ALBUM REVIEW: DragonForce accelerates to ‘Warp Speed’ on new LP

Dragonforce

Dragonforce, “Warp Speed Warriors.”

Hold on tight. That’s about the only advice one can give when going on a spin with Warp Speed Warriors, the latest album by English power metal quintet DragonForce.

Warp Speed Warriors
DragonForce

Napalm, March 15
7/10
Get the album on Amazon Music.

It’s difficult to dispute their title of “fastest band in the world” as they rip through much of the 10-song set. It’s still dynamic, mind you; most of the tracks have numerous movements over their five to six minutes of runtime. But when everyone locks in… watch out. The songwriting and composition is impressive, but so is the raw power of the individual musicians, each sounding like a virtuoso at his instrument.

DragonForce hits its high water mark for speed on opener “Astro Warrior Anthem.” After a dramatic and cinematic two- guitar intro, the band kicks into high gear on the speed metal burner. There’s so much grandiosity and bombast packed into the first tune; it’s unbelievably over the top in all the best ways possible. What’s most impressive is how the band manages to keep it cohesive, even with the light-speed attack.



Ironically the band actually slows things down somewhat on “Power of the Triforce,” which is thematically inspired by Nintendo classic “The Legend of Zelda.”

See the legend rising from the gates of time/ Now all feel the magic of the Master Sword/ Wisdom, courage, and the power unite,” Marc Hudson sings.

Guitarists Herman Li and Sam Totman alone offer make the album worthy of purchase. From riffs to solos and interludes, they push their instruments to the limit. Then comes “Kingdom of Steel,” which is all about stadium-sized melodies rather than fire and fury. It’s a pseudo-ballad (the only one on the album), and a memorable one at that. Adding keyboard flashes and a heavy emphasis on percussion, the track taps into ‘80s rock and power pop.

Fear not, the heavy metal returns on “Burning Heart,” which again pushes the envelope on RPMs but also detours into a highly effective half-speed instrumental bridge before returning to the guitar onslaught.

The gang vocals on “Space Marine Corps” give it a punk-like energy despite its speed metal laurels. Bringing it home is the drill sergeant call and response bridge while drummer Gee Anzalone lays down an impressive hard-driving beat in the background.



Is Warp Speed Warriors for everyone? Of course not, but new listeners might be surprised at just how much accessibility there is in these songs. “The Killer Queen” touches on electronica, pairing the sounds with absolutely blazing guitar solos and a memorable vocal delivery by Hudson that has him reaching to the highest notes.

The oddly danceable “Doomsday Party” offers up a fun change of pace. The guitar riffage is still going all out, while the rest of the band locks in to more of an upbeat instrumental. It’s a highlight because it offers something unique. The band saves its most technical feat for last on dramatic closer “Pixel Prison.” Also not to be missed? A speed metal bonus take on Taylor Swift’s “Wildest Dreams.” The (DragonForce’s Version) cover is ever bit as bizarre and brilliant as you might expect. The instrumental is all speed and power, while the vocal actually incorporates some familiarity of the original. It’s an absolute blast.



Follow writer Mike DeWald at Twitter.com/mike_dewald.

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