YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN's RISING FORCE - ODYSSEY 12" Vinyl LP Album

  Album: "Odyssey" is the fourth studio album by guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen, released in January 1988 through Polydor Records.

This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.

 

High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover  "YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN RISING FORCE - Odyssey"

Yngwie J. Malmsteen's Odyssey: A Neoclassical Fury in the Face of Hair Metal
Album Description:

In the hairspray-soaked wasteland of 1988, when pop-metal peacocks ruled the MTV airwaves, a Swedish virtuoso named Yngwie J. Malmsteen unleashed a sonic tempest that defied the spandex-clad status quo. His album, "Odyssey," wasn't just a collection of songs; it was a manifesto. A declaration of independence from the saccharine soundscape that dominated the era.

Malmsteen, already a guitar hero for his earlier solo work, took a bold step with "Odyssey." He recruited former Rainbow vocalist Joe Lynn Turner, a move that hinted at a shift toward a more accessible sound. But make no mistake, this wasn't a sell-out. It was a strategic alliance, a way to amplify Malmsteen's neoclassical shredding with a voice that could match his intensity.

The album, recorded at Criteria Studios in Miami with producer Jeff Glixman (known for his work with Kansas and Black Sabbath), was a sonic marvel. Malmsteen's guitar playing was a force of nature, a whirlwind of arpeggios, sweep picking, and lightning-fast runs. But it wasn't just about technical prowess. There was a sense of melody, a depth of emotion that elevated his playing beyond mere showmanship.

Turner's vocals, powerful and soaring, were the perfect foil to Malmsteen's fretboard fireworks. Songs like "Heaven Tonight" and "Dreaming (Tell Me)" showcased his ability to deliver anthemic choruses while still maintaining a sense of grit and edge.

"Odyssey" wasn't without its controversies. Some critics accused Malmsteen of sacrificing his artistic integrity for commercial success. Others dismissed Turner's vocals as a poor imitation of David Coverdale, his predecessor in Rainbow. But Malmsteen, never one to shy away from a fight, defended his choices. He saw "Odyssey" as a natural evolution, a way to push the boundaries of his music without compromising his vision.

The album's centerpiece, the instrumental "Krakatau," was a showcase of Malmsteen's virtuosity. A 10-minute odyssey of its own, it highlighted his mastery of the guitar, from delicate acoustic passages to blistering electric solos. It was a reminder that, even in the face of commercial pressures, Malmsteen was still a guitar god, a true original.

"Odyssey" may not have reached the same commercial heights as some of Malmsteen's earlier work, but it remains a landmark album. It's a monument to his unwavering commitment to his craft, his refusal to be pigeonholed or constrained by genre conventions. In a world of hair metal clones, Yngwie J. Malmsteen stood alone, a neoclassical warrior wielding his guitar like a weapon, forging his own path through the musical landscape.

Music Genre:

Neo-classical metal, heavy metal 

Album Production Information:

The album: "YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN RISING FORCE - Odyssey" was produced by: Jeff "Bjorn" Glixman and Yngwie J. Malmsteen

Jeff Glixman is a highly respected and accomplished music producer, sound engineer, and mastering engineer. With a career spanning several decades, Glixman has made significant contributions to the music industry, working with renowned artists and leaving an indelible mark on numerous recordings.

Read more on Jeff Glixman

Born on 10 June 1951, in New York City, Jeff Glixman developed a passion for music at an early age. He began playing guitar and exploring various genres, immersing himself in the music scene of the city. Glixman's love for music soon expanded beyond performing, and he became fascinated with the technical aspects of sound production.

Glixman's journey in the music industry took off when he started working at the legendary Record Plant Studios in New York. There, he honed his skills as a recording engineer, working with a diverse range of artists and learning from experienced professionals. Glixman's talent and dedication quickly caught the attention of industry insiders, earning him a reputation as a skilled engineer with a keen ear for sound.

In the 1970s, Glixman made a significant breakthrough when he began collaborating with progressive rock band Kansas. He worked on their critically acclaimed albums, including "Leftoverture" (1976) and "Point of Know Return" (1977), which featured the chart-topping hit "Dust in the Wind". Glixman's meticulous attention to detail and innovative production techniques helped shape Kansas' distinctive sound and contributed to their commercial success.

Following his success with Kansas, Glixman went on to work with other notable rock acts, including Gary Moore, Black Sabbath, and Y&T. He became known for his ability to capture the essence of a band's sound and bring out the best in their performances. Glixman's collaborations with these artists resulted in iconic albums, such as Gary Moore's "Run for Cover" (1985) and Y&T's "In Rock We Trust" (1984).

In addition to his work as a producer and engineer, Glixman also excelled as a mastering engineer. His expertise in the final stages of the recording process allowed him to fine-tune and enhance the overall sound quality of albums. Glixman's mastering credits include albums by artists like Eric Clapton, Cinderella, and Krokus, further showcasing his versatility and skill set.

Throughout his career, Jeff Glixman's contributions to the music industry have earned him numerous accolades and recognition. His work has garnered multiple gold and platinum certifications, reflecting the commercial success of the albums he has been involved in. Glixman's dedication to his craft, commitment to excellence, and ability to create a dynamic and immersive sonic experience have solidified his reputation as one of the industry's most sought-after producers and engineers.

With a career that has spanned over four decades, Jeff Glixman continues to be actively involved in the music industry, collaborating with emerging and established artists alike. His passion for music and his unwavering pursuit of sonic perfection make him a respected figure in the field. Glixman's enduring legacy lies not only in the albums he has produced but also in the inspiration he has provided to aspiring producers and engineers around the world.

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Jeff Glixman

This album was recorded at: Cherokee, Los Angeles and House of Msuic

Album cover design: Chris Thompson

Album cover photography: Mark "Weissguy" Weiss

Mark Weiss (Nickname: Weissguy) is an acclaimed American rock and roll photographer who has captured the essence and energy of some of the most iconic moments in music history. With his keen eye for detail and ability to connect with his subjects, Weiss has become synonymous with the visual documentation of the rock and roll scene.

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Born and raised in New Jersey, Mark Weiss discovered his passion for photography at a young age. Inspired by the music culture of the 1970s, he set out to combine his love for music with his growing interest in photography. Armed with his camera, Weiss began attending concerts and local gigs, capturing the electrifying performances of emerging and established rock acts.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Weiss's career gained momentum as he became the go-to photographer for many rock bands. He developed a reputation for his ability to capture the raw energy and charisma of the musicians, as well as the electric atmosphere of live performances. His photographs not only showcased the artists in their element but also transported viewers into the heart of the rock and roll experience.

One of Weiss's most iconic collaborations was with the legendary rock band Bon Jovi. From the early days of their career, Weiss developed a close relationship with the band members and their management, which allowed him unprecedented access to document their rise to superstardom. His photographs became an integral part of Bon Jovi's image, capturing the band's infectious energy and forging a visual legacy that would endure for decades.

Mark Weiss's work extended beyond Bon Jovi, as he photographed and developed relationships with numerous other rock icons. He captured the larger-than-life personas of artists such as Van Halen, Guns N' Roses, Aerosmith, and Motley Crue, among many others. Weiss's photographs adorned album covers, magazines, and concert posters, encapsulating the essence of the rock and roll lifestyle and contributing to the visual iconography of the era.

Throughout his career, Weiss has exhibited a remarkable ability to connect with his subjects and gain their trust, allowing him to capture intimate and candid moments both on and off the stage. His photographs convey not only the spectacle of rock performances but also the humanity and vulnerability of the artists behind the scenes, creating a comprehensive visual narrative of their lives and careers.

In addition to his work as a live music photographer, Mark Weiss has also ventured into other areas of the industry. He has directed music videos, designed album covers, and collaborated with various media outlets and galleries to showcase his extensive collection of rock and roll photography. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the music industry and continue to inspire new generations of photographers and music lovers.

Mark Weiss's body of work represents more than just photographs. It is a testament to the power of visual storytelling and the profound impact that music can have on people's lives. Through his lens, he has immortalized the legends of rock and roll, providing fans with a glimpse into the exhilarating world of music and preserving the spirit of an era that will forever hold a special place in the hearts of fans around the world.

 

Record Label & Catalognr:

Polydor 835 451

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record

Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

1988 Made in Holland / Netherlands
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN RISING FORCE - Odyssey
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Yngwie Malmsteen – guitar, Moog Taurus, bass
  • Joe Lynn Turner – vocals

    Joe Lynn Turner: A voice that roared across bands like Rainbow & Deep Purple. From Fandango beginnings to solo success, his journey is pure rock 'n' roll!

  • Jens Johansson – keyboard
  • Anders Johansson – drums
  • Bob Daisley – bass

    Explore the extraordinary career of Bob Daisley, the bass maestro behind some of heavy metal's most iconic albums. From his groundbreaking work with Ozzy Osbourne to collaborations with Rainbow, Uriah Heep, and more, discover the stories, the riffs, and the enduring legacy of a true rock legend.

Complete Track-listing of the album "YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN RISING FORCE - Odyssey"

The detailed tracklist of this record "YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN RISING FORCE - Odyssey" is:

    Track-listing S :
  1. "Rising Force" Joe Lynn Turner Yngwie Malmsteen 4:24
  2. "Hold On" Turner Malmsteen 5:12
  3. "Heaven Tonight" Turner Malmsteen 4:07
  4. "Dreaming (Tell Me)" Turner Malmsteen 5:22
  5. "Bite the Bullet" (instrumental) Malmsteen 1:35
  6. "Riot in the Dungeons" Turner Malmsteen 4:26
  7. "Deja Vu" Turner Malmsteen 4:17
  8. "Crystal Ball" Turner Malmsteen 4:56
  9. "Now Is the Time" Turner Malmsteen 4:34
  10. "Faster than the Speed of Light" Turner Malmsteen 4:30
  11. "Krakatau" (instrumental) Malmsteen 6:06
  12. "Memories" (instrumental) Malmsteen 1:14
High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover  "YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN RISING FORCE - Odyssey"
High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover  "YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN RISING FORCE - Odyssey"
Album Back Cover  Photo of "YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN RISING FORCE - Odyssey"
Album Back Cover  Photo of "YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN RISING FORCE - Odyssey"  
Inner Sleeve   of "YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN RISING FORCE - Odyssey" Album
Inner Sleeve   of "YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN RISING FORCE - Odyssey" Album
Photo of "YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN RISING FORCE - Odyssey" Album's Inner Sleeve  
Inner Sleeve   of "YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN RISING FORCE - Odyssey" Album
Photo of "YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN RISING FORCE - Odyssey" Red Polydor Record Label
Photo of "YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN RISING FORCE - Odyssey" Red Polydor Record Label  

Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash.

 

Yngwie J. Malmsteen: The Virtuosic Guitarist Who Redefined Heavy Metal.

YNGWIE MALMSTEEN'S RISING FORCE - Marching Out

Thumbnail of YNGWIE MALMSTEEN'S RISING FORCE - Marching Out 12" Vinyl LP album front cover

Published by De Novo Music, Polydor 825 733 , 1985 , Germany

Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force's 1985 opus, "Marching Out," a neoclassical metal masterpiece, unfolds on 12" Vinyl LP. The album, a showcase of Malmsteen's virtuosity, melds classical elegance with metal power.

Marching Out 12" Vinyl LP

YNGWIE J MALMSTEEN's RISING FORCE - Odyssey

Thumbnail of YNGWIE J MALMSTEEN's RISING FORCE - Odyssey 12" Vinyl LP album front cover

Polydor 835 451 , 1988 , Holland

"Yngwie J. Malmsteen's Rising Force 'Odyssey' 12" Vinyl LP Album, released in 1988, showcases Malmsteen's virtuoso guitar skills and neoclassical metal style, achieving commercial success with standout tracks like 'Heaven Tonight'."

Odyssey 12" Vinyl LP

YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN - Trilogy

Thumbnail of YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN - Trilogy 12" Vinyl LP album front cover

POLYDOR 831 0731-1 , 1986 , West-Germany

Yngwie J. Malmsteen's "Trilogy" (1986) is his third studio album, showcasing a more refined and song-oriented approach. While retaining his signature neoclassical shredding, the album incorporates more structured songwriting and melodic vocals.

Trilogy 12" Vinyl LP