Album Review (Maximum Overload - DragonForce)

Maximum Overload - DragonForce

 Maximum Overload is the Sixth studio album from British power metal outfit DragonForce. DragonForce formed in 1999 and have since released six studio albums and a live album. DragonForce produce a unique flavour of power metal that relies on electronic sounds and breakneck speeds. Maximum Overload was released through earMUSIC in Europe and Metal Blade in the US.

Notable Tracks

 The Game - The Game is the opening track for Maximum Overload and it opens the record in style. The Game is the fastest track performed by the band at a staggering 240 bpm. Alongside this feat, the track also features additional vocals from Trivium's vocalist Matt Heafy (who also provided vocals for last weeks album review). The Game was the first single to be released from the album and has been met with flawless reviews from both critics and fans alike.

 Symphony of the Night - Symphony of the Night sees DragonForce pay homage to their influences in the video game realm. Symphony of the Night could be compared to the Castlevania series of game through the songs lyrics and guitar sounds. Symphony of the Night progresses well to keep the listener's head nodding and full of euphoria. Symphony of the Night features the longest guitar solos on the album and is impossible not to imitate on your air guitar     

 The Sun is Dead - The Sun is Dead is featured further down the tracklist but is still an experience to listen to. The Sun is Dead is more classic DragonForce with the main focus being on the instruments and not the vocals. Marc Hudson's vocals are emphasized with backing vocals from a choir; giving the song an epic vibe to it. The Sun is Dead is the longest track from the album standing at 6:35.

 Defenders - Defenders follows The Sun is Dead on the tracklist and keeps it's vibe going. Defenders was the second single to be released from the album and also features additional vocals from Matt Heafy. Defenders has an unusually catchy chorus but the song comes into its own at the 3 minute mark where the instruments and stripped back to the bare bones: this is swiftly balance out with a technically superb guitar flair.

 Ring of Fire - Ring of Fire is the third single to be released from the album and is a cover of the classic from Johnny Cash. DragonForce re-imagine the song the only way they can; with high pitched dual guitars. DragonForce's take of the classic is a minute longer than the original to make room for a solo (that fits in surprisingly well)

 To sum it all up, Maximum Overload is an epic album in all senses of the word. Long solos and high pitched vocals the whole album an epic vibe and make the listener want to ride off into the sunset on a unicorn with a double head axe. With ten tracks with an average run-length of five minutes; the long solos are dedicated to certain tracks while others are aimed at newer audiences. Everything about this album is quick apart from your attention span listening to it. 

 To finish off, here is the video for the first single released from the album, The Game (video linked here for mobile users)