Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen recently discussed his decision to personally handle vocal responsibilities in recent times, shedding light on why he now refrains from recruiting singers
He tells Classic Rock in a new interview: “I need to explain something to you,” he says. “The way I work is different to everybody else. I can wake up in the middle of the night and hear a perfectly completed song — including the production. Therefore I don’t need producers, outside writers, and I no longer need singers.
“When I had singers, I wrote the vocal melodies the way I heard them in my head and taught them to [former ALCATRAZZ bandmate] Graham Bonnet or whoever. Until I came to the States, I was the singer, guitar player and writer, all I needed to do was hire a bass player and drummer. Over my career there was only a small [period of time] when I used singers. It’s just easier to do it myself.”
Yngwie Malmsteen‘s most recent album, “Parabellum,” hit the shelves in July 2021 under the Music Theories Recordings/Mascot Label Group banner. Out of the LP’s tracks, only four incorporate vocals. The album’s title, “Parabellum,” hails from Latin and translates to “Prepare For War.”
Having collaborated with some of the foremost hard rock vocalists over the past four decades, Yngwie has taken on a more prominent role in lead vocals within his own band. He is supported by a lineup featuring keyboardist Nick Marino, bassist Emilio Martinez, and drummer Brian Wilson.
In the early 1980s, Malmsteen gained international attention as a member of the band STEELER and ALCATRAZZ. However, it was with his solo career that he truly made his mark. His debut album, “Rising Force” (1984), showcased his exceptional guitar skills and compositional talent. He continued to release a series of critically acclaimed albums, such as “Trilogy” (1986) and “Odyssey” (1988), which featured collaborations with notable vocalists.
Yngwie Malmsteen’s guitar wizardry, characterized by lightning-fast arpeggios, intricate solos, and a distinctive scalloped fretboard, earned him a dedicated following and influenced countless guitarists who followed in his footsteps. His impact on the heavy metal and guitar world is immeasurable.
Over the years, Yngwie has maintained a prolific recording and touring career, remaining dedicated to his craft and consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the guitar. His influence continues to resonate in the world of rock and metal music, solidifying his status as one of the genre’s most iconic and enduring figures.
