So #19 on Eugene’s list was a totally new listen for me. I’d never heard of Malmsteem before, and don’t ask me how to pronounce his first name, but the Wikipedia page had me intrigued because it was all about how this guy’s skill with the guitar. I do love me some good guitar solos.
So here’s my take. Yep, the guy can play. Nope, I’m not a big fan of listening to 40 minutes straight of his riffs. He definitely has a classical music influence, and there are some parts that can only be described as soaring – hell, there are organs! – but I don’t care how good someone is on the guitar, it gets old after a while. It kind of comes across as one long ego trip.
Let’s end on a positive: there’s no denying this guy’s talent, and I think if you break it up and put individual songs on a playlist that’s buffered by other, more lyrical music, it would be a more enjoyable listening experience.
Links & Notes
Yngwie Malmstreem Wikipedia page
Befuddled 