Live!! cover

Live!!

Yngwie Malmsteen · 1998

99 min · 15 tracks · heavy metal

A blistering showcase of virtuoso guitar work paired with explosive live energy, embodying the essence of neo-classical metal.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Far Beyond the Sun — This track exemplifies Malmsteen's intricate neo-classical guitar techniques and soaring melodies, making it a standout highlight of his live performances.
  • →
    Black Star — A signature piece showcasing both emotional depth and technical brilliance, 'Black Star' connects deeply with fans through its passionate solo work.
  • →
    Guitar Solo (Trilogy Suite, Red House, Badinere & Battle) — This extended guitar solo is a testament to Malmsteen's virtuosic skill, blending original compositions with classic rock influences into a captivating performance.
  • →
    My Resurrection — 'My Resurrection' opens the album powerfully, setting a high-energy tone while showcasing Malmsteen's signature style and lyrical themes of renewal.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

55 /100
Foothills
Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album captures Malmsteen's virtuosity in a live setting but lacks some cohesion typical of studio albums.

What we noticed

  • Crowd interactions are prominent throughout the recording, adding to the live atmosphere and energy of the performance.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • explosive guitar showcases throughout
  • dynamic progression with peaks
  • high-octane live performance energy
  • wave-like pacing with intensity
  • immersive guitar virtuosity experience

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking quiet, subdued moments
  • prefer concise, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Features beloved tracks performed live, resonating strongly with dedicated fans.
Career context
By the time Yngwie Malmsteen released 'Live!!' in 1998, he was already an established name in the heavy metal scene, notably recognized for his influential albums like 'Rising Force' from 1984. This live album captures a moment when Malmsteen was revitalizing his career with a return to live performances after several years of fluctuating commercial success and personal challenges. It marked a significant event as it showcased his prowess not only as a guitarist but also as a performer.
Stylistic neighbors
Steve Vai· Joe Satriani· Michael Angelo Batio

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 My Resurrection 5:38
  • 2 Facing the Animal 4:20
  • 3 Rising Force 5:08
  • 4 Bedroom Eyes 5:54
  • 5 Far Beyond the Sun 9:14
  • 6 Like an Angel 6:08
  • 7 Braveheart 4:52
  • 8 Seventh Sign 6:43
  • 9 Guitar Solo (Trilogy Suite, Red House, Badinere & Battle) 15:03

Disc 2

  • 1 Gates of Babylon 7:45
  • 2 Alone in Paradise 4:53
  • 3 Pictures of Home 4:38
  • 4 Never Die 6:56
  • 5 Black Star 7:18
  • 6 I’ll See the Light Tonight 4:47

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata