Review & Photography by Manny Manson for MPM
Ladies and gentlemen, gather ’round for an electrifying night at KK’s Steel Mill with the sensational Neo-Classical guitar maestro, Yngwie Malmsteen.
The atmosphere that this musician has generated is electric as the crowd eagerly awaits the sonic feast about to unfold from this Swedish sensation. With his previous gig postponed, the anticipation is palpable as the queueing fans chatter feverishly about the great man whilst waiting to be let inside. There are two queues tonight as in the smaller room we have ‘South of Salem’ a NWOCR band who recently supported W.A.S.P. on his UK tour. The smaller venue is totally sold out too.
First things first, let’s talk about the support band, a powerhouse line up that is LIMBERLOST. This band from Seattle, Washington have ventured across to open for Malmsteen on the few UK dates. The band consist of, up front and centre, we have the dynamic duo of Krystle Pyette and Brittany Lauren, both commanding the stage with their mesmerizing vocals. Supporting them are the skilled instrumentalists: Anthony Corso on guitar, Zhaun Dagley on bass, Anthony Ciarochi on keyboards and Michael Burt on drums.
The evening kicks off with the opener, “The Real Thing,” a track that sets the tone for the night. Hailing from their sophomore album, “Good Fight,”(2021) the song blends gritty guitar riffs with infectious melodies, showcasing the band’s signature style that seamlessly marries rock and blues elements.
“Long Shadow” follows, emanating from their debut release, “Limberlost Vol 1.”(2020), The guitar sound on this one is nothing short of sublime, with head band wearing Anthony Corso’s virtuosity shining through, captivating the audience with every riff and solo.
“See What You Want” takes the stage next, drawing inspiration from classic rock influences. The song, featured on their sophomore album once again, is a testament to LIMBERLOST’s ability to seamlessly navigate diverse musical landscapes.
A highlight of the evening comes with “Good Fight,” again from their latest album, “Great Fight.” Krystle and Brittany take the spotlight, dancing across the stage, adding a visual dimension to the sonic spectacle. The chemistry between the two front women is undeniable, creating a captivating stage presence.
Moving on, Krystle introduces their brand-new single, “Give It To Me,” she goes on to say that it’s not been heard back home yet, but here it has had a good reception. The track, fresh off the airwaves, carries a contagious vibe, blending modern rock elements with a hint of nostalgia. LIMBERLOST proves once again their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots.
“Setting Sun” makes an appearance, a track that was initially crossed out on the setlist that I had had a sneak look at. Originating from their second album, “Great Fight,” it was also a single, (as were the rest of the set) released back in Feb 2020, this new song’s style offers a surprising twist, showcasing the band’s willingness to keep the audience on their toes.
As the night builds to its climax, LIMBERLOST unleashes the mighty “Kashmir,” a cover that pays homage to rock legends Led Zeppelin. The crowd roars in approval, and the song plays out magnificently to the delight of the partisan crowd, eagerly awaiting Yngwie Malmsteen.
The set concludes with thunderous cheers, but the night is far from over. LIMBERLOST graciously head to the merch stand, meeting fans and engaging in lively conversations. Their genuine enthusiasm and connection with the audience solidify the night as not just a concert but a shared experience between the band and their dedicated fans. The stage is left cleaned and ready for Yngwie Malmsteen, the crowd eager for the night to continue.
Yngwie Malmsteen, the Swedish guitar virtuoso and maestro of neoclassical metal, stands as a true icon in the world of heavy metal and rock. Born in Stockholm in 1963, Yngwie Johann Malmsteen began his musical journey at a young age, immersing himself in classical music and drawing inspiration from legendary guitarists like Jimi Hendrix and Ritchie Blackmore.
Yngwie’s meteoric rise to fame occurred in the early 1980s when he joined the band Steeler and later Alcatrazz. However, it was with his solo career that he truly left an indelible mark on the music world. His debut solo album, “Rising Force” (1984), not only showcased his extraordinary technical prowess but also introduced the world to the genre of neoclassical metal, blending intricate classical compositions with the raw power of heavy metal.
Known for his lightning-fast guitar playing, impeccable technique, and classical-inspired compositions, Yngwie Malmsteen quickly became a guitar hero for aspiring musicians worldwide. Hits like “Far Beyond the Sun” and “Black Star” from the “Rising Force” album solidified his status as a guitar virtuoso.
Yngwie’s discography is vast and impressive, featuring numerous albums that demonstrate his evolution as an artist. Notable works include “Trilogy” (1986), “Odyssey” (1988), and “Seventh Sign” (1994). His albums often feature a fusion of intricate guitar work, classical influences, and heavy metal riffage, creating a sonic landscape that is both technically challenging and melodically rich.
While Yngwie Malmsteen is primarily known for his solo career, he has collaborated with various musicians and bands over the years, contributing his unique guitar style to diverse projects. His impact on the metal genre extends beyond his technical abilities, as he played a key role in popularizing and defining the neoclassical metal subgenre.
Yngwie’s influence is not limited to his guitar playing; he is also an accomplished songwriter, crafting compositions that showcase a deep understanding of musical theory and classical structures. His ability to seamlessly blend technical prowess with emotional depth sets him apart as a true master of his craft.
As a live performer, Yngwie Malmsteen’s concerts are legendary for their intensity and the sheer virtuosity displayed on stage. His stage presence, coupled with his undeniable talent, has earned him a dedicated global fanbase that continues to grow with each passing year.
Yngwie Malmsteen took to the stage fashionably late and the house erupted in cheers, Quickly opening with the iconic “Rising Force,” Yngwie immediately asserted his dominance on stage, setting the tone for an evening of electrifying guitar wizardry, it was obvious that it was a masterclass in neo-classical metal.
The seamless transition from “Top-Down, Foot Down” into “No Rest for The Wicked” showcased Yngwie’s ability to blend melodic finesse with blistering speed. The crowd, a sea of eager faces, hung on every note as the journey gathered speed. Through out Yngwie danced around the stage throwing out guitar pics as he did so.
“Soldier” and the “Into Valhalla”, “Baroque and Roll” medley continued to take the partisan crowd on a journey through Yngwie’s discography, highlighting his classical influences. “Like An Angel” provided a moment of serenity before the onslaught of “Relentless Fury,” a track that lived up to its name with its relentless energy and fireworks guitar display, kicked everyone in the teeth.
“Now Your Ships Are Burned” and “Wolves At The Door (G Minor Arp)” demonstrated Yngwie’s command over intricate arpeggios and his unparalleled fretwork. His fingers working efficiently over the guitar neck, never missing a note. The intense “Si Vis Pacem (Parabellum)” and the ethereal “Badinere” helped showcase the diverse range of influences that shape Yngwie’s musical palette.
Paying homage to Paganini, another of his childhood influences, with “Paganini’s 4th/Adagio,” Yngwie’s performance transcended the boundaries of metal, delving into classical realms for which he is now infamous for. The fusion of “Far Beyond The Sun” with a Bohemian Rhapsody guitar solo was a standout moment, capturing the crowd’s attention and admiration.
“Seventh Sign” and “Overture/Arpeggios” continued the sonic journey, leading into the intense energy of “Evil Eye.” Yngwie then surprised everyone with a note-perfect rendition of Blackmore’s “Smoke On The Water,” adding his signature flair to the classic riff, and a nod of the hat to one of his biggest influences.
“Trilogy” seamlessly transitioned into a mind-bending guitar solo, after which Yngwie theatrically tossed his guitar—broken string and all—over his head, a moment that left the crowd in open mouthed, as a worried looking guitar tech made sure he caught it.
“Red House” in neo-classical style showcased Yngwie’s ability to reinterpret classics with his unique flair, and “Fugue” further highlighted his technical prowess. Kevin Klingenschmid thrashing ‘metal-styled’ drum solo added an extra layer of intensity to the night.
As the set reached its zenith, Yngwie closed with “You Don’t Remember, I’ll Never Forget,” a formidable track from his ‘Trilogy album, leaving the audience screaming for more, they didn’t have to wait too long. The encore began with Yngwie on an acoustic guitar, playing a soulful acoustic improvisation that included the Hamlet theme from the ’70s, this then seamlessly transitioned into the intro of “Black Star,” where he switched back to his trusty Stratocaster and proceeded to melt the eyes on those standing to close, with his blistering attack on the fretboard, this final sonic assault brought to the night to a triumphant close.
Yngwie, at times, seemed lost in the music, his fingers dancing effortlessly across the fretboard. The crowd, in turn, were entranced, hanging on his every note as he transported the venue to a realm where the guitar reigned supreme. Malmsteen’s performance was nothing short of a sonic and visual spectacle that left the fans open mouthed. From the moment he stepped onto the stage, bathed in intense lighting and surrounded by a thick haze of smoke, it was evident that this was going to be a night to remember, it didn’t fail!
Catch Yngwie at HRH Yarmouth on Saturday 4th November or The Electric Ballroom, London on Sunday 5th November. If you’re into guitarist’s guitarist then he’s one not to be missed.
