'Rising Force' is the first studio album by guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen, released in March 1984 The album reached No. 14 on the Swedish albums chart, No. 60 on the US Billboard 200, and received a nomination for Best Rock Instrumental Performance at the 1986 Grammy Awards. It is regarded as a seminal release in the shred and neoclassical metal genres.
In a 2009 article by Guitar World magazine, 'Rising Force' was ranked first in the all-time top ten list of shred albums. The staff wrote: 'Yngwie J. Malmsteen was, is, and always will be the greatest shredder of all time. Hell, he invented the genre with his debut.'
"Black Star" and "Far Beyond the Sun" have endured as two of Malmsteen's most popular songs, as well as being staples of his live setlist. In a 2008 Guitar World interview, Malmsteen said of the two songs: 'I'll probably play "Far Beyond the Sun" and "Black Star" until the day I die.'
Tracklisting
Side A:
1. BLACK STAR
2. FAR BEYOND THE SUN
3. NOW YOUR SHIPS ARE BURNED
4. EVIL EYE
Side B:
1. ICARUS' DREAM SUITE OPUS 4
2. AS ABOVE, SO BELOW
3. LITTLE SAVAGE
4. FAREWELL
