In this Neoclassical production, Yngwie Malmsteen takes listeners through a gamut of musical journies that deconstruct the boundaries of what music should be into what it can be if you just tap into the endless possibilities.
This works well for the wide array of guitar skills he’s developed over his 40 years of playing and writing. If there is one thing he is not afraid to do, it is taking chances with his music and testing the limits of experimentation to see where it takes him. That is evident with ‘Parabellum’. This album pushes every limit and plays through like it could have been written by one of the great classical composers of the 18th century had heavy metal been developed in earlier times.
The music itself is a large production done in a minimalist style. It’s an album built on solid musical foundations with well thought out arrangements that will have music fans and guitar players themselves listening closely to hear all of the fine elements that take place. The creativity in playing style shines on “Parabellum” with intricate pieces that leave listeners wondering if Malmsteen added additional instrumentation to particular tracks that sound like piano or keyboards, but were simply his guitar mastery at work.
There are solid melodies, strong rhythms, meaty bass tracks, interest and pleasing hooks and the always expected solos that listeners always look forward to. The album is not just an instrumental album, there are four tracks featuring vocals that feel like the perfect compliment to the music (Wolves At The Door, Relentless Fury, Eternal Bliss, and (Fight) The Good Fight).
There are many things to discover and appreciate in this new release. Whether you are simply a listener or a musician yourself, you will find this a complex listen with opportunities to explore something new without limits. This is another in a long line of releases from Yngwie Malmsteen that show his experience, exploration and love of music.
My final thoughts, give this one a spin to hear and feel the music. It’s definitely a listening experience worth your time.
Yngwie Malmsteen
Album: Parabellum
Label: Music Theories Recordings
Genre: Heavy Metal
Release Date: 23 July 2021
Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Best tracks: Eternal Bliss, Magic Bullet, Presto Vivace in C# minor, Wolves At The Door
