DragonForce – Ultra Beatdown (2008)

DragonForce may be the most distinctive band in the galaxy, or perhaps, I simply don’t pay enough attention to modern metal. Personally, I feel both statements are true, but regardless of DragonForce’s pure uniqueness, they deliver machine-gunning double-bass drums, soaring dueling lead guitars, featuring mind-blowing solos of exhausting lengths, and wailing, sing-along vocals that tell tales that could make up any adolescent, Dungeons & Dragons fanatic’s wet dreams. As I mentioned in my First Impression on July 10th, DragonForce doesn’t saunter far from their established formula, which suggests repetition and limited longevity, but Ultra Beatdown delivers 9 more high-energy epics that stretch the boundaries of guitar solos (lookout Guitar Hero players), beats per minute, and intergalactic vocals. In addition to the 1st single, “Heroes of Our Time,” I highly recommend “Heartbreak Armageddon,” “The Last Journey Home” & “The Warrior Inside” for everyone’s next workout mix.

Note: The above may seem silly to the general public, but DragonForce plays genuinely FUN music, and I have yet to find someone who legitimately disagrees… and who’s opinion actually matters.

DragonForce – Ultra Beatdown (First Impression — Out Aug. 25, 2008)

There is no hiding the ball with DragonForce. You know exactly what you are going to get nearly every time—lengthy, high-energy speed metal tales of battle and heroics and/or piano laden epic ballads of warriors and bad weather—but as awmercy wrote when we were excitedly discussing the imminent coming of Ultra Beatdown, DragonForce’s soon to be released album, “You can't have too much DragonForce!” This is very true. Based entirely on the album title, cover art, and the pre-released song “Heroes Of Our Time”—a rampaging chronicle about the enviable (if not idealistic) intergalactic life of Starchasers—I can say with near absolute certainty that this album will be amazing. Grab your iPod and running shoes and prepare to get psyched. More to come upon release…

This just in folks, "Heroes Of Our Time" in color...