An
international power metal band based in England. They are composed of six members from 5 different countries over 3 continents. They label themselves as "extreme power metal" because they incorportate elements of speed metal and thrash metal into their songs, and as of their latest album, Inhuman Rampage, they have added harsh backing vocals that can be heard on songs such as "Revolution Deathsquad". They replaced their drummer before the recording of "Inhuman Rampage" with Dave Mackintosh, formerly of England's
symphonic black metal band, "Bal-Sagoth". Their songs are incredibly fast, although there is at least one obligatory "power ballad" on each of their albums. Most of their songs are at least 5 minutes long, with several around minutes in length. They are known for their energetic stage performances, and for their excessive alcohol consumption during concerts. This does not affect their ability to play, but the lead guitarist, Herman Li of Hong Kong, has been known to trip and fall on stage. They cite many classic metal bands as
influences, such as Iron Maiden, and played at OzzFest in 2006. They have three major releases so far: The
Valley of the Damned (2003), Sonic Firestorm (2004), and Inhuman Rampage (2006). Their first concert in the
United States was cancelled due to the fact that they were lacking proper Visas, but they eventually played in April of 2006 at the Worcester Palladium in Massachusetts at the New England Metal and Hardcore Festival. They played second to last, with the last band playing being Gamma Ray.
Comparable bands to their style roughly include the following:
HammerFall, Blind Guardian, Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica, Dragonland, Angra, Rhapsody of Fire, and Demons & Wizards.
DragonForce is a highly talented band. If they are not "heavy enough" for you, or if the vocals bother you, then you should not be
listening to power metal. People with no
knowledge of music dismiss them along with all other power metal bands for having fantasy inspired lyrics, because they are most likely too obsessed with rap lyrics about homicide, drug dealing, and
fornication.
