The Seventh Sign is the seventh studio album by Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen, released on 9 May 1994.Huey, Steve. "The Seventh Sign - Yngwie Malmsteen". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
Background The album is a studio release that came two years after Fire & Ice and was produced with former Loudness vocalist Mike Vescera. The obi strip commentary on the Japanese edition describes it as: "The ultimate classical flavor! Yngwie's greatest masterpiece, finally complete!"
The cover design differs between the Western and Japanese editions. Yngwie has expressed his dislike for the Japanese version, recalling that he was furious upon seeing the triangular shape on the nose, saying, "They drew a triangle on my face."YOUNG GUITAR誌2000年1月号のスティーヴ・ヴァイとの対談でこのジャケットを褒められた際の発言。 He also faced considerable difficulty selecting a vocalist, reportedly approaching or holding sessions with Don Dokken, Ronnie James Dio, Ian Gillan, Steve Perry, Kelly Keeling, and former band members Joe Lynn Turner, Jeff Scott Soto, and Mark Boals.YOUNG GUITAR誌1994年1月号のインタビューでの発言。
Reception and legacy
The Seventh Sign reached No. 11 on the Swedish albums chart and No. 47 on the Swiss albums chart, both in 1994."Yngwie Malmsteen - The Seventh Sign (album)". finnishcharts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved 13 January 2014. In July 2014, Guitar World magazine placed the album at No. 46 on their "Superunknown: 50 Iconic Albums That Defined 1994" list.Guitar World Staff (14 July 2014). "Superunknown: 50 Iconic Albums That Defined 1994". Guitar World. NewBay Media. Retrieved 2014-07-16.
Steve Huey at AllMusic gave The Seventh Sign three stars out of five, saying that Malmsteen's extensive use of a wah pedal in the style of Jimi Hendrix makes the album "necessary for Malmsteen fans, even though his more neo-classical work (solos, instrumentals, etc.) seems less inspired here." He also heavily criticised the power ballad "Prisoner of Your Love", calling it "downright embarrassing."
Track listing
Personnel Yngwie Malmsteen – vocals ("Angel in Heat"), guitar, bass, sitar, producer Michael Vescera – vocals Mats Olausson – keyboard, Hammond organ Mike Terrana – drums, triangle Jim Thomas – engineering Jeff Glixman – engineering Mike Fraser – mixing Keith Rose – mixing assistance
Release history Region Date Label NotesEurope9 May 1994Music for NationsJapanPony CanyonGermany2003SPV/SteamhammerRemasteredWorldwide2011Rising Force RecordsReissued (MP3-only)
Chart performance Year Chart Position1994Swedish albums chart11Swiss albums chart47
Certifications
References
External links The Seventh Sign, 1994 at yngwiemalmsteen.com In Review: Yngwie J. Malmsteen "The Seventh Sign" at Guitar Nine Records