Album Reviews

Dragonforce “Warp Speed Warriors” Album Review by Jorge Pozo

Jorge Pozo

March 5, 2024

In their latest sonic escapade, “Warp Speed Warriors,” Dragonforce not only cements their status as power metal titans but audaciously ventures into realms that intertwine the fervor of metal with the vibrancy of other genres and the thematic richness of pop culture and gaming lore. This ninth studio masterpiece marks a bold continuation from their 2019’s “Extreme Power Metal,” showcasing a band that refuses to stagnate, instead propelling their sound into new territories with unabashed enthusiasm and intricate craftsmanship.

At the heart of Dragonforce‘s latest offering is an undeniable evolution in sound and thematic ambition. Marc Hudson, whose vocal prowess has been a point of contention for fans since his debut with the band in 2011, emerges here with a confidence and versatility that could silence even the most skeptical of critics. His performance across the album is a testament to a vocalist fully integrated into the band’s dynamic, delivering power and nuance with equal aplomb.

The album’s lead singles, “Doomsday Party” and “Power of the Triforce,” serve as perfect ambassadors for this new era of Dragonforce. The former is a surprising departure from their signature sound, incorporating pop rock elements and an infectiously danceable rhythm that showcases the band’s willingness to experiment and evolve. The latter, a heartfelt homage to “The Legend of Zelda,” exemplifies Dragonforce‘s knack for blending their passion for gaming with their musical prowess, creating anthems that resonate with fans on multiple levels.

“Kingdom of Steel” and “Burning Heart” offer moments of introspection amidst the album’s high-octane tracks, with the former standing out as a poignant power ballad that explores themes of vulnerability and resilience. Meanwhile, tracks like “Astro Warrior Anthem” and “Space Marine Corp” underscore the band’s ability to craft narratives within their music, weaving tales of sci-fi heroism and valor that complement their sonic ferocity.

The decision to cover Taylor Swift’s “Wildest Dreams” is perhaps the most audacious move on the album, a choice that pays off by transforming the pop hit into a power metal anthem that both surprises and delights. The inclusion of bonus tracks featuring collaborations with notable artists like Alissa White-Gluz, Matt Heafy, and Elize Ryd adds layers of richness and diversity to the album, showcasing Dragonforce‘s collaborative spirit and the respect they command within the metal community.

Production-wise, “Warp Speed Warriors” is a tour de force, with Sam Totman and Herman Li‘s production skills shining through in the album’s pristine sound quality and meticulous arrangements. The departure of Frédéric Leclercq and the introduction of Alicia Vigil on bass are handled seamlessly, with the band’s chemistry and musical prowess undiminished by the lineup change.

In essence, “Warp Speed Warriors” is a celebration of all things Dragonforce stands for: breakneck speed, technical virtuosity, and a fearless embrace of their interests and influences. It’s an album that challenges and rewards, inviting listeners on a journey through fantastical landscapes and emotional depths. With this release, Dragonforce not only reaffirms their place at the pinnacle of power metal but also declares their unwillingness to be confined by its boundaries.

Jorge’s Rating: 9/10

Dragonforce‘s “Warp Speed Warriors” is a bold, exhilarating adventure that spans the spectrum of power metal and beyond, offering both long-time fans and newcomers a rich, engaging listening experience that underscores the band’s enduring appeal and creative vitality.

Get your copy here: https://www.napalmrecordsamerica.com/dragonforce-warp-speed-warriors-black-vinyl-lp.html

Warp Speed Warriors Tracklist:
1   Astro Warrior Anthem
2  Power of the Triforce
3  Kingdom of Steel
4  Burning Heart
5  Space Marine Corp
6  Doomsday Party
7  Prelude to Darkness
8  The Killer Queen
9  Pixel Prison

Warp Speed Warriors will be available in the following formats:

2CD Deluxe Box incl. Bonus Jewel Case CD with 5 bonus tracks, wristband (embroided), poster flag (100x70cm), gaming coin keyring/pendant (with leathercord), packed in a gym bag (Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive) – strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide
1LP Gatefold TURQUOISE marbled Vinyl incl. slipmat, record butler (Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive) – strictly limited to 200 copies worldwide – SOLD OUT!
1LP Gatefold PURPLE Vinyl (Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive) – strictly limited to 400 copies worldwide
1LP Gatefold ORANGE Vinyl (Retail UK exclusive) – strictly limited to 300 copies
1LP Gatefold BLACK Vinyl
1CD Digisleeve incl. 1 Bonus Track
Digital Album incl. 3 Bonus Tracks

DRAGONFORCE is:
Herman Li – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Sam Totman – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Marc Hudson – Vocals
Alicia Vigil – Bass, Backing Vocals
Gee Anzalone – Drums, Backing Vocals

DRAGONFORCE Live:

Europe Tour 2024
Co-headline w/ Amaranthe, + Infected Rain
21.02.24 DE – Hamburg / Große Freiheit 36 – SOLD OUT!
22.02.24 DE – Berlin / Huxleys Neue Welt
23.02.24 DE – Leipzig / Haus Auensee
24.02.24 DE – Oberhausen / Turbinenhalle – Low Tickets!
25.02.24 NL – Tilburg / 013 Poppodium – SOLD OUT!
27.02.24 DK –Copenhagen / Amager Bio – SOLD OUT!
28.02.24 NO – Oslo / Sentrum Scene – SOLD OUT!
29.02.24 SE – Gothenburg / Trädgår’n – SOLD OUT!
03.03.24 LV – Riga / Melna Piektdiena
04.03.24 PL – Warsaw / Progresja
06.03.24 CZ – Brno / Sono Centrum – SOLD OUT!
07.03.24 AT – Vienna / Gasometer
08.03.24 HU – Budapest / Barba Negra Red Stage
09.03.24 DE – Munich / TonHalle – Low Tickets!
10.03.24 IT – Milan / Live Club – Low Tickets!
12.03.24 ES – Madrid / Sala La Riviera
13.03.24 ES – Barcelona / Sala Apolo I
15.03.24 DE – Wiesbaden / Schlachthof – Low Tickets!
16.03.24 CH – Zurich / Komplex 457
17.03.24 BE – Brussels / AB Box
19.03.24 DE – Stuttgart / LKA Longhorn – Low Tickets
20.03.24 FR – Paris / Bataclan – Low Tickets!
22.03.24 UK – Bristol / O2 Academy – SOLD OUT!
23.03.24 UK – Manchester / Manchester Academy – SOLD OUT!
24.03.24 UK – London / The Roundhouse – Low Tickets!

Mutilation On A Spring Night US Tour 2024
w/ Dethklok, Nekrogoblikon, Babymetal*
07.04.24 US – North Myrtle Beach, SC / House Of Blues
08.04.24 US – Charlotte, NC / The Fillmore Charlotte
09.04.24 US – Silver Spring, MD / The Fillmore Silver Spring
11.04.24 US – Columbus, OH, Kemba Live!
12.04.24 US – Cincinnati, OH / The Andrew J Brady Music Center
14.04.24 US – Indianapolis, IN / Egyptian Room At Old National Centre
15.04.24 US – Waukee, IA / Vibrant Music Hall
16.04.24 US – Kansas City, MO / Uptown Theater
17.04.24 US – Oklahoma City, OK / Criterion
19.04.24 US – Albuquerque, NM / Revel
20.04.24 US – Flagstaff, AZ / Pepsi Amphitheater At Fort Tuthill Park
21.04.24 US – Riverside, CA / Riverside Municipal Auditorium
22.04.24 US – San Diego, CA / The Observatory North Park
24.04.24 US – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic*
25.04.24 US – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic*
28.04.24 US – Spokane, WA / The Podium
30.04.24 US – Billings, MT / Metrapark Arena
01.05.24 US – Idaho Falls, ID / Mountain America Center
02.05.24 US – Garden City, ID – Revolution Concert House
03.05.24 US – Portland, OR / Roseland Theater