Metal Reviews

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In case it need be said:
Absolutely nothing in the review is meant as a dig at metal fans who like DragonForce. There's undeniably a conflict between DF fans who don't know metal and metal fans who resent DF, but I don't mean to imply that everyone can be broken down into those two groups, or that anyone who likes DF "doesn't get metal" or whatever. I hope that's clear.

Dragonforce are purveyors of some of the most shallow pop metal dribble ever.

I wouldn't go that far, but this is the most balanced and closest-to-my-way-of-thinking Dragonforce review on the site. Kudos to Jake.

I thought live records don't get scores or are things changing?

Oh, that could be my bad as the new guy--I know EPs don't get scored, but I didn't realize live albums don't either. Zad, should I take the score off?

Yeah, probably best. Sorry, should have mentioned that to you before the update but it slipped my busy mind.

No problem, fixed.

HE GAVE IT A 50 FOR THOSE WHO ARE CURIOUS



Anyway, I've said it so many times beofre: DragonForce are fully aware of themselves. They're not trying to be the second coming of metal or anything like that. They just make good, fun, catchy, and (of course) fast songs and I enjoy them. The live version of Valley Of The Damned is really good on this.

Amen. Sonic Firestorm always rocks my tubeless socks off, especially Soldiers Of The Wasteland which is deliriously good.

But speaking from a recorded viewpoint, I can definitely imagine their studio material being more enjoyable. Seeing 'em live has been superfun but just with a recording, which as mentioned, can get shoddy here and there...

Dragonforce has about a mixtapes worth of material I like. But that is one damned good mixtape.

As I mentioned in the review, I agree that DF is enjoyable, in a "Well, this record isn't going to matter or be one of the greats, but it's catchy" sort of way. The issues I addressed in the review are as much a function of the culture surrounding the band as the quality of the band itself, though I personally think they're okay musicians at best, for the reasons I discussed. The problem--by which I mean the resentment--stems from people making a bigger deal out of the band and their skills than they deserve, which isn't necessarily their fault.

...says the guy who spent just over a thousand words on them today.

Dragonforce shouldn't be taken seriously as a metal band or any kind of band. It's cheesy good ol fun to listen to metal much like Hammerfall,Rhapsody Of Fire and Manowar.

You want in depth metal go listen to Kamelot or Dream Theater.

Good review, interesting read. I still enjoy a DragonForce song or two.

I agree with the above statement. Having said that I love all the bands you mentioned above. All bands putting out quality forms of metal or art in there respective genres. I also agree with holy terror at times with many of the cult acts. Most of these bands wether you like them or not are very good at what they do and stay true to themselves

I thought that was the role of a power metal band. At least for the most part. lol.