Hundreds of fans packed into Mulcahy's in Wantagh Wednesday, March 31, 2004 for Yngwie Malmsteen's long awaited return to Long Island. Yngwie is currently touring to promote his latest album, Attack!! recently released in January on Epic/Red Ink.

More of an orchestral composer than a metal axe-man, Yngwie Malmsteen released his first album, Rising Force almost 20 years ago. Grammy-nominated in 1984 for "Best Rock Instrumental Performance," the album also earned Yngwie "Best New Talent" and "Best Rock Guitarist" from Guitar Player Magazine.

Twenty albums into his career, we find Yngwie still reinventing his instrument and sound with Attack!! Self-produced by Yngwie in his Miami studio, Attack!! features Dougie White on vocals, Derek Sherinian on keyboards and Patrick Johansson on drums. The U.S. release features 2 bonus tracks, the new instrumental "Battlefield" as well as "Dreaming," recorded live during the European "Attack!!" Tour.

The touring band includes Rudy Sarzo (Ozzy/Whitesnake) on bass and Joekim Svalberg on keyboards.

As the roadies set up the stage, classical music pumped through Mulcahy's sound system for what seemed to be forever. Anyone who has had a few drinks is now doing a little dance hoping they won't have to lose their perfect spot to run to the bathroom on the other side the club.

For some reason, cameras were strictly forbidden with the exception of select media groups and still the use of flash was not allowed. As the concert kicks off with an old favorite "Rising Force", Doogie White spots the cameras and starts flipping out with a surprised look on his face and pointing at the cameras when he should be singing. He runs over to Malmsteen to tattletale and I can only image Yngwie responding with "If you haven't noticed, I'm a little busy... Just Smile and start singing already!"

The next song was "Rise Up" which is the second track on Attack!!. Here we get to witness some of the power and talent on the new album. Attack!! has all the trademark Yngwie riffs you expect and most songs will throw you a reminder of past favorites making it easier to accept them as new favorites.

Yngwie recently completed the successful G3 Tour with Joe Satriani and Steve Vai and is anxious to showcase his full set each night. "Well, here is where it all started in the USA, where I got my first break," says Yngwie. "We will be ready to unleash the FURY. Do you know what time it is??? It's time to ROCK!"

The Attack!! album is a recommended buy for Yngwie Malmsteen fans everywhere. For more information about Yngwie Malmsteen and the new Attack!! album, check out www.yngwie.org.