Yngwie Malmsteen vs. Marcel Jacob: "Liar" Pt. II

Yet another minor controversy has arisen in the world of Swedish axe hero Yngwie Malmsteen, this time having to do with the CD release of the guitarist's 1980 demos, which were recently issued via Powerline Records. According to an official statement from the Yngwie camp, Megarock are exclusively distributing the re-release of Yngwie Malmsteen's RISING FORCE's Birth Of The Sun album, remixed and re-mastered by Powerline Records. These recordings pre-date Yngwie's success with STEELER and ALCATRAZZ. This refers to a bootleg collection of old rehearsal tapes which an old Swedish bandmate of Yngwie's has had in his possession for all these years. This is NOT a real RISING FORCE album and is not being released with Yngwie's knowledge or permission. It is of about the same quality and legitimacy as the large number of early demo tapes which have circulated for years from Yngwie's early days. Don't be fooled into thinking this is an official release. With the renewed interest in Yngwie and the upturn in his career this past year, some people are trying to cash in on his name.

Meanwhile, Sweden's GMR Music, who handle Powerline Records, have issued a press release of their own in response to the above comments. The statement reads as follows: In response to the rumors circulating regarding the RISING FORCE release Birth of the Sun, cat no. PLRCD006, released on Powerline Records, we wish to clarify the following points:

1. The recordings on this album were made during 1980. The sessions were fully financed by the family of Marcel Jacob, former bass player in the band, and are fully owned by Marcel.

2. Although the recording quality may not be up to the level of many high budget releases it has been fully remixed and re-mastered and is of a far higher quality then any other previously released versions of these recordings. It can in no way be termed as 'of bootleg' quality.

3. Most importantly, to the best of our knowledge it has been suggested in previous negotiations that there would be no objection to these historically important recordings being released as long as they were under control of a certain other member of the band.

4. This album is now commercially available and will remain so. All royalties and mechanical copyrights are being paid. Any possible disagreements amongst members of RISING FORCE as to the allocation of these royalties are an internal matter of the members only.

Let us once again emphasize this is an official release and contains some incredible hard rock musicianship which is an important part of rock history. The members of the band should be proud that this music is at last reaching a worldwide audience which can fully appreciate their skill and abilities at such an early age.