt Yngwie’s show is both entertaining and inspiring, but it also carries a certain sense of spirituality because of the soulful elevation one is taken to by his playing alone. Truly a god in the guitar world, Yngwie was once again acknowledged for his talents, this time by being inducted to the Hollywood RockWalk earlier this week.
If Yngwie is playing in your area, be sure to check him out and see what I considered to be a fantastic preview to what is sure to be a great album, Perpetual Flame.
Be sure to check out our terrific interview with Yngwie on "The Greenroom with Kim Katz" at www.Buzznews.TV!!!
