Leading this rampage of musical fury is Herman Li, founder and lead guitar player. Teaming up with Li to create this wall of precise guitar work is Sam Totman, who more than holds his own. Creating the low end is the now departed bass player, Adrian Lambert, whose work here is very impressive (he left the band in October of 2005). Filling out the sound, and contributing some amazing solos is keyboardist Vadim, that's it, just Vadim. Keeping the pace fast and furious is drummer Dave Mackintosh. Taking control and performing the role of MC for our musical journey is vocalist ZP Theart, who doesn't have the range of a James Labrie, yet more than holds his own and is a perfect fit for Dragonforce.
Highlights of the album include the ferocious opener "Through the Fire and Flames", "Body Breakdown". But all of the tracks include great solos, heavy riffing, strong singing, and a large dose of just flat out rock attitude. Every band has their softer side, and Dragonforce is no different, they close the album with a light ballad, that still features their tight precision, an excellent song called "Trail of Broken Hearts".
Bottomline. This is an excellent entry in the extreme power metal genre, and definitely a band to keep an eye on. There are big things ahead for Dragonforce. It is all about the music, and this one really opened my eyes to a new force to be reckoned with. Now, hopefully they will tour the States soon, so I can get sample of the live show!
Highly Recommended.
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Article comments
1 - Guppusmaximus
A Must Have CD to put on my list especially with the reference to the forefathers Dream Theater....Great Review.
I would have to disagree about Fear Factory though.The new Fear Factory work is so boring and unoriginal. I just saw them by mistake when SYL, Darkane and Soilwork opened up. SYL & Darkane kicked their A$$...(Soilwork sucked as well)
2 - Chris Beaumont
Have to agree to disagree on FF. Granted, the latest release is not among the best release, and they peaked with obsolete, but I am still a BIG fan of FF.
I still prefer DT to DF, but they are cut from similar cloth. This album is very impressive. I need to tak down their two earlier releases.
3 - Finngrinder
This has absolutely nothing to do with Dream Theater....but yes, great band and great album!
4 - hellraiser
Yeah... Dragonforce is power metal while dream theater is prog metal but both great bands though...
5 - matt
dude they are touring the states. well it is now... the year 2006, so you probly know by now.
6 - Chris Beaumont
And they're coming to my town next month!!!
7 - Captain Jack
Why don't they come to Canada, a place like Winnipeg or something? :P
8 - Rob
I just saw them at Ozzfest. I also got this album signed by them. They are just as fast and furious live as on the record, if not more. Good album, Great band.
9 - Armin
I agree 100%, great review.
10 - PowerMetal.mobi
Fantastic Review! I still can't believe just how incredible these guys are. Not to mention their incredible skill.