Dragonforce Opinionated List
By: Rafael Rojas
What is Dragonforce?
The term "Power Metal" can be thought of as a more futuristic take on the popular genre of Metal as a whole, with a lot less grunge and much more uplifting and hopeful singing. Now, who tops this genre? For Heavy Metal, it would hands down either be Metallica or Slipknot, but who for Power Metal? Well, I’m 99.999% sure you have heard their most well-known song, “Through the Fire and Flames”, which popularized from Guitar Hero back in 2009 and forever became a part of the most heard songs of all time, but the band I think tops Power Metal is Dragonforce. However, Dragonforce isn’t just one song. While the majority of people when asked if they’ve heard Dragonforce will only say, “Yeah, I’ve heard Through the Fire and the Flames,” I think that responses like that are sort of unfair towards the band. Weirdly enough, the band is EXTREMELY popular in Hispanic culture and can be found much more commonly on such content or, at least, referenced way more often. You might wonder if it’s worth your time due to them only being known for one song… but trust me. Almost every album has WAY more adrenaline pumping, fast paced epic heroic tales ready to make you run a marathon and I’m just here to start you off with my personal Top 5 list of my favorite albums below.
Z.P. Heart
Lead Vocalist
Herman Li
Founder/Guitarist
Gee Anzalone
Drummer
Created in 1999
Marc Hudson
Lead Vocalist
Frédéric Leclercq
Bassist
Album Cover for Sonic Firestorm
Number 5
Kicking off the list in the number 5 spot is their first amazing album, “Sonic Firestorm.” Compiled in 2004 and released on May 11th, this album has flown under the radar as all of their albums have, but do not think for a second that it isn’t worth your time. This uplifting and inspiring album has a concurrent theme throughout: focusing on heroes and, more specifically, how their legacy will never fade. Of course, the theme isn’t what carries this album or really any of their albums, but what this band does and the way they construct perfect musical symphonies is their specialty. I have yet to find a band that hits the same notes, general feel, and quality as this one. The way they blend fast paced drums and guitars similar to heavy metal but, somehow, find a way in making it sound like rock while saving the adrenaline pump is truly astounding and I would recommend this to absolutely anybody who would listen to fast paced music that they could also blast in the car.
Number 4
Following the trend of fast paced action comes their next amazing album, “Reaching into Infinity.” This masterpiece continues the theme of awe inspiring and headbanging worthy music and, instead of focusing on heroes and their legacy, this one takes place in what can be called the Beyond, with the strife and struggles that are told having you stuck on this journey like a puppet on a string for the duration of this epic tale. Even though I’ve referred to Dragonforce as more sound-based then lyrics-based, it doesn’t mean they don’t tell a story, since this album has probably THE best story telling of them all. The way it portrays its theme of death, yet somehow manages to keep the exact same tempo with it’s out of this world instrumentals, is incredible. This album includes one of the best singers I have ever heard from a metal-like band ever; ZP Theart. So should you give this album a listen? Well, obviously.
Album cover for Into Infinity
Album cover for The Power Within
Number 3
Want some of the best instrumentals offered from this band? Look no further than the number 3 spot on this list, “The Power Within.” Moving off of the hero theme comes a more self-inspiring tale of the hidden strength we all have somewhere inside. While true to the title and somewhat a little cheesy, the message stands strong. I would have to agree if it were ANY other band, but yet again this band continues to surprise even me with their ability to take such a cheesy and overused topic and be able to form it into one of the craziest and most ear candy-like sound collections anybody should listen to. Now, while this album is great, there is a singular song that stands above the rest while also being one of my all-time favorite songs ever, and that is the track, “Seasons.” What separates this from the rest of the album has to be the tempo change, as instead of fast paced and action packed, it changes to a somewhat sad yet powerful beat that makes you want to jump out of your chair and kick a wall. Well, I will leave you to it and just say this, if you don’t enjoy the album, then at least listen to “Seasons”… But I feel like that won’t be a problem.
Number 2
Following the trend of fast paced instrumentals, vocals, and non-stop action with a perfectly catchy beat, I present their newest album, “Extreme Power Metal.” I’ve only listened to this album recently, but wow… Everything is perfect. It never lets you rest with constant musical action, unbelievable beats, crazy solos (which this band does the best in my opinion), and, overall, what I’ve come to expect from this band. Even though this is one of their newer releases, it doesn’t change the fact that you should really listen to this. The way it has the vocals fluctuating in perfect sync with the beat and crazy instrumentals really makes this album special.
Album cover for Extreme Power Metal
Number 1
To be completely transparent, there isn’t really much I can say besides this… hands down their best album and some of the best metal/gym music I have ever heard has to be awarded to “Valley of the Damned.” What can I say about this? Take every little compliment that I gave to the other albums and mesh them all together into one stellar journey complete with some of the best beats, vocals, solos, story telling, and drums, and you will get this masterpiece of an album. I don’t really know how to describe it, but the way the songs are ordered along with the constant beat synchronization between the vocals and the solos just really hits that absolutely perfect niche, filling me both with energy and the desire to jam out every time. They have truly created one of the best albums I have ever listened to in the metal/power metal genre, which really leaves me with nothing else to say. Just go and give it a listen; I promise that this album won’t disappoint.
Album cover for Valley of the Damned
In the end, this list is just an opinion piece regarding one of the most underrated bands I know that is suffering from the One-Song-Success-Syndrome, as many bands have, so please I implore you to check them out. Regardless of your tastes, I'm sure you will find that one special song among these albums, as they cover a wide basis of beats for all tastes for all types of people. Even if you dislike every other song they make, you WILL find that special one and it's all up to you to find it.
If you would like to know more check out https://dragonforce.com/ for news and upcoming songs/merchandise