Perpetual Flame

Perpetual Flame is a record on which Yngwie Malmsteen binds his fast phrasing and classical harmony to more powerful vocals. The guitar carries an overwhelming presence while also serving to lift the drama and melody of the songs. From the aggression of the opener “Death Dealer” and the drive of “Damnation Game” to the lift of “Live to Fight (Another Day)” and the drama of “Four Horsemen (Of the Apocalypse),” the fast songs run high on tension while the mid-tempos open wide with grand melody, and an instrumental like “Caprici Di Diablo” and the lyricism of “Lament” add breadth. Holding the neoclassical idiom without hesitation, it shows its appeal in a large sonic picture. With powerful singing joined to dazzling technique, the scale of the songs grows a step further. Answering listeners who seek not only the flash of speed but the drama and weight of songs, it is a fulfilling melodic-metal record.