DRAGONFORCE - stub review added 14th January 2009
Album Review: Ultra Beatdown (2008)
For fans of: power metal... and intricate prog interludes
Yep, this sounds just like the Dragonforce albums that came before it and it'll probably sound like the Dragonforce albums that come after it. Consistency is the key here and, whilst Ultra Beatdown offers nothing new, it's still perfectly likeable.
The first Dragonforce album to feature Frédéric Leclercq on bass, Ultra Beatdown has plenty of phalanx-gun drumming and guitar shredding. Parts of it are so fast they vibrate your chin(s). On other occasions the tracks slow right down and have a wonderful groove. The start of 'Heartbreak Armageddon' has a brilliantly emotional keyboard and guitar tussle before breaking into standard speed metal fare.
Forever associated with 'that hard song' on Guitar Hero, Dragonforce have dug a unique trench and are now stuck in it. Fortunately it's a very nice trench where you can take astonishing technical prowess and pleasant sounding songs for granted. Nothing stands out above the rest but, sometimes, a steady familiar album is just what you need. Very good.
Check out... The middle of 'Reasons To Live'. Nice.
Track List:
1. Heroes of Our Time
2. The Fire Still Burns
3. Reasons to Live
4. Heartbreak Armageddon
5. The Last Journey Home
6. A Flame For Freedom
7. Inside The Winter Storm
8. The Warrior Inside
9. Strike Of The Ninja
10. Scars Of Yesterday
Label: Roadrunner Records
Artist's websites: Dragonforce , MySpace
