Description

Malmsteen first album for the new millennium and it not much has change. He has had his awesome albums and a few crappy ones. And this the first album of a new millennium probably falls in between good and bad. The first song we start of with is Prophet of Doom, which starts off with this weird screaming noise, untypical of Malmsteen. But the main riff is pretty basic neo-classical metal. In fact the next five songs are probably the best song on this album. Songs like Crucify and Bad Reputation have the usual kick ass, headbanging till your head falls off, neo-classical riffs. And who could forget those amazing solos! The title track War to End All Wars has one of the fastest Malmsteen riffs. Amazing solos and lyrics. By the way everything blends…sort of like cake and ice cream! Don't even ask what Black Sheep of the Family is all about, cause I have no freaking clue. It's a reggae song with an Yngwie solo. Malmsteen hasn't lost his talent for playing. His solo's and neo-classical sweeps are amazing as always. However one thing that is clear with this album is that Malmsteen should stay away from the production table. Virtuoso singer Mark Boals criticism of Yngwie's production caused him his place in the band. It doesn't matter that Boals was right. However when the guitar solo comes around its suddenly a very clear sound. It's a dramatic difference. This isn’t the first Malmsteen album I would recommend anyone to run out and hunt down but its still has some great moments Track listing: 1. Prophet Of Doom 2. Crucify 3. Bad Reputation 4. Catch 22 5. Masquerade 6. Arpeggios From Hell 7. Miracle Of Life 8. Wizard 9. Prelude 10. Wild One 11. Tarot 12. Instrumental Institution 13. War To End All Wars 14. Black Sheep Of The Family