“World On Fire” is the 20th studio album by virtuoso guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen and was released on June 1st, 2016. Now I am not huge on guitarists like Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and even Malmsteen with the extreme and pristine technical aspects they showcase. I am a simpler man I like virtuosity but not when it is shoved down my throat. I respect it but again it isn't hugely my thing. However this record oh this record....
Right from the start with the title track it sounds really boring and let's be honest, Yngwie really doesn't have much to say as he did the last 19 times around. He has a really fast riff that repeats I think too much and the whole production just isn't as crisp as I would have it to sound, it almost sounds way too laid back. The song “Lost In The Machine” really would sound so much heavier if the production was so much better but even the heavier songs suffer from a lackluster production that leaves a lot more to be desired. I do like Top Down Foot Down but it also has this laid back feeling that doesn't let the song fully breathe. If Yngwie released this song as a single I honestly would be okay with that.
I would also like to add that Yngwie handles the lead vocals on this album on a few tracks and to my surprise has a good voice but that is not enough to save this album.
Honestly, I give this record a 3 out of 10. I really don't have much to say about this album because it is just a run of the mill guitar virtuoso album but with an awful production and songs that repeat themselves way too much. I don't suggest this album to any listeners new or old. Stick with Yngwie's tried and trued records because honestly this record was a huge let down.
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