Rising Force XIV

Rising Force

XIV

Jun 15, 1995

Contents:
Since I've added the ability to post to Risng Force Online, many of you have done so, so parts of this issue are taken from those submission. This is our biggest issue ever - lots of news and reviews. Read on.

Leviathan Records
From: Leviathan
Leviathan does plan to have a web site sometime in 96. I just want to make sure that it is done professionally to compete against the other record company sites.

Music as is art is totally subjective to the listener/viewer. I think that many Shrapnel releases are nothing but lead guitar showcases with not much thought given to the actual song. Who is to say that is bad. That is all that some people want to hear. At Leviathan we usually think more in terms of material and bands and some of our mainstream acts really don't have that good of guitar players at all but have great material. Of course then we have the extremist lead player in Joe Stump who can combine insane guitar playing with excellent material. Shrapnel has some great players but then again so do we. Music is music and whatever you like you like. Who has the authority to say what is better.

You can buy Leviathan CDs through CD Now,. Just search for Leviathan under labels and they have most all of our titles available. Plus they have decent pricing. Or go through the mail at $15.00 in the US or $20.00 outside the US per CD to our

PO Box 745 Tyrone, GA 30290
or with a credit card at 800-755-2316. We pride ourselves on immediate response. If someone orders thru the 800 number it goes out the next day at the latest and arrives within the week. Unless for some remote possibility we are out of stock of the item. This really happens only on the instructional videos from time to time. (David T. Chastain, Bruce Bouillet, John Alderete and Scott Travis).

Joe Stump
We will be releasing in the states a new all instrumental cd of Joe's in May called "Supersonic Shred Machine". It is the most intense shred release of all time!! Very neoclassical.
This CD is a MUST for anyone calling themselves a neoclassical metal lover. About the onlu thing negative one could say is that it lacks originality. My feeling however is like certain foods that you can't get enough of, Joe delivers a new serving of neoclassical guitar. Joe started using keyboards, but they are not dominant. I wish Jens would have played here. I interviewed Joe in Boston recently, look for a write-up soon -Ig

Joe has just released a Japanese only release under the name of Reign of Terror. The name of the cd is Light in the Sky. The new CD is a typical Rainbow/Malmsteen/Deep Purple Japanese release. They even do a great cover of "Highway Star". We created it specifically for the Japanese market. This type of music is still huge in Japan. As an example, the new Blackmore's Rainbow is the most popular band/release with Burrn's(#1 Rock mag in Japan) readers at this moment. I don't believe that Rainbow's CD is even getting released in the US. We have many Japanese only releases. It is the best market for instrumental guitar and progressive music at this moment. There is no plan to offer Joe's CD in the US thru mail order. It should be available in import shops. Joe does tour up in the Northeast US from time to time.(mainly Boston and New York areas).

Michael Harris
Micheal Harris will have a new all isntrumental cd out called "Ego Decimation Profile" in Japan in April and the states in the fall. Michael's new releases is a continuation of his previous solo cd but of much higher quality. I call it progressive heavy metal with Rush, classical, Dream Theater, etc influences. It should be available in the US in the fall. "Ego Decimation Profile" will be Michael Harris's second solo instrumental release. Of course, Michael and myself released the "Live! Wild and Truly Diminished!!" instrumental release after "Defense Mechanizms", but that contained no new material of Michael's.

Jeffrey Kollman
Another great player we just got a Japanese deal for is Jeffrey Kollman and his first solo release "Schizoid". It was actually recorded in the early 90's and has a lot of Uli Jon Roth influences. It should be out on Apollon later in the year. He has a newer release out on Legato that is not as heavy as the old one but it is still very good. He also is in a band called EDWIN DARE that we have arranged for 2 releases in Japan on Teichiku, "The Unthinkable Deed" and "UCANTBREAKME". You would probably like them as they sound like a heavy rockin Queensryche with much better musicians. Jeff is one of my personal favorite rock influenced guitarists.
I like Edwin Dare quite a bit -Mike Varney
David T. Chastain
There will be a Japanese only release of my jam group "The Cincinnati Improvisational Group". It definitely is my best "soloing". It will be on Apollon records and it is to be released on August 5th. It should be available in import shops and maybe direct through Leviathan mail order.
David T.'s most neoclassical album was "Instrumental Variations" -Ig
I recorded and released "Instrumental Variations" in 1987. At the time that was the style I was writing. I still love that release and I actually may release an instrumental in 1997 called "Intrumental Variations Volume 2" or "Instrumental Variations, The Second Decade", more than likely in the same vein?

Currently I am in the recording process of the next CHASTAIN vocal release, with Kate French. She sounds similar to Leather in styling but on certain tracks sounds like a female Tate. She also plays guitar plus she is a looker. Kate and I are deciding which tracks will be on the new cd. Hopefully to be released in late 97(at least in Europe).

Guitar Zone
There is an incredible website dedicated to instrumental guitar, Guitar Zone. While it's not only neoclassical, it does cover many of the solo guitarists we follow, so definitely keep this page bookmarked. It will also most likely be the site of the Shrapnel page we've been promising.

Yngwie News
From: Yngwie Malmsteen Official Home Page
Recording has been completed on Yngwie's new album! Inspiration is a tribute album covering classics by some of Yngwie's favorite artists. The album includes the following tracks:
  1. Manic Depression - Jimi Hendrix
  2. Spanish Castle Magic - Jimi Hendrix
  3. Gates of Babylon - Rainbow
  4. Carry On My Wayward Son - Kansas
  5. Child In Time - Deep Purple
  6. Pictures of Home - Deep Purple
  7. Mistreated - Deep Purple
  8. Demon's Eye - Deep Purple
  9. In The Dead Of Night - U.K.
  10. Sails of Charon - Scorpions
  11. Anthem - Rush
  12. Flute Sonata Theme - Vivaldi
Vocalists on Inspiration are Joe Lynn Turner, Mark Boals, Jeff Scott Soto and Yngwie. Yngwie plays all guitars and bass parts; Mats Olausson, David Rosenthal, and Jens Johannson play keyboards; and Anders Johannson plays drums. Look for the new album to be released in September '96. The Concerto Album, Yngwie's next project, is currently being written (he's been very busy!). The instrumental album will be an exciting fusion of classical themes and Yngwie's signature rock.

From: Malmsteen's Militia
An interview and info about Inspiration
From alt.music.yngwie: Herbert
Yesterday I got a mail from a CD-shop, that the release date (in USA) will be June 6,1996 for Inspiration.

Yngwie Spotlight
From : alt.guitar, alt.rock-n-roll.metal.heavy
I think that Y.M's brilliance can be compared to the virtuoso from Genoa called Paganini. Even more than that, I think that Y.M. can be compared to J.S. Bach! He played alot of styles of music, and with such technique! Most people don't like him because he is very pompous, but I say what the hell...he can back it up, right?

From: James
Actually, the comparison of Yngwie to Paganini is an interesting, and in a couple of ways that come to mind, a valid one. In the same way as Yngwie does today, Paganini annoyed many of the people of his time with his arrogance. And although technically he was (and still is) admired as a stunning virtuoso, a lot of Paganini's work has been criticized as being emotionless and without feeling, like many people say about Yngwie's. And from most of the concerts that I've seen, many people play Paganini's things as an encore, a show-stopping display that ends the evening on a high note.

Before you flame, read that again: I'm not making any judgements on either of them. I just think that their careers are kind of similar, and it's kind of interesting.

Magnum Opus
From: Bahman Wadia
The song structure for the most part was well layed out and definitely had some brilliant hooks. The soloing has not changed, it is as beautiful as it ever was. Yngwie's song- writing has drastically improved. But I still have to say Rising Force(*****) was the best albumn Yngwie ever did. Magnum Opus (***1/2). P.S. Why does Yngwie put himself on every album cover?

Blake's Shred Reviews
Blake, who hasn't left his email address, has been posting reviews in Rising Force Online. -Ig
I've been running into too many young players who have never heard pre-Sammy Hagar V.H., let alone Yngwie. I'm going to profile some of shreddings biggest names.
Paul Gilbert
over the next few weeks.Today, Paul Gilbert. Paul Gilbert: The most fun you can have without a couple of supermodels and a Mr. Turtle pool filled with lime Jello. Fast food Yngwie. Might have single handedly saved shredding with his crazy daredevil act Racer X if he hadn't tried a cockamamie get rich quick scheme with Billy Sheehan in '89. Highlights: His 4 Racer X releases, Tribute to Jimi Hendrix live album,his first instructional video and his guest solos on Out of the Sun by Joey Tafolla (especially Zero Hour) Hot Solos: "Zero Hour," "Street Lethal," "Heart of a Lion," "Blowin' Up the Radio"

Greg Howe
While not neoclassical, Greg is the metal/fusion guitar player, especially if you want to work on your mixolydian and dorian chops or 16th note phrasing. While I recommend all of his albums, including both with Howe II, get Introspection and his self-titled debut release first. His latest three releases; Uncertain Terms; Tilt (w/Richie Kotzen); and Parallax, while excellent are a little on the fusion side. I feel Greg has the best combination of technique and phrasing since Yngwie in his prime. Hot solos: "Jump Start," "Stringed Sanity," "Jokers Wild," "Direct Injection."

Derek Taylor, Scott Stine, and Haji's Kitchen
Something cool is happening in the state of Texas. Derek Taylor, Scott Stine and Brett Stine (Haji's Kitchen) have taken some Racer X staples (especially string skipping) to the next level. Derek Taylor seems to be the man behind the licks (Paul Gilbert to Scott Stine's Bruce Bouillet if you will), however, Scott Stine's Shrapnel release Broke is the best album for study from this gang. If you're hip to Racer X, you'll find these licks fairly easy to figure out, if not play. There's lots of stuff here to impress family and friends. Derek Taylor's best work is with the alternative sounding band Crimeny, who have a Shrapnel release titled Peat. Avoid Derek's solo album for the simple reason that there are no solos. Brett Stine's band Haji's Kitchen is one of the best vocal projects on Shrapnel. They sound a little like Alice in Chains with some King's X thrown in. Good writing, but the solos aren't quite up to Derek and Scott's level. Hot solos: "Trust"(Crimeny), "Self Indulgence" and "Nuthin' But Pickin'"(Scott Stine)

Tony MacAlpine
While Tony's last four efforts, Freedom to Fly, Madness, Premonition, and Evolution, have been somewhat disappointing, "Maximum Security" released in 1987, is arguably the best neoclassical metal album of all time. Featuring superb playing and writing, as well as guest solos from Jeff Watson and George Lynch, Maximum Security is a must own for all fans of heavy guitar music. The Shrapnel release M.A.R.S. Project: Driver, a vocal project, also features some of Tony's best lead work. Hot Solos: "Autumn Lords," "Sacred Wonder," "Hundreds of Thousands," ( all from Max. Sec.) "Fantasy" (M.A.R.S.)

Yngwie Malmsteen
While Yngwie is the undisputed king of neoclassical metal, his post Trilogy releases have been so disappointing that it has been whispered in some corridors that it would have been better, at least for his career, if he hadn't survived the car accident. the most distressing things are his tone and phrasing although his technique also suffered. You can take Odyssey and Live in Leningrad and put them where the monkey put his nuts. While his soloing has rebounded somewhat in recent years, (Seventh Sign and Magnum Opus) his horrific tone and banal phrasing have reduced him to a second rate Yngwie clone. I am ever hopeful Yngwie will return to form as his playing on Rising Force, Marching Out, and Trilogy is as good as it gets. Tone, feel, melodic phrasing, it's all there. Two lesser known recordings with Yngwie at his heavy metal finest are with Alcatrazz. No Parole From Rock N Roll and Live Sentence, are absolutely indispensable. Get them. Get them. Get them. If you are extremely fortunate, you might come across the Alcatrazz video, Metallic Live '84 which features the best live guitar performance of all time. Yngwie plays the lesser heard covers, "Lost in Hollywood" from Rainbow, and Schenker's "Desert Song." Tres cool. Hot Solos: "I am A Viking," "Jet to Jet," "Lost in Hollywood," "You Don't Remember I'll Never Forget," "Hiroshima Mon Amour"

Zeno Roth
Zeno's new album Zenology is out. The playing is better then on his no-longer-available first album Zeno, but the writing is not quite as good.
Zeno is Uli Roth's younger brother. -Ig
Uli Jon Roth
From: Bruno Bissonnette
I've read that Uli Jon Roth has a new album out, and he's changed his name (again) to Avalon. The record is by Sky of Avalon, and it's named Prologue to the Symphonic Legends Apparently, it is out in Japan only and it features Uli playing guitar with a symphony backing him, with some tracks featuring vocals. For ordering info, check out the Audiophile Imports web page. If anybody has heard the album, please send me or post your comments, reviews, etc.

From: Blake
While "Sky of Avalon" is out, also look for the long awaited "Soldiers of Grace" and "Symphonic Rock For Europe" which are supposedly coming out sometime this year.

From: Dallas Hodgson
Uli did 3 solo albums, recently rereleased (in Japan at least) on CD. This is where Yngwie got his licks. Uli's an acquired taste, an odd amalgam sitting halfway between Jimi and Yngwie, with some opera and classical piano thrown in. When he's not singing, he's brilliant.
I bought Jamess Byrd's Octaglomerate recently and it's like listening to Uli's ghost. Quite different from Atlantis Rising (which I liked). Yngwie's a James Byrd (and Uli) fan.

From: Janell
Sky of Avalon (Uli Jon Roth) PROLOGUE TO THE SYMPHONIC LEGENDS 1996 Zero XRCN-1261 (Japan)
Includes adaptations of Puccini -- Nessun dorma (from Turandot) and E lucevan le stelle (from Tosca); some guitar and some "new-age" type piano in other tracks Further information on PROLOGUE TO THE SYMPHONIC LEGENDS - SKY OF AVALON (information sent to me by Benjamin Weaver):
However, according to Uli himself he is planning to record and release a "cycle of 5 Symphonic Legends". It seems like one of these legends will be Europa Ex Favilla. And yes, the band -- consisting of Uli/Avalon and his two singers Michael ?lexig and Tommy Heart -- is called Sky of Avalon. The track listing on the album is as follows:
  1. Bridge to Heaven (Nessun dorma/Puccini...which is not mentioned on cover. Vocals + guitar adaption)
  2. Thunder Bay
  3. Pegasus
  4. Starships of Dawn
  5. Winds of War
  6. Sky Valley
  7. The Wings of Avalon
  8. Until the End of Time
  9. Tod Und Zerst=F6rung
  10. E Lucevan Le Stelle (solo guitar) - Puccini
  11. Starlight
The Puccini adaptions are VERY faithful as Uli's versions are in the same key and has almost exactly the same timing as the original works.
There is no mention of Uli Jon Roth on the sleeve but the CD has been listed under his name in those places I've seen it. It's also very short, just about 30 minutes. But IMO it's worth the high price you'll have to pay for it.
Why do record labels never want to release anything whith good musicians anywhere but Japan?
From: Phil Quirke-Webster
It seems that over the last few years record labels have come to the conclusion that anyone from the majority of this earths dry land areas don't listen to neoclassical guitar music any more. What seems to be the problem? the lack of buyers or the lack or promotion? I would probably plum for the latter If there is a lack of buyers it must stem from there being a lack of promotion. OK so you can say that only guitarists bother to buy this stuff, but are the powers that be not aware that most of the people that actually like rock and metal are in bands, want to be in bands, or just like it because of the musical ability of the actual bands themselves. It has been a long time since i have been able to walk into a record shop in my home City in England and look under an alphabetical listing for the likes of Taffola, McAlpine, Greg Howe. I just can't do it. If i want to get any of these new releases from these artists i have to order by import, and this can end up being expensive. "Who??" say the assistants as they look puzzled and then look at the length of your hair and wonder what suer you crawlled out of. My hair is dowm to my backside and i'm bleedin proud of it mate! you think as you spell it out for them. I have even had to take a keyboard off some one to type in the artist and name of the album for a catolouge check. We aint thick! We aint a thing of the past! And we have more musical taste and apreciation than you could even start to comprehend! Lobby some of the labels and lets get the releases back where we can get at them, in the shops, not four to six weeks in the post. Phil

Stratovarius
From: TimoTolkki Stratovarius
Hello all you who like classically influenced metal!!! Since it seems that everybody is turning to GRUNGE or POST PUNK or TECHNO it is always refreshing to find a page in the web which supports bands and musicians who can PLAY their instruments. The ones that are left are the ones who really love this kind of music. I find it extremely respectable, when I find people who truly and honestly love classical metal. I myself have struggled with my band Stratovarius almost ten years now. I guess you will like our music if you like Yngwie, Helloween or Queensruche. It's quite hard to explain our own music ;) But some people call it symphonic metal (what ever it means ;) ). We have remained faithful to our style and with this philosophy, we have gone from the sales of 75 copies to over 70 000 copies worldwide. (Our previous album "Fourth Dimension" sold over 70 000 copies worldwide. It was not released in States, but imports are available I think.) Now that we have worked 4 months in the studio, we are ready to release our fifth album Episode. Jens Johansson is playing keyboards and I am so happy that I can work with him, we played some stuff which nobody has done before. Anyway to say that classical metal does not have an audience is total nonsense. Look at our figures!!! I have seen last year when we toured Europe and Japan that this audience exists and it has not gone away, we have a steady and rising following, because we play what we want and we don't change. We do have very original sound. I am sure that we will see the rising of classical metal in USA too and pretty soon..I mean could anybody seriously think that CRAP bands like Green Day or Alice In Chains exist five years from now on?? Well I don�t, anyway people DO NOT GIVE UP!!! Kindest Regards, Timo Tolkki STRATOVARIUS
Check out Vesa Nupponen's Stratovarius page, with a few samples. -Ig
From: Janell
There is further information on Stratovarius Episode now on webpages set up by the Noise label. It will be released April 1996 in Europe only (Noise TT022-2). The string orchestra and chorus appear on several tracks. The track "Will the Sun Rise?" has a classical quote of J.S. Bach's Violin Concerto in A minor.

Jason Becker
Jason's new CD, Perspective is out. Find out more at Jason's website. The music features an amazing opus, "The End of The Beginning", with Michael Lee Firkins doing the guitar work. There's also a Mozartesque piece (not metal), "Serrana".
Also visit this multemedia page, which has some sound clips.

Marty Friedman
From: Linus Lars�n
Does anyone know when the new Friedman album is coming out? The last I heard, was that the album was almost ready. Can anyone fill me in?
I heard some samples of the album. It reminded of Winger, because, yes, there's a singer! The music seemed a bit more mainstream/poppish. -Ig
Impellitteri
From: Brian Labrecque
The Official Impellitteri webpage is now active! Visit and purchase CDs, order fan-club merchandise, read rare interviews and browse thru pictures. Listen to sound clips from all the Impellitteri CDs as well as rare live audio clips. This site is official. You may also send fan e-letters to Chris and the band.
Has clips from the new CD, Screaming Symphony, but the best clip there is Glory. -Ig
Joey Tafolla
From: Phil Quirke-Webster
I sat in front of HEADBANGERS BALL on MTV the other night (I dont think you guys in the US get it over there) and there was a feature on Joey Taffolla. The thing is I wasn't paying much attention, you know how it is, my wife was in a good mood :) Do you know if he has a new CD comeing out? all I saw was something from Out of the Sun

John Norum
From: Jack Norum page
Right now, John Norum said yes to join UFO, to replace Michael Schenker since John Sykes turned down the offer. He's supposed to be in the studio with UFO.

Johansson Brothers
From: Jens
Just mixed 2 songs which Yngwie played on, two long instrumental pieces, for our album, to be released sometime this spring.

John Hahn
John has had a semi-neoclassical album out on Leviathan, Out of the Shadows. He's designed his own excellent page, including graphical tabs for some of his clips! Listen to Cut to the Chase.

Vinnie Moore
Vinnie has released a new album, Out of Nowhere, on Mayhem. Unfortunately the CD seems to be more in the vein of Meltdown, i.e. not neoclassical.

Ric Grosh
From: Ric Grosh
Hello, my name is Ric Grosh. I was very into neoclassical guitar music when it was more popular 8-10 years ago. I have some demos of my music at my home page. The music was recorded in 1986. I had been playing guitar four years at that time. Soon after this I had to go to work, so I practically gave up playing guitar. Over the past year I've realized that music and guitar is my life. For quite a while my passion has been flamenco & Latin guitar, but I have been listening to all my old neoclassical stuff lately and I want to get back into it now. I hope this type of music makes a comeback.
Ric definitely has some wonderful neoclassical compositions. I encourage you to check out his website, and definitely listen to the samples, such as The Renegade Suite -Ig

Peter Magnee
From: Steve Noynaert
Peter Magnee is a Dutch guitarist who released the CD Voodoo Play in 1993, on Mascot Records. Recommended. Peter Magnee has a fairly unique style, on the track "Sneezing Bull" he uses a Michael Angelo riff. For the most part, you could compare his playing with Michael Harris and Tamas.
Check out Voodoo Kiss -Ig
Michael Romeo/Symphony X
From: Steve Noynaert
Michael Romeo has a CD on Zero Records, The Dark Chapter It can easily compare with Michael Angelo, Same heavy riffs and incredible playing. The production is as good as Angelo's No Boundaries

Romeo's band, Symphony X. has a CD, The Damnation Game (1995, InsideOut). It's a mix of Malmsteen type vocals with the typical sound from his Dark Chapter solo stuff. Symphony X has some neoclassical elements in it, and combined with the incredible playing of Michael Romeo, I would surely recommend it. The only drawback are the vocals, they tend to sound too FM, but still a lot better that the typical catchy stuff on the Malmsteen CDs. It's a heavier than the first track on Magnum Opus for example. The first CD Symphony X is only out on Zero-Japan.

Check out Cask of Amontillado. -Ig
I like Symphony X quite a bit. -Mike Varney
James Byrd
There's been some debate about James Byrd in Rising Force Online. You can find the flames there.
From: Randy Matthiessen
James is currently producing two new albums with us here at N.W. Productions in Seattle . One of the albums is a one hour concerto for electric guitar and symphony orchestra.
In 1995, Yngwie Malmsteen granted an uncompensated endorsement of James Byrd's album "Son of Man" to Shrapnel Records. This was the first and to date, the only endorsement of another guitarist's work by the notoriously critical guitar legend. In his endorsement of Byrd, he said: (Q.V.) "James Byrd is the most exciting European sounding guitarist I've heard in years"-Yngwie Malmsteen In the Feb. 1996 issue of "Guitar" magazine article "At home with Yngwie", Mr. Malmsteen was asked the following question (Q.V.) "Any new players you like"? Y.M.- (Shrapnel recording artist) "James Byrd is a great guitarist- he's a good friend of mine too. He definitely has "The Vision"; he really aims for each note and makes each one count".

From: Artchie
The '92 release "James Byrd's Atlantis Rising" is as excellent, neo-classical- ly inspired Metal as possibly an album can be! Here we've got SONGS with vocals, with only a degree of the sinister pomposity Amir was describing. Also Metal Hammer's Chris Welch gave this album excellent reviews, which in the first place led me to buy it.

Darren Householder
From: Michael Boone
Darren Householder plays rock, blues, but all mainly with a neoclassical influence. His first album is well worth listening to, with 2 unaccompanied solo pieces, both nothing but sweeps and taps.. He has the technical ability of Paul Gilbert but his solos sound George Lynch-influenced. His second album, Generator Man, is not as good, with a lot of sloppy stuff in it, but I've heard his last two albums focus more on the neoclassical stuff again.

Vlatko Stefanovski
From: Adis Husejnagic
Does anybody know about the guy from Macedonia called Vlatko Stefanovski? If you don't know then try to find it cause this guy plays some kick-ass guitar. He plays harmonic minor stuff but in the style of the Macedonian and east european music but you have to hear this guy. That kind of music got me into the harmonic/melodic minor kind of thing and you should check it out since it is very inspiring. This guy is fast and melodic and very very tasteful. Nowadays you either hear a guitar player doing the widest vibrato possible or you hear low-life mellow touch but this guy's touch is unbeliveable. The notes are just nipping through. And I am pissed off because if this guy was born in America he would be recognized. And there are a lot of people out there but never get recognized. Anyways play hard and try to find out about players from unknown countries. You don't know what you miss if you just focus on the latest things from known players. After all in today's music it is not a popularity what marks a great musician. Play hard!

Ashen Dawn
From: Phillip
Ashen Dawn is a cool progressive band slightly influenced by Yngwie. If anyone gets a chance, they should check them out.

Europe
From: Tomas Hansson
Hello! I'm a swedish guitarist and play in the same drection as Michael Schenker. I heard from a friend that Europe, the old lineup, will play sometime this summer in Stockholm. John Norum is currently working with new songs. Rock the night!!!

Patrick Rondat and Emmanuel Livertout
From: Philippe Biscondi
I am a recent neoclassical guitar addict, as I started to play only 4 years ago. I particularly encourage you to listen to two french guitarists: Patrick Rondat and Emmanuel Livertout. In my country, so-called singers obliterate talentuous musicians. * Patrick's albums are "The Rape of the Earth" and "Just for Fun". His phrasing and vibrato are remarkable. He also played several times with Jean-Michel Jarre, and offered one million amazed people gathered on July 14th in front of the Eiffel Tower, Vivaldi's Summer solo. His third album is to be released soon. * Emmanuel teaches in a great music school in Nancy. I never heard about an album from him. But he dedicated a method for playing Paganini's 24 blitz variations. The accompanying cassette reveals the master's sound. To my opinion his masterpiece is "Barbarians at the Gates" from "Rape of the Earth" album. Livertout has released a CD I still have not found, I bought his "Paganini method" including several violin works he transposed for the guitar.

Simon Fox
From: Sam
Simon Fox has a CD called "Century" and it is absolutely incredible. It's basically a symphony for 4 guitars, piano, drums and bass. The thing is that the four guitar parts are controlling the "symphony orchestra" via MIDI, and his playing is outstanding! I believe he's Canadian (the liner notes are all in french, including track titles), but the only trouble is that it seems to be an independent release as I can't find any label or number on the CD.

Mekong Delta
From Mekong Delta homepage
Mekong Delta has just finished recording their new album. Mixing will take place in February. It will be no surprise to you all that this album also contains a classical track arranged by Ralph Hubert. This time it's Mussorgski's 'Pictures at an exhibition'. There are two versions recorded. One with the group, and the other with group and orchestra. They have recorded the entire composition, not just a piece of it. Also a CD-ROM is in the making concerning this theme. The album is scheduled for release at the end of April and the CD-ROM after their tour with group and orchestra (Ralph hopes he can pull it of this time).

Glory
From: Dallas Hodgson
Glory is ex-Yngvie singer Goran Edman's Euro-band. Neoclassical metal, not ripping but enjoyable.

John Petrucci
John Petrucci gives a guitar lesson using Chopin as an example in the March Guitar Wolrd.

Steve Morse
Steve Morse released a new album, StressFest and website, www.stevemorse.com. He's also touring US with Deep Purple this summer. I don't think Steve ever crossed the line into neoclassical, but since this is his first appearance in Rising Force, give him a listen, and you might want to even read an an interview done by Kevin Ferguson.

Seventh Omen
Though I didn't find the rest of the music appealing, this clip from Seventh Omen is worth listening to.

Rules of Prey & Blackstorm
From :Brian DaCosta
Some bay area neoclassical bands:Rules of Prey( think Extreme meets Yngwie), Blackstorm( these guys used to sound like a Racer X knockoff, but I've heard they now sound like a wanna-be Dream Theater).

Apocalyptica
From: Janell
The upcoming album by Apocalyptica (a Finnish cello quartet from Sibelius Academy) is doing an all-cover-version album of Metallica.
Misc.
From: Van Miller
There are at least 4 neo-classical shred-gods missing from your page: Ritchie Blackmore (who,as mentioned above, is responsible for getting this whole genre up & running), Michael Schenker (OK, so he throws in blues influences too, but he's still a neo-classical shredder nonetheless), Uli Jon Roth (YOU DID SAY you liked the Scorpions, didn't you?), & the late, great, Randy Rhoads (sniff, sniff, sigh. [We still miss you, Randy.]). How could you leave these players out? I mean, no neoclassical shred-guitar page should be without them. Please undo this MOST HEINOUS mistake & add them to your page. After all, there WAS life before Yngwie.
The main reason is that there are no pages that exist that spotlight the neoclassical aspects of their careers. I'd be happy to include any that do. -Ig
From: Neil
My name is Neil Kirby and I am a big Yngwie fan. I am college student at Allegany Community College in Cumberland, MD and will be transfering to Shanendoah University for further study in music. I will be learning Classical Guitar. Right now I am learning a few classical licks from earlier periods of time such as the Baroque period. I will be giving a small demonstration in front of my music class playing some of those licks for those students such as myself pursueing a music degree. I will also be demonstrating a few licks from three Yngwie songs then playing them at their normal speed. In doing so I am opening these students to Yngwie himself and showing what kind of music and influence they are missing....and opening them up to something they never heard before. I think that more people through out the U.S. should recognize Yngwie and his musical talents for the main reason that the music is classical influenced. My music teacher listened to a portion from one of his songs and recognized the classical influence behind the rock n' roll itself. I am looking foreward to starting my own band aside from the country band that I am in now and also bring the classical influence to the world of country music......someday it will all happen.

From: Keith
My name is Keith Keller and I'm in a band that plays this sort of music. I am the singer and play a litle guitar, however, the lead guitar player, Curtis Coleman, has been playing for eighteen years and is constantly taking classical guitar classes at the University to help us create the heavy metal/classical sound that we love. At present we are working on a project that we think will be a fantastic achievement (extremely lengthy and difficult). We are making a heavy metal version of Antonio Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons". Transposing some of the violin to guitar has been nothing short of hell and, of course, we are unable to hit those extremely high notes.

From: Jimmer
I agree 100% with you as far as people's attitude as if their is a trade off between "feel" and "tecnique". That is a pile of crap formulated by people who can't play with great virtuosity or speed!!! The whole reason this stye of music died in popularity is because people who couldn't play like this felt intimidated and thus felt they had to compete. Music is not a competition and yet it was these very people who felt the neoclassical players were the ones who were competitive. I say play what you can and what you like for yourself and no-one else.

Neoclassifieds
Music Shop BBS
From: Judy
I run a music BBS in San Diego, and would love to have anything you'd like to send me. Including the sound files, anything neo-classical... I have it, have over 4,000 tabs on my BBS, and still growing, pictures, sounds, text files, mostly off the internet. I advertise unsigned/indie bands, for free, if anyone you know is interested, please tell me or give them my email address. I post gig dates, bio's, lyrics, pictures, have a file area just for bands. And some menus for gigs and stuff. I don't have a lot of bands yet, but it's slowly growing.
The Music Shop BBS (619)423-4970

Metallic Live '84
From: [email protected]
Please email if you have ALcatrazz Metllic Live '85

Live at Budokan
From: Mikko Livola
Does anybody in Finland have Yngwie's Live at Budokan '94 video?

Europe Fans
From: Paul Tiseo
Does anyone out there still listen to Europe? They used to be my favorite band about 6 years ago and I still love them. If anyone would like to chat about them, or update me on what the members are doing now, please feel free to e-mail me.

Guitar Pick Collecting
From: Phil
I am a guitar pick collector from Detroit, MI. Would love to correspond, and trade with other collectors.

Kat, Uli, Scatterbrain
From: Bruno Bissonnette
  • How can I find more about the Great Kat? Is her stuff good or just wank-off crap? Is she really the fastest guitarist ever?
  • I'm intrigued by Uli Roth's self-made, 30-more frets guitar; any other info on that?
  • Do Scatterbrain have only one or many albums?Titles? Are they still together?

Lillian Axe
From: Glenn
The first album listed is called "Offering". It is dated 1982, on the Atco label and the catalog number is listed as 38148. Anyone out there know how I could get hold of this or at least a copy?

Savatage
From: Glenn Any Savatage fans out there? I just got the Dead Winter Dead CD. It has quite a few classical riffs and even a metal version of a Christmas song, which I like alot. I think it's Savatage's best effort to date. Anyone else share my enthusiasim for it?
Yes, Christmas Eve is a great song. There also are versions of Mozart's 25th and Beethoven's 9th Symphoies on that album. -Ig
TNT
From: Steve Fleck
Any new information or links in regard the band TNT? What ever happened to them? Any new CD's and/or solo projects in the works? I'm also looking for a copy of Realized Fantasies(their 4th CD). If you have the information i'm looking for, send it to the above address.

Videos
From: Brandon "Twang"
I have a local television show called "Rock On" where I show rare, obscure, and hard to find videos. If you know of anyone that trades videos, let me know, I could always use new stuff.

Toby Knapp
From: Peter
Has anyone heard the album Guitar Distortion by Toby Knapp? Please send me an email and tell me what its like.
Postings in Rising Force Online have been negative. -Ig
Yngwie for sale
From: coz
I have a few Yngwie items for sale. Email me for details.

Shred in New York
From: Pete
I'm a shred/neoclassical devotee from Australia who will be visiting NY soon. I would really appreciate any advise that Rising Force subscibers can give me on record stores in the Manhattan area (I'll be staying in the Theater District) where I can buy cool shred and neoclassical CD's (Shrapnel, Leviathan etc).I want to stock up on good listening material while I'm in NY - it's not always easy to find it here in Australia.
Pete, it would help if you left an email address. -Ig
Yngwie in Brazil
From: Edson
Is it true that Yngwie is going to play in Brazil (august)? I saw an article at a local newspaper but I still can`t believe.

Farewell
 Thanks for all the great sumbissions! Rise on.
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