This is my first review, so be nice.
After playing this album over and over again, I still cannot manage to get tired of it. This was the first album I got by a power metal artist, and to be honest I had no idea what to expect when I got it, but I had heard good things about this band, so I made an impulse look into it. I had gotten the first track awhile earlier when someone told me to look into them, but it was not until I was uploading this album into iTunes that I made the connection that it was the same band. The fact that it was in fact the same band just made me anticipate listening to the whole album more, I had loved that single song and always planned on getting more by this band later on.
This CD is fantastic in virtually every aspect. Melodic harmonies are present in both the vocals and the guitars. Drumming is insane and powerful, but at the same time, very fitting and able to hold the beat without overpowering. The bass is not as prevalent as I like it to be, but that might be the greatest flaw I find with this album production wise. Piano/keyboards are also not very strong for the most part, but their presence is still noticeable and helps round out the sound.
I most liken their sound to Iron Maiden as far as harmonies go. Most bandmembers list Iron Maiden as a primary influence, and so it is easy to imagine where that sound comes from in their music. Self proclaimed genre is extreme power metal, so don't blame me if you disagree. This is their second studio album and though I have not heard the first, I have heard this far surpasses it.
I forgot to mention the solos it seems. Well, instead of listing all three in each song, I will just give them a paragraph here. They are frequent, and fast, and generally fantastic. The most important reason to listen to Dragonforce might very well be this aspect of the band. They all fit wonderfully into the songs and are well thought out, and although very technical, not overly wankish. There is probably at least 2 minutes of guitar solo in each and every song, and up to 3-4 minutes depending on the song. There are even parts where they solo in harmony, it is indescribable. Suffice to say, the guitar work is phenomenal. If you don't like guitar solos, this song is not for you. If you like them, you will almost assuredly love this album.
Now, on to a song by song:
1. My Spirit Will Go On - One of my favorite tracks on the album. Great opening to the album, arpeggios on lightly distorted guitars that break into more crunch and then breaks into the main body of the song, driven by a speedy double bass beat. Chorus has great vocal harmonies, followed by nice dual guitar harmonies. Short bridge that breaks into a fantastic guitar solo. After that it goes into several minutes of instrumental work basically riding between solos and bridges until it begins to climax into a final chorus.
2. Fury of the Storm - Another favorite track, about a minute shorter than the first track, but still a beast at nearly seven minutes. My favorite aspect of this song is most assuredly the vocal work, starting with the seventh chord they jump into the song with. I also love the part where they cut out all instruments and work solely with vocals for a few measures before building up to the outro.
3. Fields of Despair - Perhaps my least favorite track, a step down from the previous two tracks, by no means a bad song, but a little more bland than the previous two tracks. Still a great song though, interesting monk-like chanting ushers in the bridge.
4. Dawn Over a New World - Ballad. Begins with a very nice piano intro, and then adds some acoustic guitars and vocals, and finally drums and distorted guitars. Much slower track but is a nice respite and placed strategically near the midpoint of the album. Catchy chorus melody to boot.
5. Above the Winter Moonlight - Perhaps the most prevalent keyboard work is present in this song. Still a little slower than the beginning of the album, and less guitar driven. A much poppier sounding track in terms of production, focused more on vocals and keyboards than guitars and drums.
6. Soldiers of the Wasteland - Starts out slowly with a heavily synthsized guitar lead line. Quickly drives into the same speed this album began with and the heavy beats associated with it. I love the bridge in this song the most of any on the album.
7. Prepare for War - One of my favorite intros, very neat, slightly synthesized, vocal harmonies that climax into a crescendo, and then dying back down into another buildup, wonderful. Longest song on the album at 9 and a half minutes. Fun changes between quick and slow portions.
8. Once in a Lifetime - Very nice guitar work on the intro of this piece. Lots of up and down work, phenomenal to listen to. Great track, but for reasons I am not really able to put in writing. It is a ride to listen to, and a great end to most versions of this album.
9. Cry of the Brave - Bonus track only available on the Japanese version of the CD. Neat guitar work brings it in, and a very different sound from anything else present on the album. Sounds nothing like everything else on this album, and I suggest getting a CD with this song on it if you can manage. Great keyboard work as well.
Overall a fantastic albumm and a worthy buy if you like metal of any sort and are looking to branch out, and especially if you already like power metal.
