[Trilodekaphobia] -- For some reason, I thought mashing "Trilogy" with "triskaidekaphobia" would be a clever nod to both this weekend's Flashback album and the fact that today is Friday the 13th. I just could not find an album released 40 years ago today. But Yngwie J. Malmsteen released his third solo album 40 years ago this month, and it features him using a flaming guitar to battle a three-headed dragon, so that's ... what was my point again?
Right. Trilogy. Malmsteen's third solo studio album, released on November 4, 1986.
This heavy metal album reached #44 on the US Billboard 200, and it was a top 20 album in Sweden, Japan, and Finland. The lone single – "You Don't Remember, I'll Never Forget" – did not chart, but it did receive some ink in the August 29, 1986, issue of the The Friday Morning Quarterback Album Report, though it looks like the report was mainly giving advance notice to fans that Malmsteen was dabbling with synths Quote: "But wait a minute, hey Yngwie is that a synth we hear? With 'You Don't Remember' there are strong song elements that suggest this track will extend beyond the nighttime bruise bunch". I should also note that the report indicates this album was released in September, but most other sources, including Malmsteen's own website, list November 1986 for the release; make of that what you will.
Some critics, like AllMusic's Steve Huey, were impressed with Malmsteen's compositional and lyrical work on Trilogy. But, really, all the songs here were pretty much showcases for Malsteen's pyrotechnic playing, which critics unanimously praised. The album art, however, was not widely praised. In fact, it eventually wound up on "The 50 most hilariously ugly rock and metal album covers ever" (May 2023).
Trilogy highlights for me are "Liar", "Queen in Love", and the instrumental "Trilogy Suite Op: 5".
Flashback: Trilogy (November 4, 1986)
And that's all till next week. Dedicated 80s-philes can find more flashbacks in the Prophet or Madman archives or via Bookended's 80s Flashback tag. As always, your comments are welcome on today's, or any other, flashback post. And if you like what I'm doing here, please share the link with your friends. If, however, you don't like the flashback, feel free to share it with your enemies.
See you in seven!
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