Mark Boals remembers the making of Yngwie Malmsteen’s ‘Alchemy’ album
Mark Boals recently shared insight into the recording process of Yngwie Malmsteen’s album ‘Alchemy,’ reminiscing about the “old school way” in which it was done. Boals, known for his work with Yngwie Malmsteen and current Circus of Rock lead vocalist, sat down for an interview with Marko Syrjala from Metal-Rules to discuss Circus of Rock‘s upcoming third studio album, Hellfire, set to be released via Lions Pride Music on June 30, 2025.
When asked about the benefits of recording together in the studio as a band, Boals expressed enthusiasm, reflecting on his experience with Yngwie Malmsteen on the ‘Alchemy’ album. Unlike modern remote recordings, where musicians often record separately, ‘Alchemy’ was recorded in Miami in 1998 or 1999, with the entire band performing live together. Boals fondly remembered being in the vocal booth as the band played, describing it as a fantastic experience filled with camaraderie and creativity. He emphasized the unique chemistry that arises when musicians are physically present in the same space, bouncing ideas off each other.
What made the ‘Alchemy’ recording process memorable for Boals was the dynamic interaction and energy that arose from collaborating in person. He admitted that it was a rare experience and lamented that such opportunities were becoming increasingly scarce in the music industry today. Despite some challenges, like the need for re-recording certain parts later, Boals cherished the authenticity of the live takes and the raw emotions captured during those sessions.
In addition to discussing the ‘Alchemy’ album, Boals mentioned his recent collaboration with Wegard Golebiowski on the ‘Circles of Illusion’ project. Working alongside renowned drummer John Macaluso, who also played with him on ‘Alchemy,’ Boals recounted a humorous anecdote from the recording sessions. Macaluso’s intense drumming caused his headphones to repeatedly fall off, prompting him to ingeniously use a microphone cable to secure them in place. Boals chuckled as he recalled seeing Macaluso in action, illustrating the fun and camaraderie that often accompanies music production.
Boals’ recollections of the ‘Alchemy’ recording process highlight the value of traditional studio recording methods where musicians gather together to create music in real-time. The sense of collaboration, spontaneity, and shared energy that emerges from such interactions enriches the music-making process, fostering a deeper connection among band members and yielding memorable performances. While remote recording offers convenience in today’s digital age, Boals’ experience underscores the irreplaceable magic of being physically present with fellow musicians in the studio.