Yngwie Johann Malmsteen (born Lars Johann Yngve Lannerbäck, June 30, 1963) is a Swedish guitarist, composer and bandleader. Widely recognized for his guitar skills, Malmsteen achieved widespread acclaim in the 1980s for his technical proficiency and his pioneering of the shred guitar technique, and neo-classical metal genre. In late 1982 Malmsteen was brought to the USA by Mike Varney of Shrapnel Records, who had heard a demo tape of Malmsteen's playing. He had brief engagements with Steeler, for their self-titled album of 1983, then Alcatrazz, for their 1983 debut 'No Parole From Rock N' Roll', and the 1984 live album 'Live Sentence'. Malmsteen released his first solo album 'Rising Force' in 1984. His album was really meant to be an instrumental side-project of Alcatrazz, but it contained vocals, and Malmsteen left Alcatrazz soon after the release of 'Rising Force'. It was a success; it was the winner of Guitar Player Magazine's Best Rock Album and was also nominated for a Grammy for 'Best Rock Instrumental', achieving #60 on the Billboard album chart. This album, and the next one, was put out under the Yngwie J. Malmsteen's Rising Force moniker. But from album number 3 and forth, he shortened to only hold his "name", Yngwie J. Malmsteen, subsequently dropping the J. also.

MARCHING OUT (1985) POLYDOR

In 1985 metal was at a peak in popularity. A Swedish neo-classical shredder was also on the rise, releasing his second album with his Rising Force band, called 'Marching Out'. Barriemore Barlow was replaced by Anders Johansson (Jens' brother) on drums, and Marcel Jacob was added on bass, making this the most "Swedish" line-up of the band, so far.

'Marching Out' is a great snapshot in time. Released in 1985, it is a showcase in what was popular at the time, namely melodic metal and guitar heroes. Thus the neo-classical metal of Rising Force was all the rage back then. Mind you, one cannot in any way diminish the work of Yngwie and band, as this is some of the best songs written in this style, but this is still a type of music that brings me back in time. And that is truly a shame. Neo-classic metal as we know it is a dying breed, an has been for decades. All the better then to have the best of the genre available on CD. Yngwie was at a creative peak here, in my opinion, delivering a slew of his best songs, including "I'll See The Light, Tonight" and "I Am A Viking". And although lyrically out of place, "Disciples Of Hell" is another choice cut, probably written under the influence of the lyrically darker bands that were raging the metal scene in 1985. Besides, it's still better than many of the pop metal bands so popular at the time, singing about their female conquests all the time. Lyrics aside, Yngwie was always about the memorable songs, seasoned with the man's unearthly guitar playing. 'Marching Out' is also graced by the voice of Jeff Scott Soto, a vocalist whom, despite his following, is a bit overlooked, in my opinion. And together with the all-star Swedish backing band, they deliver one of the bands best albums. 'Marching Out' is a bona fide classic!

Killer tracks: I'll See The Light, Tonight, Don't Let It End, Disciples Of Hell, I Am A Viking, On The Run Again, Soldier Without Faith

TRILOGY (1986) POLYDOR

The year was 1986, and pop metal was very hot. Bands like Bon Jovi and Europe were rising up and becoming huge stars. And I guess this influenced a lot of the other heavy metal acts as well. I would definitely say that it effected Yngwie. Just listen to the sound and production on this, his third outing. But fear not, 'Trilogy' is still a milestone in the neo-classical heavy metal genre. Because even if the production is somewhat softer than on his first 2 albums, the music is still the same. The opening "You Don't Remember, I'll Never Forget" got some massive MTV airplay back in the day, and this is the track that made me aware of Yngwie. And I just loved the man's melodies and guitar-playing (of course). There simply wasn't, or still isn't, anyone better then him. It doesn't exactly hurt to have such a competent backing band either. Jeff Scott Soto had been replaced with Mark Boals, another stellar vocalist in his own right. 'Trilogy' is still my favorite album from Yngwie and crew.

Killer tracks: You Don't Remember, I'll Never Forget, Liar, Fire

FIRE & ICE (1992) ELEKTRA

There are huge holes in my Yngwie collection. So 'Fire & Ice' is only the second album to hit my shelves so far. Considering that this album was released in 1992, a time when alternative rock and grunge were getting all the rave, I say that Yngwie was still doing what he does best. Namely playing a mean hard-rock guitar. Heavily classically influenced of course. In fact I'd describe this album as equal amounts of Rainbow influenced hard rock and classical music. Göran Edman's great voice is a perfect match for Yngwie's melodic music. He sometimes remind me of the mighty Rob Rock. Due to the change in the musical climate worldwide, this was to be the last Yngwie album for a major record company. And this only goes to show that being the best of what you do simply isn't enough for corporate people!

Killer tracks: How Many Miles To Babylon, No Mercy, C'est La Vie, I'm My Own Enemy, Final Curtain

Yngwie Malmsteen also appear on:  

V/A - '96% Puddel Rock'

Yngwie J.Malmsteen guest appearances:

V/A - 'Hear 'n Aid: Stars'

Jeff Scott Soto guest appearances:

Audiovision - 'The Calling'

Laudamus - 'Lost In Vain'

Stryper - 'Against The Law'

Stryper - 'Can't Stop The Rock'

Vinnie Vincent Invasion - 'Guitar's From Hell'

Ken Tamplin - 'Wake The Nations'

Steelheart - 'Tangled In Reins'

Joe Lynn Turner guest appearances:

TNT - 'Intuition'

TNT - 'Realized Fantasies'

Widowmaker - 'Blood and Bullets'

Barry Sparks guest appearances:

Scorpions - 'Unbreakable'

Jens Johansson guest appearances:

Roland Grapow - 'Kaleidoscope'

HammerFall - 'Crimson Thunder'

HammerFall - 'No Sacrifice, No Victory'

Sonata Arctica - Winterheart's Guild

Kamelot - 'The Black Halo'

Nocturnal Rites - 'Grand Illusion'

Avantasia - 'Angel of Babylon'

V/A - 'Holy Dio : A Tribute To The Voice Of Metal - Ronnie James Dio'

Mats Olausson guest appearances:

Dream Evil - 'The Book Of Heavy Metal'

Doogie White guest appearances:

Balance Of Power - 'When The World Falls Down'

Balance Of Power - 'Ten More Tales Of Grand Illusion'

Anders Johansson guest appearances:

Narnia - 'The Great Fall'

Patrick Johansson guest appearances:

Seven Witches - 'Amped'

Jørn Lande guest appearances:

Avantasia - 'Lost In Space Part 1'

Avantasia - 'Lost In Space Part 2'

Avantasia - 'The Scarecrow'

Avantasia - 'The Wicked Symphony'

Avantasia - 'Angel of Babylon'

Mats Levèn guest appearances:

Audiovision - 'The Calling'

Narnia - 'Enter The Gate'

Divinefire - 'Farewell'

Tommy Aldridge guest appearances:

V/A - 'Hear 'n Aid: Stars'

Rudy Sarzo guest appearances:

V/A - 'Hear 'n Aid: Stars'

Tim "Ripper" Owens guest appearances:

Avantasia - 'The Wicked Symphony'

Line-UP:

Current line-up:
Lars Yngwie Johann Lannerbach Malmsteen - Guitars (1978-) (Steeler, Alcatrazz, Derek Sherinian, MVP, Human Clay, Tone Norum, Radioactive, G3, Erika)
Tim "Ripper" Owens - Vocals (2008-) (Beyond Fear, Judas Priest, Iced Earth, Brainicide, Winters Bane, Charred Walls of the Damned, Seattle, Hail!)
Patrik Johansson - Drums (2002-) (Without Grief, Prey, Chainwreck, Kinlin, Takara, Jack Frost, Stormwind, Deuxmonkey)
Bjorn Englen - Bass (2008-) (Quiet Riot, Blaksmith, Takara)
Nick Marino - Keyboards

Former/past members:

Vocals:
- Jeff Scott Soto (1984-1985, 1996) (Audiovision, Vinnie Vincent, Talisman, Axel Rudi Pell, Kryst the Conqueror, M.A.R.S., Panther, Skräpp Mettle, Takara, Journey, Danger Angel)
- Mark Boals (1986-1987, 1996, 1999-2000) (Royal Hunt, Ring of Fire, Genius, Empire, The Codex, Seven the Hardway, Kuni, Human Clay, Thomas Vikstrom, Soul Sirkus, Skrapp Mettle, Gary Schutt, Alex Masi, MSG, Humanimal, Ken Tamplin and Friends, Hollywood Underground, Lita Ford, Fergie Frederikson, Eyes, Chris Catena, Edge of Forever, Frankie Banali and Friends)
- Joe Lynn Turner (Joseph Linquito) (1987-1989, 1996) (Big Noise, Rainbow, Deep Purple, Cem Köksal)
- Göran Edman (1990-1992) (Madison, Xsavior, Vindictiv, Richard Andersson, Signum Regis,Time Requiem, Brazen Abbot, Karmakanic, Vinnie Vincent Invasion, Shadrane, Silent Call (Guest), Johansson, Jayce Landberg, Crash the System)
- Michael Vescera (1993-1996) (Killing Machine, The Reign of Terror, Obsession, Palace of Black, Safe Haven, Roland Grapow, MVP, Loudness, Dr. Sin, Stygia)
- Mats Leven (1997-1998) (Krux, Southpaw, Abstrakt Algebra, At Vance, Fatal Force, Crash the System, Therion, Audiovision, Sabbtail, Jupiter Society, Treat, Amaseffer)
- Jørn Lande (on tour) (Masterplan, Allen / Lande, Millenium, Mundanus Imperium, Beyond Twilight, Ark, The Snakes, Vagabond, Wild Willy's Gang)
- Doogie White (2002-2008) (Rainbow, Empire, Cornerstone, Balance of Power, Pink Cream 69, Tank, Praying Mantis, Rata Blanca)
- Michael Storck (Creozoth)

Bass:
- Marcel Jacob (1978-1982, 1985, 1996) (The Johansson Brothers, Space Odyssey, Talisman, Europe, Human Clay, Thomas Vikstrom, Sha-Boom, Speedy Gonzales, Radioactive, Last Autumn's Dream, John Norum, Humanimal, Deacon Street Project, Billionaires Boy's Club, Jim Jidhed) (R.I.P. 30th January 1964 - 21st July 2009, Suicide)
- Bob Daisley (1988) (Rainbow, Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath , Planet Alliance, Dio, Jorge Salan, Stream, Gary Moore, Uriah Heep, Mother's Army, Living Loud)
- Barry Dunaway (1989, 1996-2002)
- Svante Henrysson (1989-1992)
- Barry Sparks (1994-1996) (Guy Mann-Dude, Dokken, Cosmosquad, Roland Grapow, Miloš Dodo Doležal, MVP, M.S.G.)
- Randy Coven (Ark, Riot, MCM, Holy Mother, X-Mas Project, C.P.R., John Macaluso & Union Radio)
- Rudy Sarzo (Blue Öyster Cult, Ozzy Osbourne, Hear 'n Aid, M.A.R.S., Quiet Riot, Dio, Whitesnake, Manic Eden, The Dudes of Wrath, Glass Wolfe (as guest))
- John Leven (Europe)
- Mike Cervino (2005-2008) (Violent Storm, Blackmore's Night)

Drums:
- Zepp Urgard (1978-1982)
- Barriemore Barlow (1984) (Jethro Tull)
- Anders Johansson (1985-1989, 1996) (Art Metal, The Johansson Brothers, Silver Mountain, Hammerfall, Winterlong, Empire, Jens Johansson, Keegan , Planet Alliance)
- Michael Von Knorring (1989-1991) (Mentzer, Chris Heaven , Norden Light)
- Bo Werner (1992)
- Mike Terrana (1993-1994) (Savage Circus, Zillion, Axel Rudi Pell, Rage, Empire, Roland Grapow, Squealer, Victor Smolski, Metalium, Kiko Loureiro, John West, Tony MacAlpine, Gamma Ray, Masterplan, Hanover Fist, Not Fragile, Emir Hot, Artension, Iron Mask, Razorback, Tarja, Downhell, Beau Nasty)
- Shane Gaalaas (1995-1996) (Artension, Cosmosquad, Diesel / Diesel Machine, Miloš Dodo Doležal, M.S.G.)
- Tommy Aldridge (on tour) (Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy, Patrick Rondat, Vinnie Moore, Manic Eden, Sykes, Motörhead, Hear 'n Aid, M.A.R.S., Ted Nugent, Oliver Weers)
- Cozy Powell (Colin Flooks) (1997) (Glenn Tipton, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Tony Martin) (R.I.P. April 5th 1998, car accident)
- Jonas Östman (1998) (Dark Illusion, Gotham City, Mental Hippie Blood, Mogg)
- John Macaluso (1999-2002) (Starbreaker, Mullmuzzler, MCM, Riot, Holy Mother, TNT, Masterlast, Powermad, Ark, Chris Caffery, John Macaluso & Union Radio, Fool's Game)
- Peter Udd (Glory Bell's Band)

Keyboards:
- Jens Johansson (1984-1989, 1996) (Art Metal, Johansson, Silver Mountain, The Johansson Brothers, Stratovarius, Dio, Mastermind, Adrián Barilari, Russell Allen's Atomic Soul)
- Mats Olausson (1989-2000) (Silver Mountain, Ark, MVP, Evil Masquerade, Kamelot, Biscaya, Michael Vescera (Guest), Stygia)
- David Rosenthal (1996) (Hammerhead, Vinnie Moore, Rainbow, Evil Masquerade)
- Joakim Svalberg (2005)
- Nick Marinovich
- Derek Sherinian (2002, 2007-2008) (Dream Theater, Platypus, Planet X,Section A, Jughead, All Too Human, Billy Idol, Alice Cooper, Kiss, Project Steiger, Pete Laramee, Theodore Ziras)
Michael Troy (2008 - 2010)