Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force for Prog Related

I hereby suggest Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force for inclusion into Prog Related. I know that this artist has been discussed before, but (as far as I know) never been formally evaluated by the administrators for Prog Related (I think he has been evaluated and rejected by the Progressive Metal team, and for good reason I would say). I certainly don't mind further discussion on the matter, but in the light of previous discussions I would prefer that my suggestion to go straight to evaluation. 

Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force is a worthy candidate for inclusion into Prog Related for pioneering the genre known as Neo-Classical Metal in the early 80's. According to Malmsteen himself he was heavily inspired by several Prog and Prog Related bands and artists including Rush, UK, Kansas, Deep Purple, Rainbow, Queen and Jimmy Hendrix (all of whom are listed on this site and all covered by Malmsteen. See his cover album Inspiration for some of these).

Malmsteen also has had a very strong influence on several bands in the progressive Metal genre, most notably perhaps on Symphony X, whose music is often very similar to that of Rising Force with many strongly Malmsteen-like fast guitar solos and keyboard solos reminding equally much of those of Jens Johansson (member of Rising Force in the 80's). Johansson is listed on this site in Jazz-Rock/Fusion for his very experimental solo albums and collaborations with his brother Anders Johansson (also member of Rising Force in the 80's).

As I said, I don’t mind discussion but please note that my suggestion is for inclusion into Prog Related and not for a genuine progressive sub-genre. My suggestion can therefore not be dismissed by simply pointing out that the artist in question is not Prog. I agree on that. But I would certainly say that the music of Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force shares many characteristics of that of genuine Prog bands: influences from classical music, many instrumental sections including many guitar and keyboard solos, some unconventional song structures, etc. I think that the debut album Rising Force from 1984 would sit very well alongside other Prog Related classics by Queen, Led Zeppelin, Wishbone Ash, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Metallica, etc.     

The most interesting albums from a Prog Related perspective is that classic (and mostly instrumental) debut album from 1984, Trilogy from 1986, Fire & Ice from 1992 and Concerto Suite for Electric Guitar and Orchestra in E Flat Minor: Op. 1 (performed with a full symphony orchestra).

As a side note I can mention that (former) members of Jethro Tull, Rainbow and Dream Theater have played and recorded with Malmsteen at some point or another. 

Feel free to add considerations speaking for or against this suggestion but please spare us comments like “he sucks” or “he’s amazing” – it is the Prog relatedness that is under evaluation, not the quality of the music (judgments on the latter belongs in reviews once the addition has gone through )

Edited by SouthSideoftheSky - May 25 2011 at 01:20

This must have been discussed before no?
Anyway, agree with the OP.


PS. And yes he

It's patently obvious that he should be added. 

With the Icarus Dream suite on the debut album it features odd/changing time signatures, extended length, heavy classical influences, and virtuoso performances. It'd be interesting to see him in here, but you know what most of them will say:

^ I haven't actually gone through that ordeal yet and frankly I don't know this artist well enough (just 2 early albums)
I have fond nostalgic memories of 25+ years back when this was more or less my introduction to Metal. I don't want to destroy this nostalgia by listening too much to it again

Ok, i'm kidding again, from my part I would actually want to see if there's a consensus or majority about this in the Prog Metal Team before I make this step, but that shouldn't stop any other SC.




Edited by Bonnek - May 24 2011 at 16:47

Alitare wrote: With the Icarus Dream suite on the debut album it features odd/changing time signatures, extended length, heavy classical influences, and virtuoso performances. It'd be interesting to see him in here, but you know what most of them will say: -The "snowball effect" - 'If we allow Malmsteen in, then we'll most likely end up having to bring other neoclassical metal acts in like Stratovatius and what next?! Van Halen?!'

 ^ exactly-  the question is not whether the addition will cause a clamor for other innovative guitarists, but whether Rising Force's music is related to Prog.  And if it does attract other suggestions, is that a reason to deny the addition of any artist?

 

I hate Malmsteen, but his inclusion is a fairly obvious decision. (yes.)

oh you want us to actually do something about it .. * sound of crickets *

I'd consider sponsoring Rising Force, but obviously all of Yngwie's albums would be open for inclusion and that's a ton, mostly after the Rising Force period with the Johansson Bros which ends around the album Odyssey in 1988/89.   So the question really is; are the supporters of Malmsteen's inclusion prepared to see his whole catalog here, much of which is, technically, neoclassical metal?  This is a serious question to ponder and I would be reluctant to sponsor an artist only to then realize the full impact of the inclusion.  If he'd just done the first ten records or so, it would be a much easier decision.  Under the circumstances, I would want to consider this much more than over the course of a few hours.