Birth of the Sun

Birth of the Sun
Compilation album by
Released10 September 2002 (2002-09-10)
Recorded1980
GenreNeo-classical metal
Length48:25
LabelPowerline Records
ProducerMarcel Jacob

Birth of the Sun is a 2002 compilation album credited to Rising Force, released on the Powerline Records label (catalog PLRCD006).[1][2] It consists of recordings made by Yngwie Malmsteen and his band in 1980, remixed and remastered by bassist Marcel Jacob.[1]

Background

The recordings date from 1980, when Malmsteen, Jacob, and drummer Zepp Urgard were performing together in Sweden before Malmsteen's move to the United States.[3] In a 1984 interview, Malmsteen stated that the band "never officially recorded commercially" during this period.[4] Jacob's family financed the sessions, and the tapes remained unreleased for over two decades until Jacob remixed and remastered them for Powerline Records in 2002.[3][1]

Dispute

The release was disputed by Malmsteen's management, who described it as an unauthorized collection of "old rehearsal tapes" released "without Yngwie's knowledge or permission."[3] Powerline Records responded that the sessions had been financed by Jacob's family and that Jacob held full ownership of the recordings.[3]

Shortly after Birth of the Sun was released, Malmsteen released The Genesis in Japan, an album containing most of the same tracks with Jacob's bass parts re-recorded by Malmsteen.[5]

Reception

MetalReviews gave the album a score of 65 out of 100, describing the production quality as "pretty good" after remixing and remastering but recommending it for "die hard fans only."[6]

Track listing

All songs written by Yngwie Malmsteen.[1]

# Title Length
1 "Merlin's Castle" 4:53
2 "Birth of the Sun" 9:25
3 "Speed and Action" 3:48
4 "Dying Man" 8:46
5 "Suite Opus III" 12:55
6 "Voodoo Nights" 8:38

Personnel

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Yngwie J. Malmsteen – Rising Force – Birth of the Sun". Encyclopaedia Metallum. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  2. ^ "Rising Force – Birth of the Sun". Discogs. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  3. ^ a b c d "Yngwie Malmsteen vs. Marcel Jacob: Liar Pt. II". Blabbermouth.net. 9 January 2002. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  4. ^ "Yngwie Malmsteen interview". Metal Forces. 1984. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  5. ^ "Yngwie Malmsteen – The Genesis". Encyclopaedia Metallum. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  6. ^ "Rising Force – Birth of the Sun". MetalReviews. November 2002. Retrieved 1 March 2026.