Power metal: DragonForce

Back in 2008 my brothers and I used to play the game Guitar Hero 3. It's a rhythm game featuring a guitar controller in which you have to press coloured buttons in the order that they appear on screen. As you progressed through the game the songs became increasingly difficult to play, with at its pinnacle: Through the Fire and Flames by DragonForce (watch this video to get an idea of what I'm talking about). My hands still hurt thinking about it, but what a great introduction to a new band.

DragonForce is a power metal band originating from Britain and was already founded in 1999. Power metal distinguishes itself from other heavy metal genres in that it's faster and has a more uplifting sound. In contrast to other metal styles power metal also relies more on the use of keyboards, though some bands use them more than others.

DragonForce's first relative success came with the 2005 song Fury of the Storm, although it didn't manage to chart. On year later the band released Through the Fire and Flames which seemed to undergo a similar fate, until 2008 when it was featured in Guitar Hero. The song, and the band, blew up and reached the Billboard Hot 100. And for good reason I might add, every metal fan can't help but be impressed by the insanely awesome guitar solos.

After their major success DragonForce released several albums and had some personnel changes, including their lead singer. In 2015 DragonForce's guitarists Herman Li and Sam Totman collaborated with the kawaii metal band BABYMETAL (read more about them in my earlier post) on their song Road of Resistance, which indeed has a very DragonForce-like sound to it.

Last month the band released their latest album entitled Reaching into Infinity. It's their longest album so far and features great songs like Curse of Darkness and my favourite Ashes of the Dawn. I hope this album brings back the recognition this band, in my opinion, deserves.

Other favourites: Heroes of Our Time, Cry Thunder & Seasons

Check out more videos on DragonForce's YouTube channel