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.
