Every year there are albums eagerly anticipated,
be it from hot young names, established legends or and this is usually the
most exciting of all the categories those bands you know are on the verge
of greatness. Anybody who understands the world of metal can’t have
any doubt that DragonForce,
the multi-national talent based in London is most certainly one of those
bands with a real sense that we are about to witness a band going from being
‘potential international stars’ to becoming a ‘major global
phenomenon’. But with this album “Ultra Beatdown” I think
DragonForce will have to wait another year or two because the album is a
let down... for me when it comes to DragonForce metal, I can pretty much
take it or leave it and I know I’m not alone with that sentiment,
though I certainly acknowledge the quality of the material I will admit
I do appreciate the band's blindingly fast, shred-worthy style even though
I may never be a huge fan. Digressions aside, when it gets right down to
it, "Ultra Beatdown" is the logical follow-up to "Inhuman
Rampage", some might even call it "Inhuman Rampage: Part II".
But viewed from a broader perspective from the diehards most you are sure
to find DragonForce continues to do what it does best: perform lengthy songs
that are heavy on the shred (and impressively so) with choruses that are
catchy as hell. "Heroes of Our Time" is the prime example, boasting
a chorus that is right up there with "Through the Fire and the Flames"
(from "Inhuman Rampage"). Just listen to "Reasons to Live"
and "Heartbreak Armageddon", they have instrumental sections mind-blowing
solos from Herman Li's and Sam Totman that will make you say "holy
shit!"
While the style is no big leap from what was heard on "Inhuman Rampage",
it should be noted that the keyboards of Vadim Pruzhanov are particularly
well-played this time around and ZP Theart, the man upfront centre rocking
the masses, does have a great voice but for me there is no real change in
anything in the album at all since the last one. The musicianship is always
impressive, and they certainly haven't dropped the ball or anything. Hopefully
they do a little experimentation on the next one. I just found this album
absolutely boring as hell... this one is for the die-hard fans only or maybe
for those who have never actually heard the band before and are keen to
see what all the fuss is about!
Heroes of Our Time
The Fire Still Burns
Reasons to Live
Heartbreak Armageddon
The Last Journey Home
A Flame for Freedom
Inside the Winter Storm
The Warrior Inside
Rating: 50
Reviewed By: Cameron Edney
- http://www.myspace.com/insideout666ints |
