Rising Force

This almost entirely instrumental disc (vocalist Jeff Scott Soto shows up on two tracks) is a stunning showcase for Malmsteen’s classically influenced playing, with able backing from keyboardist Jens Johansson and ex-Jethro Tull drummer Barriemore Barlow. (Malmsteen himself played the bass parts.) But it’s not just an endless series of guitar solos. It’s only about 90% that. There are moments on “Far Beyond The Sun” where Malmsteen trades off with Johansson in a way that’s like an amped-up version of Jeff Beck’s mid ’70s work with keyboardist Jan Hammer, and even Barlow gets to do more than just keep a ticking beat for the main man to squiggle and squeal over. Indeed, there are plenty of moments where this album blurs the lines between metal and jazz fusion; Malmsteen’s bass parts on “Now Your Ships Are Burned” have a surprisingly supple groove. But ultimately, this is an album of guitar-focused instrumentals, and Malmsteen is an extraordinarily skilled player who stays on the right side of the line separating baroque compositional indulgence and wretched sonic excess.