Review of Yngwie Malmsteen New Release Relentless

Yngwie Malmsteen is back with a new album called "Relentless." The album marks Yngwie's return to hard rock, metal music after 2009 acoustic and orchestral album "Angels of Love." The new album contains more of Malmsteen's neoclassical styling, songs for a band setting, and all out shred.

The band feel might have to do with the return of former Judas Priest front-man Tim "Ripper" Owens. Tim was also featured on Yngwie's 2008 album "Perpetual Flame." Tim adds his vocals on seven of the albums fifteen tracks. 2008 was the year Yngwie was featured alone on Guitar World's "King of Shred" issue. "Relentless" also features the keyboards of Nick Marino and the drums of Patrik Johansson.

The neoclassical elements come to the forefront on songs "Enemy Within" and "Into Valhalla" which both feature some choir music samples. I also heard a hint of Deep Purple influence returning to Malmsteen's music on this album. Perhaps it is Tim's contribution to the album, but there are some definite classic heavy metal sounds on "Relentless."

"Enemy Within" starts with the eerie choir intro which gives way to Malmsteen shred riffs and Tim Owens classic heavy metal vocals. "Arpeggios from Hell" is a shred fest which gives a nod to Michael Jackson as the band performs a bit of "Beat It" in a heavier version. "Adagio B Flat Minor Variation" is a bit of a contrast as it is a beautiful sounding instrumental. While the song "Look at You Know" has a more rock anthem sound to it.

"Relentless" is a hard rocking album by the shred master guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen. The metallic tones and hard rock one would expect to hear on the album is certainly present. However, the album also has diversity. "Relentless" shows off Malmsteen's technical guitar playing skills. Despite the fast playing his melodies shine. Classical influences are found through out "Relentless."

Track Listing:

"Relentless" was released in November 2010. The track listing is as followed:

1) Overture

2) Critical Mass

3) Shot Across the Bow

4) Look at You Now

5) Relentless

6) Enemy Within

7) Knight of the Vasa Order

8) Caged Animal

9) Into Valhala

10) Tide of Desire

11) Adagio B Flat Minor Variation

12) Axe to Grind

13) Blinded

14) Cross to Bare

15) Arpeggios from Hell

Perhaps the release of "Relentless" will lead Yngwie Malmsteen to tour in 2011. In the main time "Relentless" is worth a listen to hear some great guitar virtuosity.

Sources:

"Relentless Samples and notes provided by Yngwie Malmsteen Management.