Facing the Animal
Yngwie Malmsteen · 1997
59 min · 13 tracks · heavy metal
A blazing fusion of intricate guitar solos and melodic heavy metal, showcasing virtuosity and emotional depth.
Top tracks — play these first
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Braveheart — This opening track showcases Malmsteen's signature blend of speed and melody while setting an epic tone for the album with its orchestral arrangements.
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Facing the Animal — The title track exemplifies Malmsteen's lyrical introspection combined with powerful riffs, illustrating his ability to merge personal themes with technical skill.
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My Resurrection — 'My Resurrection' features a compelling narrative arc, underpinned by soaring melodies that highlight both Malmsteen's guitar mastery and vocal storytelling.
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Only the Strong — This track stands out for its anthemic chorus and driving rhythm, encapsulating the album's overarching themes of resilience and strength.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Malmsteen's technical prowess and classical influences shine, though the album's cohesion suffers from its ambitious structure.
What we noticed
- The album features extended guitar solos that dominate most tracks, often exceeding two minutes in length.
- Several songs incorporate classical music motifs, blending heavy metal riffs with orchestral arrangements.
- The vocal melodies are frequently layered over intricate guitar work, creating a dense soundscape that emphasizes the instrumentation.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady, consistent melodic journey
- long, immersive listening sessions
- dynamic emotional journeys
- contemplative reflective moments
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its intricate guitar work and heavy metal sound.
- Career context
- By the time Yngwie Malmsteen released 'Facing the Animal' in 1997, he had established himself as a leading figure in the neo-classical metal genre following his breakthrough with 'Rising Force' in 1984. This album marked a return to form after a series of mixed critical responses to his earlier work, demonstrating his technical prowess while exploring more melodic elements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Steve Vai· Joe Satriani· Michael Angelo Batio
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Braveheart 5:18
- 2 Facing the Animal 4:37
- 3 Enemy 4:53
- 4 Sacrifice 4:18
- 5 Like an Angel 5:47
- 6 My Resurrection 4:48
- 7 Another Time 5:03
- 8 Heathens From the North 3:39
- 9 Alone in Paradise 4:34
- 10 End of My Rope 4:24
- 11 Only the Strong 6:05
- 12 Poison in Your Veins 4:23
- 13 Air on a Theme 1:43
What to play next
Concerto Suite for Electric Guitar and Orchestra
1998
Continues the intricate guitar work with orchestral elements, enhancing the emotional depth.
Inspiration
1996
Sets a foundation of melodic themes that lead into the virtuosity of 'Facing the Animal'.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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