Neoclassical metal icon YNGWIE MALMSTEEN has completed recording his new solo album, describing it as "very neoclassical" — exactly what fans expect from him, "and then some."
Speaking to broadcaster Eddie Trunk during the Monsters of Rock festival in São Paulo, Brazil in early April, Malmsteen revealed the album took nearly five months to record. It runs exactly 46 minutes — a runtime deliberately chosen to fit a single vinyl LP, a format the Swedish guitarist has always championed.
The album features four tracks with Malmsteen on lead vocals alongside purely instrumental pieces. The current touring band — Nick Marino (keyboards), Emilio Martinez (bass), and Kevin Klingenschmid (drums) — contributed to the sessions.
"I just let it flow," Malmsteen told Trunk. "This particular album is gonna be very neoclassical." He added: "I decided a long time ago to make honest music… passionate music… that translates out."
The as-yet-untitled record will be Malmsteen's first studio album since Parabellum, released in July 2021. With an extensive touring schedule already lined up — Europe in June–July, Asia in September, and North America in October–November 2026 — the new album is expected later this year.
Since releasing Rising Force in 1984, Malmsteen has built one of the most distinctive catalogs in heavy metal, combining classical harmony and baroque counterpoint with blistering guitar technique. His influence on generations of metal guitarists remains unmatched.