Misplaced Pages

DragonForce: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 14:43, 18 February 2011 view sourceOscar776 (talk | contribs)1,941 edits New album and departure of Theart (2010-present)← Previous edit Latest revision as of 18:57, 31 December 2024 view source HorrorLover555 (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users25,439 edits New live members and Warp Speed Warriors (2020–present): Adding image 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|British power metal band}}
{{pp-semi-vandalism|expiry=September 30, 2011|small=yes}}
{{Other uses}}
{{about|the band|the Saturn/PlayStation 2 strategy game|Dragon Force}}
{{pp-semi|small=yes}}
{{Refimprove|date=March 2008}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2021}}
{{Infobox musical artist | <!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Musicians -->
{{Use British English|date=February 2012}}
| Name = DragonForce
{{Infobox musical artist
| Img = Dragonforcelive.jpg
| Img_capt = DragonForce in ] in 2007. | name = DragonForce
| Landscape = yes | image = DragonForce - Reload Festival 2024 20.jpg
| Background = group_or_band | alt =
| caption = DragonForce performing in 2024. From left to right: Billy Wilkins, ], ], Gee Anzalone, ] and Alicia Vigil.
| Genre =<!--DO NOT ADD OR CHANGE GENRES--> ]
| Origin = ], ] | landscape = yes
| Years_active = 1999&ndash;present | alias = DragonHeart (1999–2002)
| genre = {{hlist|]|]|]}}
| Label = ], ], ], ], ]
| origin = ], England
| Associated_acts = ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ]
| years_active = 1999–present
| URL =
| label = {{hlist|]|]|]|]|]|]}}
| Current_members = ]<br />]<br />Vadim Pruzhanov<br />] <br />]
| website = {{URL|dragonforce.com}}
| Past_members = ZP Theart<br />]<br />]<br />Diccon Harper<br />]<br />]
| current_members = * ]
* ]
* ]
* Gee Anzalone
* Alicia Vigil
| past_members = <!-- Do NOT alter any of the members' names, nor add Steve Terreberry/Stevie T to this list, as he was never a permanent member of the band. -->
* ]
* Matej Setinc
* Steve Scott
* ]
* Didier Almouzni
* Diccon Harper
* Vadim Pruzhanov
* ]
* Dave Mackintosh
* ]
}} }}


'''DragonForce''' are an English ] band from ], formed in 1999. They are known for fast ]s, ]-based lyrics, and electronic sounds in their music to add to their ]. '''DragonForce''' are<!-- Per ENGVAR, British English uses the plural form of grammar when referring to certain organisations. See the discussion on the talk page for more info. --> a British ] band from London.<ref name=allmusic/> The band was formed in 1999 by guitarists ] and ], and are known for their long and fast ]s, ]-themed lyrics and ]. The band themselves refer to their music as "extreme power metal".


DragonForce's current lineup comprises Li, Totman, vocalist Marc Hudson, drummer Gee Anzalone and bassist Alicia Vigil. The band have been through several lineup changes throughout their career; longtime members in vocalist ], keyboardist Vadim Pruzhanov, drummer Dave Mackintosh and bassist ] are among the former members of the band.
== History ==
=== Formation (1999-2002) ===
DragonForce was founded in 1999 by guitarists ] and ] under the name of DragonHeart. The two later found singer ] through an ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metal-experience.com/interviews/dragonforce%20int.htm |title=Metal Experience Interview - Formation of band}}</ref> and soon after acquired drummer Matej Setinc, bassist ] and keyboardist ]. Totman and Li had a former musical ensemble experience in the band, ]. DragonHeart then released a demo, toured with ], ] and headlined their own shows under that name. The band later found that another power metal band with this same name already existed and renamed to DragonForce in 2002.


DragonForce has released eight studio albums, two live albums, one compilation album, one live DVD and one demo. Their third album, '']'' (2005), was certified gold by the ] (RIAA) and the ] (BPI); its lead single, "]", is their best-known song, and was featured in several ], including '']''. The lead single from their fourth album, "]", was nominated for a ] in 2009. DragonForce has been referred to as one of the "big four" bands of power metal, along with ], ], and ].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Blum|first=Jordan|title=The 'Big 4' Bands of 17 Metal Subgenres|url=https://loudwire.com/big-4-bands-metal-subgenres/|access-date=2021-12-17|website=Loudwire|date=19 November 2021 |language=en}}</ref>
Drummer Matej Setinc left the band in December 1999 to continue his studies in Slovenia, he was replaced by ]. The band parted ways with Steve Scott in November 2000 and Steve Williams in early 2000. Williams later rejoined and left once again in December 2000, days ahead of the band's tour with ] and ]. Steve Scott went on to join ], then ].


==History==
Bassist Diccon Harper joined the band in November 2000 with keyboardist Vadim Pruzhanov joining in February 2001 to complete the lineup for recording their first album.


===Early years, ''Valley of the Damned'' and ''Sonic Firestorm'' (1999–2004)===
Harper performed on DragonForce's debut album, '']'' in its completion, but left the band in 2002 because of a ] problem that required surgery.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/interviews/hit_the_lights/dragonforce_live_playing_through_the_roof_since_having_in-ear_monitors.html |title=DragonForce: Live Playing 'Through the Roof' Since Having In-Ear Monitors}}</ref>
{{multiple image
| align = left
| direction = horizontal
| footer = DragonForce guitarists and founding members Herman Li (left) and Sam Totman (right)
| image1 = DragonForce Rockharz 2019 47.jpg
| width1 = 150
| image2 = DragonForce Rockharz 2019 48.jpg
| width2 = 150
}}
DragonForce was founded in 1999 by guitarists ] and ], under the name of '''DragonHeart'''. Totman and Li had both experienced being in a band previously, with both having come from the New Zealand ] band ]. The two later found vocalist ] through an advertisement,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metal-experience.com/interviews/dragonforce%20int.htm|title=Interview Dragonforce|website=Metal-experience.com}}</ref> and soon acquired former Demoniac drummer Matej Setinc, bassist Steve Scott and keyboardist ]. Setinc left the band in December 1999 to continue his studies in Slovenia, so the band hired Peter Hunt to record the drums for their demo album before finding Didier Almouzni. The band also parted ways with Scott, who left to join ], in 2000. Williams took a small break and then later rejoined the band as they recorded their first ] with ] as a session member on the keyboards later that year, but left once again in December 2000, days ahead of the band's tour with ] and ] to promote the demo, and formed his own band, ]. Bassist Diccon Harper joined the band in November of that year, with keyboardist Vadim Pruzhanov joining in February 2001 to complete the lineup for recording their debut ].


Although it was an independent release, their demo was enough to make them one of the UK's most popular independent power metal bands at the time. Their song "Valley of the Damned" was released as their debut single shortly after they changed their name permanently to DragonForce in 2002 (after finding out another power metal band already had the name DragonHeart). A promotional video featuring live footage from their tour around Europe was released along with the song. The song was also hugely successful on ], which charted as the most downloaded song at No. 1 for 2 weeks. In 2002, the band signed to ] and began recording their debut album, '']''. Harper performed the bass tracks for the album but left the band in 2002 because of a ] problem that required surgery.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/interviews/hit_the_lights/dragonforce_live_playing_through_the_roof_since_having_in-ear_monitors.html |title=DragonForce: Live Playing 'Through the Roof' Since Having In-Ear Monitors |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002234730/http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/interviews/hit_the_lights/dragonforce_live_playing_through_the_roof_since_having_in-ear_monitors.html |archive-date=2 October 2012 }}</ref> The title track, re-released in promotion of the album, is one of the best-known DragonForce songs to date and is a staple of their live performances to this day. The band's tour for ''Valley of the Damned'' lasted until 2004, with the tour ending in Tokyo, Japan.
=== ''Valley of the Damned'' (2000–2003) ===
{{main|Valley of the Damned}}
DragonForce recorded their first demo in 2000. It was an independent release, however it was enough to make them one of the most popular independent power metal bands in the UK at that time. Their song "Valley of the Damned" was released as their first single shortly after they changed their name permanently to DragonForce. A promotional video featuring live footage from their tour around Europe was released along with the song. The song was also a huge success on MP3.com where it charted at #1 for 2 weeks as the most downloaded song. Shortly after the demo was released keyboardist Steve Williams and bassist Steve Scott both left the band and were replaced with Ukrainian born Vadim Pruzhanov on keyboard and British born Diccon Harper on bass. Steve Williams later went on to form power metal band ].


DragonForce's second studio album, '']'', proved to be even more successful than their previous album, with the help of the album's lead single, "Fury of the Storm". ''Sonic Firestorm'' was the first DragonForce album to feature new bassist ] and drummer Dave Mackintosh. When Mackintosh entered the band in 2004, they began referring to their style of music as "extreme power metal" due to his fast ] and double bass rhythms. The tour was longer than the band's previous tour for ''Valley of the Damned'' and featured many more headlining shows. The band toured with many well-known metal bands such as ] and ]. On the album, they also added a video commentary focusing on the making of ''Sonic Firestorm''.
In 2003, the band signed to Noise Records and began recording their debut full-length album, '']''. The title track, re-released in promotion of the album, it is one of the most known DragonForce songs to date and is a staple of their live performance to this day. The band's tour for Valley of the Damned lasted until 2004, with the tour ending in Tokyo, Japan.


=== ''Sonic Firestorm'' (2004–2005) === ===''Inhuman Rampage'' and ''Ultra Beatdown'' (2005–2009)===
]
{{main|Sonic Firestorm}}
The band went mainstream with their third album, '']'', which was released on 28 December 2005<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dragonforce.com/release/inhuman-rampage/ |title=Inhuman Rampage |website=DragonForce |date=20 February 2019 |access-date=4 January 2022}}</ref> after signing with ]. The first song on the album, "]", is perhaps their most famous song to date and is featured on the ] '']'', '']'' and '']'', and as downloadable content for the ]. Former Demoniac frontman ] appeared as a backing vocalist for the album. In November 2005, before the album's release, Lambert left the band to raise his newborn son, and the band enlisted ] for the remainder of the ''Sonic Firestorm'' tour. Leclercq later became an official member of the band in January 2006 following the release of ''Inhuman Rampage'', and was also featured in the band's music video for their second single from the album, '']''. The "Through the Fire and Flames" single later reached gold status in the USA and Canada.
The band's follow-up album, '']'', proved to be even more successful with the lead single "Fury of the Storm". ''Sonic Firestorm'' was the first DragonForce album featuring ] on bass and ] on drums. When Mackintosh entered the band in 2004, they began referring to their style of music as "extreme power metal" due to his fast blastbeats and double bass rhythms. It was around this time that the band began becoming popular internationally and adopted nicknames such as "Bon Jovi on speed" and "] meets ]."


DragonForce toured with ] and ] during the inaugural ] in 2008; the band then returned in autumn with the release of their fourth studio album, '']''. The album's lead single, "]", was nominated for a ] on 3 December 2008, eventually losing out to ] with their song "]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.grammy.com/grammy_awards/51st_show/list.aspx |title=The 51st Annual Grammy Awards Winner List |work=GRAMMY.com |publisher=The Recording Academy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102161757/http://www2.grammy.com/GRAMMY_Awards/51st_show/list.aspx |archive-date=2 January 2010 |access-date=24 January 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> A short version of "Heroes Of Our Time" is also featured in the video game '']'', and the full version in '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.videogamer.com/news/skate_2_and_skate_it_soundtracks_revealed.html |title=Skate 2 and Skate It soundtracks revealed |first=James |last=Orry |date=23 October 2008 |work=VideoGamer.com |publisher=Pro-G Media Ltd. |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130205191843/http://www.videogamer.com/news/skate_2_and_skate_it_soundtracks_revealed.html |archive-date=5 February 2013 |access-date=24 January 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ea.com/music/the-official-nhl-10-soundtrack |title=The Official NHL 10 Soundtrack – EA Trax |work=EA.com |publisher=Electronic Arts Inc. |access-date=24 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100324103935/http://www.ea.com/music/the-official-nhl-10-soundtrack |archive-date=24 March 2010 }}</ref> On 22 January 2009, the music video for their song "The Last Journey Home" was released to the ] Community a week before it was released online.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dragonforce.com/df/news/dragonforce-video-world-premier-on-xbox-live |title=DragonForce Video World Premier on Xbox Live |website=DragonForce.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100109174601/http://dragonforce.com/df/news/dragonforce-video-world-premier-on-xbox-live |archive-date=9 January 2010 |access-date=24 January 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
The tour was much longer than the band's recent tour for "Valley of the Damned" and featured many more headline shows than the previous. The band toured with many well-known metal bands such as ] and ].


The band carried out the ''Ultra Beatdown'' world tour in Europe, North America and South America. They were supposed to play in South America in May, but the tour was postponed due to the ] outbreak.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dragonforce.com/df/news/mexico-south-amercia-tour-dates-added |title=Mexico, South America Tour Dates Added |website=DragonForce.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430042945/http://www.dragonforce.com/df/news/mexico-south-amercia-tour-dates-added |archive-date=30 April 2009 |access-date=24 January 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Tour dates">{{cite web|url=http://www.dragonforce.com/tour/list-view |title=DragonForce Tour Schedule |website=DragonForce.com|access-date=10 August 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090520054403/http://www.dragonforce.com/tour/list-view |archive-date=20 May 2009 }}</ref> They performed at the Two Days a Week Festival in Wiesen, Austria on 4 September, before performing in the United States and Canada from 15 September to 11 October, with special guests ] and ]. The next leg of the tour was in Germany, from 16 to 30 October, followed by a single live performance in Luxembourg on 31 October. They then travelled to South America to perform in ], ], São Paulo, ], ], Buenos Aires and ] from 6–14 November.<ref name="Tour dates"/> The final part of the tour was carried out entirely in the UK from 19 November to 12 December.
=== ''Inhuman Rampage'' (2006–2007) ===
{{main|Inhuman Rampage}}
The band underwent various lineup changes before settling with the six current members.
The band was introduced to the mainstream with their third album '']'', released in 2006 after signing with ] in UK, USA, Canada, France and Australia. The song "]" is one of their most famous songs and is featured on the games '']'' and '']''. ] of Herman Li and Sam Totman's former band, Demoniac, appeared as backup vocalist for this album. Before the release of the album, bassist, Adrian Lambert, left the group to raise his newborn son in November 2005. He was replaced with ] for the remaining of the Sonic Firestorm Tour. Frederic later became an official member of the band in January 2006. He was also featured in the band's music video for their second single off Inhuman Rampage, ]. ''Inhuman Rampage'' is a common favourite among DragonForce fans due to its heaviness and complexity. The 'Through the Fire and Flames' single reached gold disc status in USA and Canada.


=== ''Ultra Beatdown'' (2008-2009) === ===Departure of Theart and ''Twilight Dementia'' (2010–2011)===
Li stated in late 2009 that DragonForce would stop touring in December and spend Christmas at home before beginning to write and record their next studio album in January.<ref name="Graspop">{{cite web |url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/interviews/hit_the_lights/dragonforce_live_playing_through_the_roof_since_having_in-ear_monitors.html |title=DragonForce: Live Playing 'Through The Roof' Since Having In-Ear Monitors |website=Ultimate-guitar.com |access-date=15 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002234730/http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/interviews/hit_the_lights/dragonforce_live_playing_through_the_roof_since_having_in-ear_monitors.html |archive-date=2 October 2012 }}</ref> On 22 February 2010, the band re-released their first two albums, ''Valley of the Damned'' and ''Sonic Firestorm''. ''Valley of the Damned'' included newly remixed and remastered tracks, while both albums included bonus tracks, updated packaging and DVDs featuring live footage, commentary and more. Both albums were also released in a box set which featured a T-shirt, a card of guitar picks, and an inflatable guitar.
{{main|Ultra Beatdown}}
The band toured with ] and ] throughout the summer of 2008 on the Rockstar Energy Metal Mayhem Festival. The band returned in the Fall with the release of their 4th studio album, '']''. The first track and first single, "]", was nominated for a ] on December 3, 2008, losing out to ] with their song "]".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www2.grammy.com/grammy_awards/51st_show/list.aspx |title=The 51st Annual Grammy Awards Winner List |work=GRAMMY.com |publisher=The Recording Academy |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5n1432qP5 |archivedate=January 24, 2010 |accessdate=January 24, 2010}}</ref> A short version of "Heroes Of Our Time" is also featured in the video games '']''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.videogamer.com/news/skate_2_and_skate_it_soundtracks_revealed.html |title=Skate 2 and Skate It soundtracks revealed |first=James |last=Orry |date=October 23, 2008 |work=VideoGamer.com |publisher=Pro-G Media Ltd |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5n14ZtxT9 |archivedate=January 24, 2010 |accessdate=January 24, 2010}}</ref> and the full version in '']''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ea.com/music/the-official-nhl-10-soundtrack |title=The Official NHL 10 Soundtrack - EA Trax |work=EA.com |publisher=Electronic Arts Inc |accessdate=January 24, 2010}}</ref>


On 8 March 2010, it was announced via the band's record label at the time, ], that Theart had parted ways with DragonForce due to "insurmountable differences of musical opinion" and that the band would be seeking a new frontman.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espyrock.com/2010/03/dragonforce-part-ways-with-singer-9023/ |title=Updated: Dragonforce part ways with singer |website=Espyrock.com |access-date=15 July 2011}}</ref> The next day, the band released a press statement confirming the news and containing a link to request an audition.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=136360 |title=BLABBERMOUTH.NET – DRAGONFORCE Confirms Singer's Departure |website=Roadrunnerrecords.com |access-date=15 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208151205/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=136360 |archive-date=8 February 2012 }}</ref>
On January 22, 2009, the music video for their song "The Last Journey Home" was released to the ] Community a week before it was released online.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dragonforce.com/df/news/dragonforce-video-world-premier-on-xbox-live |title=DragonForce Video World Premier on Xbox Live |publisher=DragonForce.com |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5n15WF3Xp |archivedate=January 24, 2010 |accessdate=January 24, 2010}}</ref>


The band released their first ], '']'', on 13 September 2010, in Europe and 14 September 2010 in US and Canada. The album art, title, and release date were revealed on the band's official website on 22 June 2010. The performances were recorded on the final leg of the ''Ultra Beatdown'' world tour.<ref name="press release">{{cite web|title=DragonForce Confirm first live album 'Twilight Dementia' for September 13th 2010 release|url=http://www.dragonforce.com/2010/06/22/dragonforce-confirm-first-live-album-%E2%80%98twilight-dementia%E2%80%99-for-september-13th-2010-release/|website=DragonForce.com|access-date=22 June 2010|date=22 June 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227102557/http://www.dragonforce.com/2010/06/22/dragonforce-confirm-first-live-album-%E2%80%98twilight-dementia%E2%80%99-for-september-13th-2010-release/|archive-date=27 February 2012}}</ref> Regarding the album, Li stated:<ref name="press release"/>
DragonForce carried out the ''Ultra Beatdown'' tour in ], ] and ]. They were supposed to play in Latin America in May 2009,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dragonforce.com/df/news/mexico-south-amercia-tour-dates-added |title=Mexico, South America Tour Dates Added |publisher=DragonForce.com |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5n15k2C5K |archivedate=January 24, 2010 |accessdate=January 24, 2010}}</ref> but the tour was postponed to late 2009.<ref name="Tour dates">{{cite web|url=http://www.dragonforce.com/tour/list-view|title=DragonForce Tour Schedule|publisher=DragonForce official website|accessdate=2009-08-10}} {{Dead link|date=November 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> They performed at the Two Days a Week Festival in Weisen, ] on September 4.<ref name="Tour dates"/> Then, they performed in several cities of ] and ] from September 15 to October 11, with special guests ] and Taking Dawn.<ref name="Tour dates"/> The next tour was in ], from October 16 to October 30, followed by a single live performance in ] on October 31.<ref name="Tour dates"/> Then, they went to Latin America to perform in ], ], ], ], ], ] and ] from November 6 to November 14.<ref name="Tour dates"/> The final part of the tour was carried entirely in the ], from November 19 to December 12.<ref name="Tour dates"/>


{{bquote|For years, fans have been asking us to record a live album, but honestly, we never really had the time due to our worldwide touring commitments and studio album recording. However, due to the overwhelmingly positive feedback from fans on the ''Ultra Beatdown'' world tour, we decided to finally put some real thought into it...
=== New album and departure of Theart (2010-present) ===
Herman Li has stated that DragonForce will stop touring in December, spend time at home for ], and then will begin writing and recording a new studio album scheduled to be released in 2011.<ref name="Graspop"></ref>


These recordings really capture the raw sonic energy of a DragonForce show in fine detail. It is so real that you can hear the noise of the crowd and experience the show as it was that night – you can even hear the guitar pedals being stepped on!}}
On February 22, 2010, the band re-released their first two albums, "Valley of the Damned" and "Sonic Firestorm." Valley of the Damned included newly remixed and remastered tracks while both albums included bonus tracks, updated packaging and DVDs featuring live footage, commentary, and more. Both albums were also released in a box set which featured a t-shirt, a card of guitar picks, and an inflatable guitar.


The band began working on their new studio album in early 2010, recording in various studios in California, London and the South of France. The band later confirmed that they would be the opening act for Iron Maiden in two UK shows in August 2011, with the first at ] in ] on 3 August and the second at ] in London on 5 August. On 2 March 2011, DragonForce announced their new vocalist, Marc Hudson.<ref>
On March 8, 2010, it was announced via Roadrunner that DragonForce had parted ways with vocalist ZP Theart and would now be seeking a new frontman.<ref>http://espyrock.com/2010/03/dragonforce-part-ways-with-singer-9023/</ref> Herman Li stated:
{{cite web|title=DragonForce Reveal New Singer|url=http://www.dragonforce.com/2011/03/02/dragonforce-reveal-new-singer/|website=DragonForce.com|date=2 March 2011|access-date=2 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Hynes|first=Ollie|date=2 March 2011|title=Dragonforce Announces New Singer, Marc Hudson, After Year-Long Search|url=http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=65797|newspaper=MetalUnderground.com}}</ref> Hudson had previous experience performing in a band but was not a professional musician before joining DragonForce. His first show with DragonForce was the band's opening for Iron Maiden in August 2011, where they debuted a new song titled "Cry Thunder".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metaltraveller.com/en/gigs/dragonforce/interview_power_within.html |title=Interview with Herman Li |website=Metaltraveller.com |date=April 2012 |access-date=29 May 2012}}</ref>


===''The Power Within'' and ''Maximum Overload'' (2012–2015)===
{{cquote|It is with great regret that DragonForce announce a parting of the ways with singer ZP Theart. This is due to insurmountable differences of musical opinion but the rest of the band sincerely wishes ZP great success with his future projects.
DragonForce released their fifth studio album, '']'', on 15 April 2012. ] and ] vocalist Emily Ovenden contributed backing vocals on the album.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dragonforce.com/2012/02/02/dragonforce-reveal-details-of-new-album/ |title=DRAGONFORCE REVEAL DETAILS OF NEW ALBUM |website=Dragonforce.com |date=2 February 2012 |access-date=19 March 2012}}</ref> During their North American tour, the band performed a new song titled "Fallen World", along with "Cry Thunder".<ref name="videos of two new songs">{{cite news|title=DragonForce Performs Two New Songs In New York City (Video)|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=165054|work=]|access-date=23 October 2011|date=23 October 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130201094051/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=165054|archive-date=1 February 2013}}</ref> Starting from late September 2012, the band embarked on a UK and Ireland tour, and were supported by ], Cavorts and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dragonforce.com/2012/04/02/dragonforce-announce-uk-ireland-leg-of-mammoth-world-tour/ |title=Announce Uk & Ireland Leg Of Mammoth World Tour |website=DragonForce.com |date=25 September 2012 |access-date=5 February 2013}}</ref>
DragonForce also played at ] in Australia in February 2013.


On 12 April 2013, the band announced that writing for a follow-up to ''The Power Within'' had been completed, and on 19 May 2013, DragonForce entered Fascination Street Studios in Sweden with ] as the producer of the band's sixth album, '']''.<ref name=FSS>{{cite web|title=DragonForce in the studio|url=http://www.fascinationstreet.se/blog/34-dragonforce-in-the-studio|publisher=Fascination Street Studios|access-date=30 May 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130826122324/http://fascinationstreet.se/blog/34-dragonforce-in-the-studio|archive-date=26 August 2013}}</ref> On 31 March 2014, it was revealed that ] vocalist/guitarist ] would appear as a backing vocalist for the album, and that Ovenden would return after providing backing vocals for ''The Power Within''. On 3 June 2014, DragonForce announced that they had parted ways with Mackintosh and had enlisted former Braindamage and Kill Ritual drummer Gee Anzalone.<ref>{{cite web|title=DragonForce Parts Ways With Drummer DAVE MACKINTOSH, Announces Replacement|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dragonforce-parts-ways-with-drummer-dave-mackintosh-announces-replacement/|website=]|access-date=3 June 2014|date=3 June 2014}}</ref> ''Maximum Overload'' was released in the UK on 18 August, in North America on 19 August and in Australia on 22 August. A special edition which included five bonus songs was released in Japan on 19 August (the same date as the normal edition's release in North America) and in Australia on 22 August, at the same time as the release of the normal edition. To promote the album, the band embarked on their second world tour, beginning in ] on 17 September and ending in ], Belgium, on 1 February 2015.
While the creative core members have begun writing the fifth album, they have also started a worldwide search for a new vocalist. We are looking for a powerful, melodic singer to write a new chapter of DragonForce with us.}}


On 12 February, DragonForce announced that they would release their first live DVD, a recording of their performance at Loud Park Festival 2014 titled '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dragonforce.com/2015/02/12/debut-dvdblu-ray-in-the-line-of-fire-in-july/|title=DEBUT DVD/BLU-RAY 'IN THE LINE OF FIRE' IN JULY|website=Dragonforce.com|date=12 February 2015}}</ref> The band performed at ] in June 2015, with a surprise guest appearance by ] during the set.,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goodman |first=Eleanor |date=2015-06-13 |title=GALLERY: Babymetal collide with Dragonforce at Download {{!}} Louder |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/gallery-babymetal-collide-with-dragonforce-at-download |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119230217/https://www.loudersound.com/features/gallery-babymetal-collide-with-dragonforce-at-download |archive-date=2019-01-19 |access-date=2023-10-22 |website=Louder Sound}}</ref> DragonForce would then act as Babymetal's backing band at the 2015 ] (Li and Totman had previously collaborated on the track "]" for Babymetal).<ref>{{cite web|title=BABYMETAL ARE PLAYING THE METAL HAMMER GOLDEN GODS|url=http://metalhammer.teamrock.com/news/2015-05-08/babymetal-are-playing-the-metal-hammer-golden-gods|website=Metalhammer.Teamrock.com|access-date=8 May 2015|date=22 June 2015}}</ref><ref name=blabberRoR>{{cite web|title=Babymetal's New Song 'Road Of Resistance' Featuring DragonForce Members: Audio Preview|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/babymetals-new-song-road-of-resistance-featuring-dragonforce-members-audio-preview/|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=5 January 2015|date=22 June 2015}}</ref>
This story was removed the same day, but officially confirmed by the band a day later in a press statement that also contained a link to request an audition.<ref>http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=136360</ref>


===''Reaching into Infinity'' (2016–2017)===
The band released their first live album on September 13, 2010 in Europe and September 14, 2010 for US and Canada. It is a double-disc set entitled '']''. The album art, title, and release date were revealed on the band's official website on June 22, 2010. The performances were recorded on the final leg of the ''Ultra Beatdown'' World Tour.<ref name="press release">{{cite web|title=DragonForce Confirm first live album ‘Twilight Dementia’ for September 13th 2010 release|url=http://www.dragonforce.com/2010/06/22/dragonforce-confirm-first-live-album-%E2%80%98twilight-dementia%E2%80%99-for-september-13th-2010-release/|publisher=DragonForce official website|accessdate=22 June 2010|date=22|month=June|year=2010}}</ref> Regarding the album, guitarist Herman Li stated:<ref name="press release"/>
] in 2016]]
In April 2016, the band released the compilation '']'', featuring a double CD of the band's greatest hits, with a DVD that contained the videos released by the band.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Dragonforce-Killer-Elite-The-Hits-The-Highs-The-Vids/release/8453651|title=Dragonforce - Killer Elite (The Hits - The Highs - The Vids)|website=Discogs|access-date=16 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/dragonforce-killer-elite-greatest-hits-set-start-new-album/|title=DragonForce Announce 'Killer Elite' Greatest Hits Set|website=Loudwire|date=June 2016 |access-date=16 December 2016}}</ref> The band also embarked on the "Killer Elite World Tour" to support the release.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://teamrock.com/news/2016-06-01/dragonforce-to-release-killer-elite-best-of-compilation-in-july|title=Dragonforce to release Killer Elite 'Best Of' compilation in July|date=1 June 2016|newspaper=Metal Hammer|language=en-GB|access-date=16 December 2016}}</ref> In July 2016 DragonForce issued a statement on the health status of Marc Hudson revealing he had been signed off by doctors and was unable to perform at the Metal Days Festival in Slovenia and the Benatska! Festival in the Czech Republic and replaced by Per Fredrik Åsly for the two shows. This was than further followed up by former ] vocalist Alessio Garavello filling in for the Leyendas del Rock Festival concert in Spain, and the More//Than concert in Slovakia.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dragonforce.com/2016/07/29/dragonforce-festival-statement/|title=DRAGONFORCE FESTIVAL STATEMENT|website=Dragonforce.com|date=29 July 2016}}</ref> DragonForce concluded their "Killer Elite World Tour" at a free show in ] on 11 September.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dragonforce.com/2016/08/13/show-at-mohegan-sun-connecticut-added-second-new-york-city-show-sold-out/|title=SHOW AT 'MOHEGAN SUN' CONNECTICUT ADDED, SECOND NEW YORK CITY SHOW SOLD OUT|date=13 August 2016|website=DragonForce.com|access-date=16 December 2016}}</ref> On 11 November, DragonForce was confirmed for the 2017 edition of Pulp Summer Slam in the Philippines.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dragonforce.com/2016/11/07/dragonforce-confirmed-for-pulp-summer-slam-2017-in-the-phillipines/|title=DRAGONFORCE CONFIRMED FOR PULP SUMMER SLAM 2017 IN THE PHILIPPINES|date=7 November 2016|website=DragonForce.com|access-date=16 January 2017}}</ref>


During an interview with ''Alto Music'' at the 2017 ], Li revealed that the band were putting the "finishing touches" on their upcoming seventh album.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dragonforce-is-putting-finishing-touches-on-new-album/|title=DRAGONFORCE Is Putting Finishing Touches On New Album|date=26 January 2017|website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET}}</ref> In February 2017, the band revealed pieces of the album cover on their Instagram account, and the album title was revealed to be '']''.<ref>{{cite web|title=We're back!|url=https://www.facebook.com/dragonforce/photos/a.494960852378.268439.6675437378/10154358358942379/?type=3&theater |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/6675437378/10154358358942379 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|website=DragonForce's official Facebook page|publisher=]|access-date=6 February 2017|date=6 February 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref> On 9 February, the band released details of the new album on their official website, including the release date, format and a release party show date. Leclercq also gave insight into the recording process of the album. "We were flying out, playing a festival, then back into the studio, then back out again," said Leclercq, who handled the majority of songwriting on the album. "It was very intense and very tiring... lost my temper a few times – I think we all did at some point, because we wanted to deliver nothing but the best. I think we have proven that playing fast was something we were good at, so this time I wanted to bring even more diversity into our music. It's great to challenge ourselves instead of staying in a comfort zone".<ref>{{cite web|title=DragonForce Reveal Details of New Album|url=http://www.dragonforce.com/2017/02/08/dragonforce-reveal-details-of-new-album-2/|website=Dragonforce.come|date=9 February 2017|access-date=10 February 2017}}</ref> ''Reaching into Infinity'' was released on 19 May 2017.
{{cquote|For years, fans have been asking us to record a live album, but honestly, we never really had the time due to our worldwide touring commitments and studio album recording. However, due to the overwhelmingly positive feedback from fans on the ‘Ultra Beatdown World Tour’, we decided to finally put some real thought into it...


A music video for "Ashes of the Dawn" was released on 15 May 2017. Keyboardist Vadim Pruzhanov was not featured in the clip nor in any of the shows happening by the time of the album's recording. In a video published on his official ] channel, he explained he wanted to have more time for his daughter and that he had to choose between performing in all or none of the shows due to contractual limitations. He chose the second option and was absent from the album's promotional tour as well.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Pruzhanov|first1=Vadim|title=Regarding my recent absence on tour with Dragonforce.|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGPRMq2Ylhk| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200428105344/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGPRMq2Ylhk&gl=US&hl=en| archive-date=2020-04-28 | url-status=dead|website=Vadim Pruzhanov's official channel|publisher=]|access-date=25 May 2017|date=3 May 2017}}</ref> ] supported DragonForce as special guests on the UK leg for the Reaching Into Infinity World Tour while supporting their own new album, ''Sixth Dimension''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.power-quest.co.uk/2016/index.php/item/178-new-album-and-dragonforce-tour |title=NEW ALBUM AND DRAGONFORCE TOUR |access-date=27 September 2019|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926194936/http://www.power-quest.co.uk/2016/index.php/item/178-new-album-and-dragonforce-tour|archive-date=September 26, 2017 }}</ref> On 13 July, the band announced that Swedish act ] would support the band during the European leg of the ''Reaching Into Infinity World Tour''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dragonforce.com/2017/07/13/europe-tour-special-guest-confirmed-twilight-force/|title=EUROPE TOUR SPECIAL GUEST CONFIRMED: TWILIGHT FORCE|website=Dragonforce.com|date=13 July 2017}}</ref> A music video for "Midnight Madness" was released on 21 September 2017, which documented the making of that song at Fascination Street Studios.<ref>{{cite web|title=New Music Video – Midnight Madness|url=http://www.dragonforce.com/2017/09/21/new-music-video-midnight-madness/|website=Dragonforce.com|date=21 September 2017|access-date=7 October 2017}}</ref> On 15 October, they were announced to appear as a headlining band at ] in 2018, however on 20 January 2018, they issued a statement saying that they will not be attending due to "circumstances beyond their control".<ref>{{cite web|title=DragonForce regarding Vagos Open Air Festival|url=https://twitter.com/DragonForce/status/954564189934309376|publisher=]|access-date=20 January 2018|date=20 January 2018}}</ref> On 20 December, the band were announced to appear at Skogsröjet Festival in ], Sweden in August 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dragonforce.com/2017/12/20/sweden-rejmyre-skogsrojet-festival-2018/|title=SWEDEN, REJMYRE – SKOGSROJET FESTIVAL 2018|website=Dragonforce.com|date=20 December 2017}}</ref>
These recordings really capture the raw sonic energy of a Dragonforce show in fine detail. It is so real that you can hear the noise of the crowd and experience the show as it was that night – you can even hear the guitar pedals being stepped on!}}.


===Lineup changes and ''Extreme Power Metal'' (2018–2019)===
The band confirmed that they would be the opning act for ] in two ] shows in August. The first at ] in ] August 3, 2011 and the second at the ] in ] August 5, 2011.
In January 2018, the band were announced to appear at Area 53 Festival in ], Austria in July,<ref>{{cite news|title=Area 53 Festival in Austria Confirmed|url=http://www.dragonforce.com/2018/01/21/area-53-festival-in-austria-confirmed/|website=Dragonforce.com|date=21 January 2018|access-date=22 January 2018}}</ref> and at ]'s main stage for the first time since 2009 in June.<ref>{{cite news|title=Download Main Stage Confirmed|url=http://www.dragonforce.com/2018/01/24/download-main-stage-confirmed/|website=Dragonforce.com|date=24 January 2018|access-date=25 January 2018}}</ref> In April 2018, the band announced a remastered version of ''The Power Within'' called ''Re-Powered Within''. Li stated: "I love how ''Re-Powered Within'' has turned out. We remixed and remastered the original music with a more modern production in the vein of our last two releases. The result is a clearer, more powerful sound. The fans will get to hear the music in better detail, bringing out parts they couldn't hear so well before, and injecting new excitement into the songs we love even more now."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dragonforce.com/2018/04/05/dragonforce-to-release-re-powered-within-on-may-4th-on-earmusic-fully-re-mixed-re-mastered-and-re-powered/|title=DRAGONFORCE TO RELEASE "RE-POWERED WITHIN" ON MAY 4TH ON earMUSIC. FULLY RE-MIXED, RE-MASTERED AND RE-POWERED|website=Dragonforce.com|date=5 April 2018}}</ref> ''Re-Powered Within'' was released on 4 May 2018. In October, DragonForce announced that they had entered the studio with ], who had previously mixed and mastered for the band, to work on their eighth studio album, and that the band would be joining ] on their MEGACruise in October 2019.<ref>{{cite web|title=NEW ALBUM RECORDING; LIVESTREAMS RECORDING SESSIONS; MEGACRUISE|url=http://www.dragonforce.com/2018/10/28/new-album-recording-livestreams-recording-sessions-megacruise/|website=DragonForce.com|access-date=28 October 2018|date=28 October 2018}}</ref>

On 10 June 2019, after more than two years of not being involved with DragonForce, Pruzhanov posted on his Facebook page stating that he had officially left the band in May 2018.<ref>{{cite web|last=Pruzhanov|first=Vadim|title=Many keep sending me messages asking where there i am still in Dragonforce...|url=https://www.facebook.com/vadlife/posts/2750882588286560 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/104284066279772/2750882588286560 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|website=]|date=10 June 2019|access-date=10 June 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In July 2019, the band's eighth studio album, '']'', was announced and given a release date of 27 September 2019, and a music video for "Highway to Oblivion" was released.<ref name="EPM">{{cite news|title=DRAGONFORCE Reveals Details Of New Album 'Extreme Power Metal', Launches Video For 'Highway To Oblivion'|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dragonforce-reveals-details-of-new-album-extreme-power-metal-launches-video-for-highway-to-oblivion/|work=]|access-date=30 July 2019|date=30 July 2019}}</ref> ] keyboardist Coen Janssen recorded keyboards for the new album.<ref name="EPM"/> In August 2019, Frédéric Leclercq announced that he would be leaving the band to pursue other projects;<ref>{{cite web|title=DRAGONFORCE: Frédéric Leclercq lascia la band|url=https://www.metalpit.it/dragonforce-frederic-leclercq-lascia-la-band/|language=it|work=metalpit.it|date=14 August 2019|access-date=14 August 2019}}</ref> the band later confirmed Leclercq's departure, and that YouTube personality and musician ] would fill in on bass for the band's US tour dates.<ref>{{cite news|title=DRAGONFORCE Parts Ways With Longtime Bassist FRÉDÉRIC LECLERCQ; YouTube Personality STEVIE T To Step In|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dragonforce-parts-ways-with-longtime-bassist-frederic-leclercq-temporary-replacement-announced/|work=]|date=14 August 2019|access-date=15 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Kennelty|first=Greg|title=DRAGONFORCE Parts Ways With Bassist Frédéric Leclercq, YouTuber Stevie T To Fill In Live|url=https://metalinjection.net/latest-news/dragonforce-parts-ways-with-bassist-frederic-leclercq-youtuber-to-fill-in-live|work=Metal Injection|date=14 August 2019|access-date=15 August 2019}}</ref> Terreberry eventually pulled out of the tour before playing a show due to his anxiety, and he released a video on his YouTube channel explaining his decision.<ref>{{cite web|title=Why I Turned Down DragonForce|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=iGLmzGJD0Ns|work=]|date=5 October 2019|access-date=5 October 2019}}</ref> ] bassist Damien Rainaud, who also produced ''Extreme Power Metal'', took over bass duties as a result.<ref>{{cite news|title=Watch DRAGONFORCE Perform At 'TwitchCon 2019' Opening Ceremony|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/watch-dragonforce-perform-at-twitchcon-2019-opening-ceremony/|work=]|date=29 September 2019|access-date=14 December 2019}}</ref>

===New live members and ''Warp Speed Warriors'' (2020–present)===
]
In January 2020, Alicia Vigil took over as the band's new touring bassist, beginning with their European tour.<ref name="replacements">{{cite news|title=DRAGONFORCE's GEE ANZALONE To Miss U.S. Tour; AQUILES PRIESTER To Step In|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dragonforces-gee-anzalone-to-miss-u-s-tour-aquiles-priester-to-step-in/|work=]|date=2 March 2020|access-date=3 March 2020}}</ref> In March, Anzalone was admitted to hospital with ] and was forced to skip DragonForce's United States tour, with ] replacing him for the tour<ref name="replacements"/> until it was cancelled due to the ].<ref name="lockdown">{{cite news|title=DragonForce is using coronavirus downtime to work on new music|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dragonforce-is-using-coronavirus-downtime-to-work-on-new-music/|work=]|date=12 April 2020|access-date=3 May 2020}}</ref> In April, Li said that the band had decided to use the lockdown time to write new music for "a new album which isn't going to be out for ages", while also saying that they were considering recruiting Vigil as their next permanent bassist.<ref name="lockdown"/> Vigil was later confirmed to be the new full-time bassist in one of Li's Twitch streams in February 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://clips.twitch.tv/ApatheticSparklyShrewDoggo-e4fp6nKtvNrXjcX8|title=Alicia is now a part of Dragonforce|website=]|date=25 February 2022|access-date=26 February 2022}}</ref>

While in quarantine, DragonForce have written and recorded parody songs in the style of bands like ], ], ], and ], along with a collaboration with ] from ]. In February 2021, the band announced that they would professionally record those songs and release them in an album later this year before writing their next proper album.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dragonforce's Parody Album|url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/news/42493/Dragonforces-Parody-Album/|work=Sputnikmusic|date=23 February 2021|access-date=1 March 2021}}</ref> However, it is currently unknown if the band is still moving forward with their "parody album" plan.

In March 2022, Li revealed that the band had written "a lot of music" for their next album, but were currently in search of a new record deal. He added that the music they had written was "gonna be epic, triumphant, fun and catchy and uplifting. We're gonna carry on sounding like DRAGONFORCE."<ref>{{cite news|title=DRAGONFORCE Has 'A Lot Of Music Written' For Next Album|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/dragonforce-has-a-lot-of-music-written-for-next-album|work=]|date=22 March 2022|access-date=8 May 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=HERMAN LI Says Next DRAGONFORCE Album Will Be 'Epic, Triumphant, Fun, Catchy And Uplifting'|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/herman-li-says-next-dragonforce-album-will-be-epic-triumphant-fun-catchy-and-uplifting|work=]|date=4 April 2022|access-date=8 May 2022}}</ref>

The band went on to re-tour their album ''Extreme Power Metal'' in North America in early 2022 with ], ], and ]. In late 2022, they were able to continue their ''Extreme Power Metal'' tour in Europe with ] and ].

DragonForce signed a deal with ] to release their upcoming album.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/herman-li-explains-how-dragonforce-ended-up-partnering-with-napalm-records-for-next-studio-album|title=HERMAN LI Explains How DRAGONFORCE Ended Up Partnering With NAPALM RECORDS For Next Studio Album|website=]|date=September 10, 2023|access-date=September 10, 2023}}</ref> On 14 September 2023, the band released a new single titled "]".<ref>{{cite news|title=DRAGONFORCE Releases New Single 'Doomsday Party'|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/dragonforce-releases-new-single-doomsday-party|work=]|date=14 September 2023|access-date=14 September 2023}}</ref>

On 18 October 2023, the band released the album's second single "]" along with an accompanying music video. That same day, the band announced that their ninth studio album '']'' would be released on 15 March 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/dragonforce-announces-warp-speed-warriors-album-shares-power-of-the-triforce-music-video|title=DragonForce Announces ''Warp Speed Warriors'' Album, Shares 'Power Of The Triforce' Music Video|website=]|access-date=October 18, 2023|date=October 18, 2023}}</ref>

On 15 February 2024, the band released a cover of ]'s "]" through their official ] channel, which was included in their album as a bonus track.<ref>{{cite web |title=DragonForce Releases Music Video For Cover Of Taylor Swift's 'Wildest Dreams' |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/dragonforce-releases-music-video-for-cover-of-taylor-swifts-wildest-dreams |website=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=21 March 2024 |language=en |date=15 February 2024}}</ref>

On 30 May 2024, the band collaborated with the mobile video game '']'', releasing a new single titled "A Draco Tale" to promote its newest playable character, Draco.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Team |first=Editorial |date=2024-05-30 |title=DRAGONFORCE Releases Music Video For New Song 'A Draco Tale' Honoring 'Brawl Stars' Game Character DRACO |url=https://www.sonicperspectives.com/news/dragonforce-releases-music-video-for-new-song-a-draco-tale-honoring-brawl-stars-game-character-draco/ |access-date=2024-06-07 |website=Sonic Perspectives |language=en-US}}</ref>


== Musical style == == Musical style ==
{{Listen|filename=DragonForce Soldiers of the Wasteland.ogg|title=Soldiers of the Wasteland (sample)|description=A brief sample of the sixth track from the '']'' album.}}
The band have frequently referred to their style as ]. Herman Li commented on descriptions of the band's style in an interview with '']'': "'] metal', 'extreme power metal', '] on ]', '] meets ]', ... people are always coming up with weird labels for us."<ref>Guitar World, Holiday 2006, pg 72 "Hotter Than Hell"</ref> The band has sometimes been mislabeled as a ] band<ref></ref><ref></ref><ref></ref> due to the fast tempos present in their songs, but always as a supplement to other types of metal descriptors.
Much of DragonForce's idiosyncratic style comes from the high-speed dual guitar sounds of ] and ]. By playing at a high tempo within the upper registers of their instruments, their sound becomes similar to the "bleepy" arpeggios and quick pitch-bends normally associated with ], usually heard in the ] of ]. The band often pays homage to this influence in their music videos.

Although the band has frequently referred to their style as ], Li commented on descriptions of the band's style in an interview with '']'': {{"'}}] metal', 'extreme power metal', '] on ]', '] meets ]', ... people are always coming up with weird labels for us."<ref>'']'', Holiday 2006, p. 72, "Hotter Than Hell"</ref> The band has also been labelled as a ]<ref>{{cite web |author=Paul Saitowitz |url=http://www.pe.com/entertainment/stories/PE_Ent_Guide_D_soundtracks.204707.html |title=Bolton to Hit Desert |website=PE.com |date=6 July 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211221329/http://www.pe.com/entertainment/stories/PE_Ent_Guide_D_soundtracks.204707.html |archive-date=11 February 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/entertainment/music/hottickets/article_1223269.php |title=Entertainment – Juan Gabriel to play the Pond |website=Ocregister.com|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212225018/http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/entertainment/music/hottickets/article_1223269.php |archive-date=12 February 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.gigwise.com/contents.asp?contentid=19752 |title=Friday 07/07/06 Ozzfest 2006, Main Stage @ The Cricket Pavilion, Phoenix Arizona |work=] |date=14 July 2006 |access-date=15 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060718191955/http://www.gigwise.com/contents.asp?contentid=19752 |archive-date=18 July 2006 }}</ref> or ] band.<ref name=allmusic>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/dragonforce-mn0000205838/biography |title=DragonForce |website=Allmusic |access-date=September 4, 2022}}</ref>


== Controversy == ==Band members==
<!-- Do NOT add Steve Terrebery/Stevie T to this section, as he was never a permanent member of the band and did not play a show with the band as a touring member. Additionally, please do not change the order of the members, as they are in order of instrument to reflect the timeline. -->
Controversy for DragonForce occurred in late 2006 shortly after the ''Inhuman Rampage'' tour gained larger audiences in later cities. The band had many technical difficulties with the guitars, which is deemed to be the most "stand-out feature" in their music. The band also drop-tuned their instruments to ] on that tour. This, coupled with low-quality recordings of the live performances that were subsequently uploaded to the Internet, created rumors of the band speeding up their music in-studio due to being unable to perform it live at such speeds. Although these rumors were disproved by subsequent tours where the band performed their music at the same speed as it appears on the albums. Herman Li stated, "] of 2006 was total disaster. The technician we had back then didn't even tune the guitar, and no monitoring was done properly. We didn't hear anything...". He also said that most of the ''Inhuman Rampage'' tour was bad overall due to technical difficulties.<ref name="Graspop" />
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}


== Band members == '''Current members'''
;Current members
* ] – bass guitar, backing vocals <small>(2005–present)</small>
* ] – guitar, backing vocals <small>(1999–present)</small> * ] – guitar, backing vocals <small>(1999–present)</small>
* ] – drums <small>(2004–present)</small>
* Vadim Pruzhanov – keyboards, synthesizers, backing vocals, ] <small>(2001–present)</small>
* ] – guitar, backing vocals <small>(1999–present)</small> * ] – guitar, backing vocals <small>(1999–present)</small>
* ] – lead vocals <small>(2011–present)</small>
;Former members
* ] – drums <small>(1999–2003)</small> * Gee Anzalone – drums, percussion, backing vocals <small>(2014–present)</small>
* Diccon Harper – bass guitar, backing vocals <small>(2000–2003)</small> * Alicia Vigil – bass, backing vocals <small>(2022–present; touring musician 2020–2022)</small>

* ] – bass guitar <small>(2003–2005)</small>
'''Current touring musicians'''
* Steve Scott – bass guitar, backing vocals <small>(1999–2000)</small>
* ZP Theart lead vocals <small>(1999–2010)</small> * Billy Wilkins - guitar, backing vocals <small>(2023–present)</small>

* ] – keyboards, backing vocals <small>(1999–2000)</small>
'''Former touring musicians'''
* Mauricio Chamucero – drums <small>(2003)</small>
* Christian Wirtl – drums <small>(2003)</small>
* ] – bass, backing vocals <small>(2019)</small>
* ] – drums <small>(2020)</small>
{{col-2}}

'''Former members'''
* ] – lead vocals <small>(1999–2010)</small>
* Steve Scott – bass, backing vocals <small>(1999–2000)</small>
* Diccon Harper – bass <small>(2000–2002)</small>
* ] – bass, backing vocals <small>(2002–2005)</small>
* ] – bass, guitar, backing vocals <small>(2006–2019; touring musician 2005–2006)</small>
* ] – keyboards, keytar <small>(1999–2000)</small>
* Vadim Pruzhanov – keyboards, keytar, theremin, backing vocals <small>(2001–2018)</small>
* Matej Setinc – drums, percussion <small>(1999)</small>
* Didier Almouzni – drums, percussion <small>(1999–2003)</small>
* Dave Mackintosh – drums, percussion, backing vocals <small>(2003–2014)</small>
{{col-end}}

===Timeline===
{{#tag:timeline|
ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:20
PlotArea = left:110 bottom:80 top:10 right:10
Alignbars = justify
DateFormat = dd/mm/yyyy
Period = from:01/09/1999 till:{{#time:d/m/Y}}
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy
Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:4
ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:2000
ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:2001

Colors =
id:vocals value:red legend:Lead_vocals
id:bvocals value:pink legend:Backing_vocals
id:guitar value:green legend:Guitar
id:bass value:blue legend:Bass
id:keyboard value:purple legend:Keyboards,_piano,_keytar
id:drums value:orange legend:Drums,_percussion
id:studio value:black legend:Studio_album
id:other value:gray(0.70) legend:Other_releases

LineData =
layer:back
color:studio
at:25/02/2003
at:11/05/2004
at:28/12/2005
at:25/08/2008
at:08/09/2010
at:15/03/2012
at:18/08/2014
at:19/05/2017
at:27/09/2019
at:15/03/2024

color:other
at:08/09/2010
at:10/07/2015
at:03/04/2016

BarData =
bar:Theart text:ZP Theart
bar:Hudson text:Marc Hudson
bar:Li text:Herman Li
bar:Totman text:Sam Totman
bar:Scott text:Steve Scott
bar:Harper text:Diccon Harper
bar:Lambert text:Adrian Lambert
bar:Leclercq text:Frédéric Leclercq
bar:Vigil text:Alicia Vigil
bar:Williams text:Steve Williams
bar:Pruzhanov text:Vadim Pruzhanov
bar:Setinc text:Matej Setinc
bar:Almouzni text:Didier Almouzni
bar:Mackintosh text:Dave Mackintosh
bar:Anzalone text:Gee Anzalone

PlotData =
width:11
bar:Theart from:01/09/1999 till:09/03/2010 color:vocals
bar:Hudson from:02/03/2011 till:end color:vocals
bar:Li from:01/09/1999 till:end color:guitar
bar:Li from:01/09/1999 till:end color:bvocals width:3
bar:Totman from:01/09/1999 till:end color:guitar
bar:Totman from:01/09/1999 till:end color:bvocals width:3
bar:Scott from:01/09/1999 till:01/11/2000 color:bass
bar:Scott from:01/09/1999 till:01/11/2000 color:bvocals width:3
bar:Harper from:01/11/2000 till:01/12/2002 color:bass
bar:Lambert from:01/12/2002 till:01/11/2005 color:bass
bar:Lambert from:01/12/2002 till:01/11/2005 color:bvocals width:3
bar:Leclercq from:11/01/2006 till:14/08/2019 color:bass
bar:Leclercq from:11/01/2006 till:14/08/2019 color:guitar width:7
bar:Leclercq from:11/01/2006 till:14/08/2019 color:bvocals width:3
bar:Vigil from:25/02/2022 till:end color:bass
bar:Vigil from:25/02/2022 till:end color:bvocals width:3
bar:Williams from:01/09/1999 till:01/12/2000 color:keyboard
bar:Pruzhanov from:01/02/2001 till:01/05/2018 color:keyboard
bar:Pruzhanov from:01/02/2001 till:01/05/2018 color:bvocals width:3
bar:Setinc from:01/09/1999 till:01/12/1999 color:drums
bar:Almouzni from:01/12/1999 till:10/06/2003 color:drums
bar:Mackintosh from:01/09/2003 till:03/06/2014 color:drums
bar:Mackintosh from:01/09/2003 till:03/06/2014 color:bvocals width:3
bar:Anzalone from:03/06/2014 till:end color:drums
bar:Anzalone from:03/06/2014 till:end color:bvocals width:3
}}


== Discography == == Discography ==
{{main|DragonForce discography}} {{main|DragonForce discography}}
* '']'' (2003)
{{Listen|filename=DragonForce Soldiers of the Wasteland.ogg|title=Soldiers of the Wasteland (sample)|description=A brief sample of the sixth track from the '']'' album.}}
* '']'' (2004)
;Studio albums
* 2003: '']'' * '']'' (2005)
* 2004: '']'' * '']'' (2008)
* '']'' (2012)
* 2006: '']''
* 2008: '']'' * '']'' (2014)
* '']'' (2017)
* '']'' (2019)
* '']'' (2024)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{cc}}
{{Wikiquote}}
*{{Official website|http://www.dragonforce.com}}
*{{allmusic}}


{{DragonForce}}
== References ==
{{reflist}}


{{Authority control}}
== External links ==
{{commons|DragonForce}}
*
{{DragonForce|100%}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Dragonforce}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Dragonforce}}
] ]
]
]
]
]
] ]
] ]
] ]
]
]
] ]
]
] ]
]

]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]

Latest revision as of 18:57, 31 December 2024

British power metal band For other uses, see DragonForce (disambiguation).

DragonForce
DragonForce performing in 2024. From left to right: Billy Wilkins, Sam Totman, Marc Hudson, Gee Anzalone, Herman Li and Alicia Vigil.
Background information
Also known asDragonHeart (1999–2002)
OriginLondon, England
Genres
Years active1999–present
Labels
Members
Past members
Websitedragonforce.com

DragonForce are a British power metal band from London. The band was formed in 1999 by guitarists Herman Li and Sam Totman, and are known for their long and fast guitar solos, fantasy-themed lyrics and retro video game-influenced sound. The band themselves refer to their music as "extreme power metal".

DragonForce's current lineup comprises Li, Totman, vocalist Marc Hudson, drummer Gee Anzalone and bassist Alicia Vigil. The band have been through several lineup changes throughout their career; longtime members in vocalist ZP Theart, keyboardist Vadim Pruzhanov, drummer Dave Mackintosh and bassist Frédéric Leclercq are among the former members of the band.

DragonForce has released eight studio albums, two live albums, one compilation album, one live DVD and one demo. Their third album, Inhuman Rampage (2005), was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and the British Phonographic Industry (BPI); its lead single, "Through the Fire and Flames", is their best-known song, and was featured in several video games, including Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock. The lead single from their fourth album, "Heroes of Our Time", was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2009. DragonForce has been referred to as one of the "big four" bands of power metal, along with Helloween, Blind Guardian, and Sabaton.

History

Early years, Valley of the Damned and Sonic Firestorm (1999–2004)

DragonForce guitarists and founding members Herman Li (left) and Sam Totman (right)

DragonForce was founded in 1999 by guitarists Herman Li and Sam Totman, under the name of DragonHeart. Totman and Li had both experienced being in a band previously, with both having come from the New Zealand heavy metal band Demoniac. The two later found vocalist ZP Theart through an advertisement, and soon acquired former Demoniac drummer Matej Setinc, bassist Steve Scott and keyboardist Steve Williams. Setinc left the band in December 1999 to continue his studies in Slovenia, so the band hired Peter Hunt to record the drums for their demo album before finding Didier Almouzni. The band also parted ways with Scott, who left to join Shadowkeep, in 2000. Williams took a small break and then later rejoined the band as they recorded their first demo with Clive Nolan as a session member on the keyboards later that year, but left once again in December 2000, days ahead of the band's tour with Halford and Stratovarius to promote the demo, and formed his own band, Power Quest. Bassist Diccon Harper joined the band in November of that year, with keyboardist Vadim Pruzhanov joining in February 2001 to complete the lineup for recording their debut studio album.

Although it was an independent release, their demo was enough to make them one of the UK's most popular independent power metal bands at the time. Their song "Valley of the Damned" was released as their debut single shortly after they changed their name permanently to DragonForce in 2002 (after finding out another power metal band already had the name DragonHeart). A promotional video featuring live footage from their tour around Europe was released along with the song. The song was also hugely successful on MP3.com, which charted as the most downloaded song at No. 1 for 2 weeks. In 2002, the band signed to Noise Records and began recording their debut album, Valley of the Damned. Harper performed the bass tracks for the album but left the band in 2002 because of a tendon problem that required surgery. The title track, re-released in promotion of the album, is one of the best-known DragonForce songs to date and is a staple of their live performances to this day. The band's tour for Valley of the Damned lasted until 2004, with the tour ending in Tokyo, Japan.

DragonForce's second studio album, Sonic Firestorm, proved to be even more successful than their previous album, with the help of the album's lead single, "Fury of the Storm". Sonic Firestorm was the first DragonForce album to feature new bassist Adrian Lambert and drummer Dave Mackintosh. When Mackintosh entered the band in 2004, they began referring to their style of music as "extreme power metal" due to his fast blast beats and double bass rhythms. The tour was longer than the band's previous tour for Valley of the Damned and featured many more headlining shows. The band toured with many well-known metal bands such as W.A.S.P. and Iron Maiden. On the album, they also added a video commentary focusing on the making of Sonic Firestorm.

Inhuman Rampage and Ultra Beatdown (2005–2009)

Herman Li, Frédéric Leclercq and Sam Totman performing in Melbourne in 2009

The band went mainstream with their third album, Inhuman Rampage, which was released on 28 December 2005 after signing with Roadrunner Records. The first song on the album, "Through the Fire and Flames", is perhaps their most famous song to date and is featured on the video games Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, Guitar Hero: Smash Hits and Brütal Legend, and as downloadable content for the Rock Band franchise. Former Demoniac frontman Lindsay Dawson appeared as a backing vocalist for the album. In November 2005, before the album's release, Lambert left the band to raise his newborn son, and the band enlisted Frédéric Leclercq for the remainder of the Sonic Firestorm tour. Leclercq later became an official member of the band in January 2006 following the release of Inhuman Rampage, and was also featured in the band's music video for their second single from the album, Operation Ground and Pound. The "Through the Fire and Flames" single later reached gold status in the USA and Canada.

DragonForce toured with Disturbed and Slipknot during the inaugural Mayhem Festival in 2008; the band then returned in autumn with the release of their fourth studio album, Ultra Beatdown. The album's lead single, "Heroes of Our Time", was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance on 3 December 2008, eventually losing out to Metallica with their song "My Apocalypse". A short version of "Heroes Of Our Time" is also featured in the video game Skate 2, and the full version in NHL 10. On 22 January 2009, the music video for their song "The Last Journey Home" was released to the Xbox Live Community a week before it was released online.

The band carried out the Ultra Beatdown world tour in Europe, North America and South America. They were supposed to play in South America in May, but the tour was postponed due to the swine flu outbreak. They performed at the Two Days a Week Festival in Wiesen, Austria on 4 September, before performing in the United States and Canada from 15 September to 11 October, with special guests Sonata Arctica and Taking Dawn. The next leg of the tour was in Germany, from 16 to 30 October, followed by a single live performance in Luxembourg on 31 October. They then travelled to South America to perform in Curitiba, Porto Alegre, São Paulo, Mexico City, Santiago, Buenos Aires and Bogotá from 6–14 November. The final part of the tour was carried out entirely in the UK from 19 November to 12 December.

Departure of Theart and Twilight Dementia (2010–2011)

Li stated in late 2009 that DragonForce would stop touring in December and spend Christmas at home before beginning to write and record their next studio album in January. On 22 February 2010, the band re-released their first two albums, Valley of the Damned and Sonic Firestorm. Valley of the Damned included newly remixed and remastered tracks, while both albums included bonus tracks, updated packaging and DVDs featuring live footage, commentary and more. Both albums were also released in a box set which featured a T-shirt, a card of guitar picks, and an inflatable guitar.

On 8 March 2010, it was announced via the band's record label at the time, Roadrunner, that Theart had parted ways with DragonForce due to "insurmountable differences of musical opinion" and that the band would be seeking a new frontman. The next day, the band released a press statement confirming the news and containing a link to request an audition.

The band released their first live album, Twilight Dementia, on 13 September 2010, in Europe and 14 September 2010 in US and Canada. The album art, title, and release date were revealed on the band's official website on 22 June 2010. The performances were recorded on the final leg of the Ultra Beatdown world tour. Regarding the album, Li stated:

For years, fans have been asking us to record a live album, but honestly, we never really had the time due to our worldwide touring commitments and studio album recording. However, due to the overwhelmingly positive feedback from fans on the Ultra Beatdown world tour, we decided to finally put some real thought into it... These recordings really capture the raw sonic energy of a DragonForce show in fine detail. It is so real that you can hear the noise of the crowd and experience the show as it was that night – you can even hear the guitar pedals being stepped on!

The band began working on their new studio album in early 2010, recording in various studios in California, London and the South of France. The band later confirmed that they would be the opening act for Iron Maiden in two UK shows in August 2011, with the first at Odyssey Arena in Belfast on 3 August and the second at The O2 Arena in London on 5 August. On 2 March 2011, DragonForce announced their new vocalist, Marc Hudson. Hudson had previous experience performing in a band but was not a professional musician before joining DragonForce. His first show with DragonForce was the band's opening for Iron Maiden in August 2011, where they debuted a new song titled "Cry Thunder".

The Power Within and Maximum Overload (2012–2015)

DragonForce released their fifth studio album, The Power Within, on 15 April 2012. Mediæval Bæbes and Pythia vocalist Emily Ovenden contributed backing vocals on the album. During their North American tour, the band performed a new song titled "Fallen World", along with "Cry Thunder". Starting from late September 2012, the band embarked on a UK and Ireland tour, and were supported by The Defiled, Cavorts and Alestorm. DragonForce also played at Soundwave Festival in Australia in February 2013.

On 12 April 2013, the band announced that writing for a follow-up to The Power Within had been completed, and on 19 May 2013, DragonForce entered Fascination Street Studios in Sweden with Jens Bogren as the producer of the band's sixth album, Maximum Overload. On 31 March 2014, it was revealed that Trivium vocalist/guitarist Matt Heafy would appear as a backing vocalist for the album, and that Ovenden would return after providing backing vocals for The Power Within. On 3 June 2014, DragonForce announced that they had parted ways with Mackintosh and had enlisted former Braindamage and Kill Ritual drummer Gee Anzalone. Maximum Overload was released in the UK on 18 August, in North America on 19 August and in Australia on 22 August. A special edition which included five bonus songs was released in Japan on 19 August (the same date as the normal edition's release in North America) and in Australia on 22 August, at the same time as the release of the normal edition. To promote the album, the band embarked on their second world tour, beginning in Edinburgh on 17 September and ending in Brussels, Belgium, on 1 February 2015.

On 12 February, DragonForce announced that they would release their first live DVD, a recording of their performance at Loud Park Festival 2014 titled In the Line of Fire... Larger than Live. The band performed at Download Festival in June 2015, with a surprise guest appearance by Babymetal during the set., DragonForce would then act as Babymetal's backing band at the 2015 Metal Hammer Golden Gods (Li and Totman had previously collaborated on the track "Road of Resistance" for Babymetal).

Reaching into Infinity (2016–2017)

DragonForce live at Wacken Open Air in 2016

In April 2016, the band released the compilation Killer Elite: the Hits, the Highs, the Vids, featuring a double CD of the band's greatest hits, with a DVD that contained the videos released by the band. The band also embarked on the "Killer Elite World Tour" to support the release. In July 2016 DragonForce issued a statement on the health status of Marc Hudson revealing he had been signed off by doctors and was unable to perform at the Metal Days Festival in Slovenia and the Benatska! Festival in the Czech Republic and replaced by Per Fredrik Åsly for the two shows. This was than further followed up by former Power Quest vocalist Alessio Garavello filling in for the Leyendas del Rock Festival concert in Spain, and the More//Than concert in Slovakia. DragonForce concluded their "Killer Elite World Tour" at a free show in Uncasville, Connecticut on 11 September. On 11 November, DragonForce was confirmed for the 2017 edition of Pulp Summer Slam in the Philippines.

During an interview with Alto Music at the 2017 NAMM Show, Li revealed that the band were putting the "finishing touches" on their upcoming seventh album. In February 2017, the band revealed pieces of the album cover on their Instagram account, and the album title was revealed to be Reaching into Infinity. On 9 February, the band released details of the new album on their official website, including the release date, format and a release party show date. Leclercq also gave insight into the recording process of the album. "We were flying out, playing a festival, then back into the studio, then back out again," said Leclercq, who handled the majority of songwriting on the album. "It was very intense and very tiring... lost my temper a few times – I think we all did at some point, because we wanted to deliver nothing but the best. I think we have proven that playing fast was something we were good at, so this time I wanted to bring even more diversity into our music. It's great to challenge ourselves instead of staying in a comfort zone". Reaching into Infinity was released on 19 May 2017.

A music video for "Ashes of the Dawn" was released on 15 May 2017. Keyboardist Vadim Pruzhanov was not featured in the clip nor in any of the shows happening by the time of the album's recording. In a video published on his official YouTube channel, he explained he wanted to have more time for his daughter and that he had to choose between performing in all or none of the shows due to contractual limitations. He chose the second option and was absent from the album's promotional tour as well. Power Quest supported DragonForce as special guests on the UK leg for the Reaching Into Infinity World Tour while supporting their own new album, Sixth Dimension. On 13 July, the band announced that Swedish act Twilight Force would support the band during the European leg of the Reaching Into Infinity World Tour A music video for "Midnight Madness" was released on 21 September 2017, which documented the making of that song at Fascination Street Studios. On 15 October, they were announced to appear as a headlining band at Vagos Open Air in 2018, however on 20 January 2018, they issued a statement saying that they will not be attending due to "circumstances beyond their control". On 20 December, the band were announced to appear at Skogsröjet Festival in Rejmyre, Sweden in August 2018.

Lineup changes and Extreme Power Metal (2018–2019)

In January 2018, the band were announced to appear at Area 53 Festival in Leoben, Austria in July, and at Download Festival's main stage for the first time since 2009 in June. In April 2018, the band announced a remastered version of The Power Within called Re-Powered Within. Li stated: "I love how Re-Powered Within has turned out. We remixed and remastered the original music with a more modern production in the vein of our last two releases. The result is a clearer, more powerful sound. The fans will get to hear the music in better detail, bringing out parts they couldn't hear so well before, and injecting new excitement into the songs we love even more now." Re-Powered Within was released on 4 May 2018. In October, DragonForce announced that they had entered the studio with Damien Rainaud, who had previously mixed and mastered for the band, to work on their eighth studio album, and that the band would be joining Megadeth on their MEGACruise in October 2019.

On 10 June 2019, after more than two years of not being involved with DragonForce, Pruzhanov posted on his Facebook page stating that he had officially left the band in May 2018. In July 2019, the band's eighth studio album, Extreme Power Metal, was announced and given a release date of 27 September 2019, and a music video for "Highway to Oblivion" was released. Epica keyboardist Coen Janssen recorded keyboards for the new album. In August 2019, Frédéric Leclercq announced that he would be leaving the band to pursue other projects; the band later confirmed Leclercq's departure, and that YouTube personality and musician Steve Terreberry would fill in on bass for the band's US tour dates. Terreberry eventually pulled out of the tour before playing a show due to his anxiety, and he released a video on his YouTube channel explaining his decision. Once Human bassist Damien Rainaud, who also produced Extreme Power Metal, took over bass duties as a result.

New live members and Warp Speed Warriors (2020–present)

DragonForce performing at Wacken Open Air in 2024.

In January 2020, Alicia Vigil took over as the band's new touring bassist, beginning with their European tour. In March, Anzalone was admitted to hospital with myocarditis and was forced to skip DragonForce's United States tour, with Aquiles Priester replacing him for the tour until it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In April, Li said that the band had decided to use the lockdown time to write new music for "a new album which isn't going to be out for ages", while also saying that they were considering recruiting Vigil as their next permanent bassist. Vigil was later confirmed to be the new full-time bassist in one of Li's Twitch streams in February 2022.

While in quarantine, DragonForce have written and recorded parody songs in the style of bands like Rammstein, Amon Amarth, Blink-182, and Nightwish, along with a collaboration with Jaret Reddick from Bowling For Soup. In February 2021, the band announced that they would professionally record those songs and release them in an album later this year before writing their next proper album. However, it is currently unknown if the band is still moving forward with their "parody album" plan.

In March 2022, Li revealed that the band had written "a lot of music" for their next album, but were currently in search of a new record deal. He added that the music they had written was "gonna be epic, triumphant, fun and catchy and uplifting. We're gonna carry on sounding like DRAGONFORCE."

The band went on to re-tour their album Extreme Power Metal in North America in early 2022 with Firewind, Visions of Atlantis, and Seven Spires. In late 2022, they were able to continue their Extreme Power Metal tour in Europe with Powerwolf and Warkings.

DragonForce signed a deal with Napalm Records to release their upcoming album. On 14 September 2023, the band released a new single titled "Doomsday Party".

On 18 October 2023, the band released the album's second single "Power of the Triforce" along with an accompanying music video. That same day, the band announced that their ninth studio album Warp Speed Warriors would be released on 15 March 2024.

On 15 February 2024, the band released a cover of Taylor Swift's "Wildest Dreams (Taylor's Version)" through their official YouTube channel, which was included in their album as a bonus track.

On 30 May 2024, the band collaborated with the mobile video game Brawl Stars, releasing a new single titled "A Draco Tale" to promote its newest playable character, Draco.

Musical style

Soldiers of the Wasteland (sample) A brief sample of the sixth track from the Sonic Firestorm album.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

Much of DragonForce's idiosyncratic style comes from the high-speed dual guitar sounds of Herman Li and Sam Totman. By playing at a high tempo within the upper registers of their instruments, their sound becomes similar to the "bleepy" arpeggios and quick pitch-bends normally associated with chiptune, usually heard in the third generation of video game music. The band often pays homage to this influence in their music videos.

Although the band has frequently referred to their style as power metal, Li commented on descriptions of the band's style in an interview with Guitar World: "'Nintendo metal', 'extreme power metal', 'Bon Jovi on speed', 'Journey meets Slayer', ... people are always coming up with weird labels for us." The band has also been labelled as a speed metal or progressive metal band.

Band members

Current members

  • Herman Li – guitar, backing vocals (1999–present)
  • Sam Totman – guitar, backing vocals (1999–present)
  • Marc Hudson – lead vocals (2011–present)
  • Gee Anzalone – drums, percussion, backing vocals (2014–present)
  • Alicia Vigil – bass, backing vocals (2022–present; touring musician 2020–2022)

Current touring musicians

  • Billy Wilkins - guitar, backing vocals (2023–present)

Former touring musicians

Former members

  • ZP Theart – lead vocals (1999–2010)
  • Steve Scott – bass, backing vocals (1999–2000)
  • Diccon Harper – bass (2000–2002)
  • Adrian Lambert – bass, backing vocals (2002–2005)
  • Frédéric Leclercq – bass, guitar, backing vocals (2006–2019; touring musician 2005–2006)
  • Steve Williams – keyboards, keytar (1999–2000)
  • Vadim Pruzhanov – keyboards, keytar, theremin, backing vocals (2001–2018)
  • Matej Setinc – drums, percussion (1999)
  • Didier Almouzni – drums, percussion (1999–2003)
  • Dave Mackintosh – drums, percussion, backing vocals (2003–2014)

Timeline

Discography

Main article: DragonForce discography

References

  1. ^ "DragonForce". Allmusic. Retrieved 4 September 2022.
  2. Blum, Jordan (19 November 2021). "The 'Big 4' Bands of 17 Metal Subgenres". Loudwire. Retrieved 17 December 2021.
  3. "Interview Dragonforce". Metal-experience.com.
  4. "DragonForce: Live Playing 'Through the Roof' Since Having In-Ear Monitors". Archived from the original on 2 October 2012.
  5. "Inhuman Rampage". DragonForce. 20 February 2019. Retrieved 4 January 2022.
  6. "The 51st Annual Grammy Awards Winner List". GRAMMY.com. The Recording Academy. Archived from the original on 2 January 2010. Retrieved 24 January 2010.
  7. Orry, James (23 October 2008). "Skate 2 and Skate It soundtracks revealed". VideoGamer.com. Pro-G Media Ltd. Archived from the original on 5 February 2013. Retrieved 24 January 2010.
  8. "The Official NHL 10 Soundtrack – EA Trax". EA.com. Electronic Arts Inc. Archived from the original on 24 March 2010. Retrieved 24 January 2010.
  9. "DragonForce Video World Premier on Xbox Live". DragonForce.com. Archived from the original on 9 January 2010. Retrieved 24 January 2010.
  10. "Mexico, South America Tour Dates Added". DragonForce.com. Archived from the original on 30 April 2009. Retrieved 24 January 2010.
  11. ^ "DragonForce Tour Schedule". DragonForce.com. Archived from the original on 20 May 2009. Retrieved 10 August 2009.
  12. "DragonForce: Live Playing 'Through The Roof' Since Having In-Ear Monitors". Ultimate-guitar.com. Archived from the original on 2 October 2012. Retrieved 15 July 2011.
  13. "Updated: Dragonforce part ways with singer". Espyrock.com. Retrieved 15 July 2011.
  14. "BLABBERMOUTH.NET – DRAGONFORCE Confirms Singer's Departure". Roadrunnerrecords.com. Archived from the original on 8 February 2012. Retrieved 15 July 2011.
  15. ^ "DragonForce Confirm first live album 'Twilight Dementia' for September 13th 2010 release". DragonForce.com. 22 June 2010. Archived from the original on 27 February 2012. Retrieved 22 June 2010.
  16. "DragonForce Reveal New Singer". DragonForce.com. 2 March 2011. Retrieved 2 March 2011.
  17. Hynes, Ollie (2 March 2011). "Dragonforce Announces New Singer, Marc Hudson, After Year-Long Search". MetalUnderground.com.
  18. "Interview with Herman Li". Metaltraveller.com. April 2012. Retrieved 29 May 2012.
  19. "DRAGONFORCE REVEAL DETAILS OF NEW ALBUM". Dragonforce.com. 2 February 2012. Retrieved 19 March 2012.
  20. "DragonForce Performs Two New Songs In New York City (Video)". Blabbermouth.net. 23 October 2011. Archived from the original on 1 February 2013. Retrieved 23 October 2011.
  21. "Announce Uk & Ireland Leg Of Mammoth World Tour". DragonForce.com. 25 September 2012. Retrieved 5 February 2013.
  22. "DragonForce in the studio". Fascination Street Studios. Archived from the original on 26 August 2013. Retrieved 30 May 2013.
  23. "DragonForce Parts Ways With Drummer DAVE MACKINTOSH, Announces Replacement". Blabbermouth.net. 3 June 2014. Retrieved 3 June 2014.
  24. "DEBUT DVD/BLU-RAY 'IN THE LINE OF FIRE' IN JULY". Dragonforce.com. 12 February 2015.
  25. Goodman, Eleanor (13 June 2015). "GALLERY: Babymetal collide with Dragonforce at Download | Louder". Louder Sound. Archived from the original on 19 January 2019. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
  26. "BABYMETAL ARE PLAYING THE METAL HAMMER GOLDEN GODS". Metalhammer.Teamrock.com. 22 June 2015. Retrieved 8 May 2015.
  27. "Babymetal's New Song 'Road Of Resistance' Featuring DragonForce Members: Audio Preview". Blabbermouth.net. 22 June 2015. Retrieved 5 January 2015.
  28. "Dragonforce - Killer Elite (The Hits - The Highs - The Vids)". Discogs. Retrieved 16 December 2016.
  29. "DragonForce Announce 'Killer Elite' Greatest Hits Set". Loudwire. June 2016. Retrieved 16 December 2016.
  30. "Dragonforce to release Killer Elite 'Best Of' compilation in July". Metal Hammer. 1 June 2016. Retrieved 16 December 2016.
  31. "DRAGONFORCE FESTIVAL STATEMENT". Dragonforce.com. 29 July 2016.
  32. "SHOW AT 'MOHEGAN SUN' CONNECTICUT ADDED, SECOND NEW YORK CITY SHOW SOLD OUT". DragonForce.com. 13 August 2016. Retrieved 16 December 2016.
  33. "DRAGONFORCE CONFIRMED FOR PULP SUMMER SLAM 2017 IN THE PHILIPPINES". DragonForce.com. 7 November 2016. Retrieved 16 January 2017.
  34. "DRAGONFORCE Is Putting Finishing Touches On New Album". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. 26 January 2017.
  35. "We're back!". DragonForce's official Facebook page. Facebook. 6 February 2017. Archived from the original on 26 February 2022. Retrieved 6 February 2017.
  36. "DragonForce Reveal Details of New Album". Dragonforce.come. 9 February 2017. Retrieved 10 February 2017.
  37. Pruzhanov, Vadim (3 May 2017). "Regarding my recent absence on tour with Dragonforce". Vadim Pruzhanov's official channel. YouTube. Archived from the original on 28 April 2020. Retrieved 25 May 2017.
  38. "NEW ALBUM AND DRAGONFORCE TOUR". Archived from the original on 26 September 2017. Retrieved 27 September 2019.
  39. "EUROPE TOUR SPECIAL GUEST CONFIRMED: TWILIGHT FORCE". Dragonforce.com. 13 July 2017.
  40. "New Music Video – Midnight Madness". Dragonforce.com. 21 September 2017. Retrieved 7 October 2017.
  41. "DragonForce regarding Vagos Open Air Festival". Twitter. 20 January 2018. Retrieved 20 January 2018.
  42. "SWEDEN, REJMYRE – SKOGSROJET FESTIVAL 2018". Dragonforce.com. 20 December 2017.
  43. "Area 53 Festival in Austria Confirmed". Dragonforce.com. 21 January 2018. Retrieved 22 January 2018.
  44. "Download Main Stage Confirmed". Dragonforce.com. 24 January 2018. Retrieved 25 January 2018.
  45. "DRAGONFORCE TO RELEASE "RE-POWERED WITHIN" ON MAY 4TH ON earMUSIC. FULLY RE-MIXED, RE-MASTERED AND RE-POWERED". Dragonforce.com. 5 April 2018.
  46. "NEW ALBUM RECORDING; LIVESTREAMS RECORDING SESSIONS; MEGACRUISE". DragonForce.com. 28 October 2018. Retrieved 28 October 2018.
  47. Pruzhanov, Vadim (10 June 2019). "Many keep sending me messages asking where there i am still in Dragonforce..." Facebook. Archived from the original on 26 February 2022. Retrieved 10 June 2019.
  48. ^ "DRAGONFORCE Reveals Details Of New Album 'Extreme Power Metal', Launches Video For 'Highway To Oblivion'". Blabbermouth.net. 30 July 2019. Retrieved 30 July 2019.
  49. "DRAGONFORCE: Frédéric Leclercq lascia la band". metalpit.it (in Italian). 14 August 2019. Retrieved 14 August 2019.
  50. "DRAGONFORCE Parts Ways With Longtime Bassist FRÉDÉRIC LECLERCQ; YouTube Personality STEVIE T To Step In". Blabbermouth.net. 14 August 2019. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
  51. Kennelty, Greg (14 August 2019). "DRAGONFORCE Parts Ways With Bassist Frédéric Leclercq, YouTuber Stevie T To Fill In Live". Metal Injection. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
  52. "Why I Turned Down DragonForce". YouTube. 5 October 2019. Retrieved 5 October 2019.
  53. "Watch DRAGONFORCE Perform At 'TwitchCon 2019' Opening Ceremony". Blabbermouth.net. 29 September 2019. Retrieved 14 December 2019.
  54. ^ "DRAGONFORCE's GEE ANZALONE To Miss U.S. Tour; AQUILES PRIESTER To Step In". Blabbermouth.net. 2 March 2020. Retrieved 3 March 2020.
  55. ^ "DragonForce is using coronavirus downtime to work on new music". Blabbermouth.net. 12 April 2020. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
  56. "Alicia is now a part of Dragonforce". Twitch.tv. 25 February 2022. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
  57. "Dragonforce's Parody Album". Sputnikmusic. 23 February 2021. Retrieved 1 March 2021.
  58. "DRAGONFORCE Has 'A Lot Of Music Written' For Next Album". Blabbermouth.net. 22 March 2022. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
  59. "HERMAN LI Says Next DRAGONFORCE Album Will Be 'Epic, Triumphant, Fun, Catchy And Uplifting'". Blabbermouth.net. 4 April 2022. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
  60. "HERMAN LI Explains How DRAGONFORCE Ended Up Partnering With NAPALM RECORDS For Next Studio Album". Blabbermouth.net. 10 September 2023. Retrieved 10 September 2023.
  61. "DRAGONFORCE Releases New Single 'Doomsday Party'". Blabbermouth.net. 14 September 2023. Retrieved 14 September 2023.
  62. "DragonForce Announces Warp Speed Warriors Album, Shares 'Power Of The Triforce' Music Video". Blabbermouth.net. 18 October 2023. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  63. "DragonForce Releases Music Video For Cover Of Taylor Swift's 'Wildest Dreams'". Blabbermouth.net. 15 February 2024. Retrieved 21 March 2024.
  64. Team, Editorial (30 May 2024). "DRAGONFORCE Releases Music Video For New Song 'A Draco Tale' Honoring 'Brawl Stars' Game Character DRACO". Sonic Perspectives. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  65. Guitar World, Holiday 2006, p. 72, "Hotter Than Hell"
  66. Paul Saitowitz (6 July 2006). "Bolton to Hit Desert". PE.com. Archived from the original on 11 February 2009.
  67. "Entertainment – Juan Gabriel to play the Pond". Ocregister.com. Archived from the original on 12 February 2009.
  68. "Friday 07/07/06 Ozzfest 2006, Main Stage @ The Cricket Pavilion, Phoenix Arizona". Gigwise. 14 July 2006. Archived from the original on 18 July 2006. Retrieved 15 July 2011.

External links

DragonForce
Studio albums
Compilation albums
Live albums
Singles
Cover songs
Related
Categories: