DRAGONFORCE – Maximum Overload

UK-based Dragonforce, Extreme Power Metal gurus, have released their 6^th studio album entitled Maximum Overload, which is their second with vocalist Marc Hudson up front. This release shows the band maturing in their songwriting by folding in more less-frenetic musical interludes and song topics that vary away from being fantasy-driven. However, if you love Dragonforce because of their speed and razor-sharp musicianship, you’ll be pleased to know the track “The Game” – at 240 beats per minute – is the fastest song ever recorded in the history of music.

Along those same lines is the sad news that drummer Dave Mackintosh left the band after Maximum Overload was recorded – may be incredibly difficult to fill his shoes both live and in future recordings. That aside, this new Dragonforce release is an enjoyable (if not at times spectacular) listen which will be enjoyed by Power Metal fans everywhere. The only complaint here is the inclusion of the cover of the Johnny Cash classic “Ring Of Fire,” which was Dragonforce-ized … unfortunately, the track doesn’t work and doesn’t mesh in well with the rest.