DRAGONFORCE, the acclaimed pioneers of extreme power metal and Grammy-nominated artists, have announced the upcoming release of their latest album, “Warp Speed Warriors”
The album is scheduled to hit the shelves on March 15, 2024, courtesy of Napalm Records.
This iconic ensemble, featuring guitar virtuosos and founding members Herman Li and Sam Totman, alongside the remarkable vocalist Marc Hudson, bassist Alicia Vigil, and drummer Gee Anzalone, is gearing up to unveil their most audacious and groundbreaking full-length album to date.
In “Warp Speed Warriors,” DRAGONFORCE embarks on a musical journey that ventures into a broader spectrum of musical styles than ever before, all the while maintaining a steadfast connection to their musical roots. The album promises an exhilarating exploration of diverse sounds and influences. To offer a glimpse of what’s in store, the band has already shared their latest single, “Power Of The Triforce,” which takes inspiration from the Zelda game universe.
Li comments: “We’re thrilled to unveil our latest track, a powerful homage inspired by one of our favorite video-game franchises, Zelda! We’re eager for metal enthusiasts of all tastes to discover something special within its depths. Brace yourselves, as we’re gearing up to unleash this sonic adventure live during our upcoming tours!”
Herman adds about “Warp Speed Warriors”: “After four years of creative incubation, we are beyond excited to release what we believe to be our most ambitious and grandiose record yet. This album showcases multiple facets of our artistic abilities, and we invite metal aficionados from every corner of the genre to discover something captivating within its layers. We can’t wait to share this chapter of our musical journey with you, it’s going to be EPIC!”
Breathtaking opening track “Astro Warrior Anthem” lives up to DRAGONFORCE‘s reputation as the world’s fastest band, captivating the listener from the very beginning and stunning with guitar solos delivered at an extreme speed. “Power Of The Triforce” keeps the volume high before DRAGONFORCE temporarily slows it down for the ballad “Kingdom Of Steel”.
Rapid drum patterns and thrilling guitars carry the catchy “Burning Heart”, while chanting “Space Marine Corp” features a strong and uplifting chorus. Electronic influences on grandiose power metal anthem “The Killer Queen” hypnotize, as singer Marc Hudson‘s vocals reach for the skies. On “Doomsday Party”, 1980s rock influences meet captivating retro video game soundscapes and epic guitar solos in true DRAGONFORCE manner. The last original track on “Warp Speed Warriors”, “Pixel Prison”, is followed by DRAGONFORCE‘s unexpected yet brilliant cover of Taylor Swift‘s “Wildest Dreams (Taylor’s Version)” as a bonus track that wraps up the epic adventure.
“Warp Speed Warriors” was produced, mixed and mastered by Damien Rainaud at Mix Unlimited in Los Angeles, California with Sam Totman and Herman Li. This album is a matchless, innovative listening experience that continues the band’s legacy with songs that will, without a shadow of a doubt, become instant classics in and beyond the DRAGONFORCE canon.
“Warp Speed Warriors” track listing:
01. Astro Warrior Anthem
02. Power Of The Triforce
03. Kingdom Of Steel
04. Burning Heart
05. Space Marine Corp
06. Doomsday Party
07. Prelude To Darkness
08. The Killer Queen
09. Pixel Prison