The success of Nirvana's Nevermind in late 1991 left many '80s metal guitarists out in the cold, and Malmsteen was no exception. After leaving Polydor, he signed to Elektra and released the one-plus-hour Fire & Ice. The record is most successful when Malmsteen returns to the heavy baroque influence of his early work, and there are some fine longer compositions here that will please hardcore Yngwie fans. "Cry No More," in particular, contains an arrangement of Bach's "Badinerie." The record also contains stabs at radio rock, such as the single "Teaser." But with the winds of alternative rock change blowing, Elektra would not keep Malmsteen on their roster. ~ Steve Huey

Rovi