War to End All Wars

War to End All Wars is an ambitious work on which Yngwie Malmsteen widens the neoclassical-metal style onto a grand scale. Dramatic classical progressions, fast playing and sturdy riffs follow one after another, and the record moves dramatically throughout. From the weight of the opener “Prophet of Doom” and the aggression of “Crucify” to the drama of “Masquerade” and the scale of “The Wizard” and the title track “War to End All Wars,” every song carries large dynamics, while a miniature like “Preludium” lends the album pacing and narrative. Beyond the guitar, the compositional command that builds the tension of the whole is a major highlight. A sound that unites flair and aggression reflects Yngwie’s aesthetic directly. The density of the fast playing is very high, but the fact that it always serves the drama of the songs shows his consciousness as a composer. It is a fulfilling record that resonates strongly with ears seeking grand melodic metal.