About the Album

DragonForce released Extreme Power Metal on September 27, 2019. It’s the band’s eighth studio album. Just as the title describes, Extreme Power Metal is an over-the-top, bombastic study in power metal. The album features 10 tracks. Each with their own unique style and influences.

Power metal is a blend of traditional heavy metal and speed metal. It typically features symphonic elements with faster, lighter, and more uplifting sounds. DragonForce’s own spin on power metal mixed with Nintendo sounds and speed metal fury is their claim to fame in the metal community.

In addition to the classic power metal themes, Extreme Power Metal includes synth, video game, and movie influences. Several of the tracks on Extreme Power Metal, like “The Last Dragonborn” and “Troopers of the Stars”, have direct pop culture and movie references. Their ability to toe the line between cheesy and serious art when handling fantastical subjects is what sets them apart from their peers.

The first time we heard DragonForce was playing Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock. Being able to successfully complete “Through the Fire and Flames” on expert difficulty was a milestone for any plastic guitar wielding virtuoso. The outrageously complex instrumentals found in that song can also be heard throughout Extreme Power Metal. Though maybe not to such an extreme degree, and that’s saying something!

According to a Pop Fan

But what does our resident pop fan, Danielle, have to say about the album? While DragonForce’s sound is much more consumable to the average listener compared to something like death metal, Extreme Power Metal still features a number of elements not found in modern pop and rock music. It’s still metal at its core. In typical DragonForce fashion, you’ll hear extended, intricate guitar solos, intense drumming, and fantastic themes.

As far as we, the metalheads, are concerned, Extreme Power Metal is a return to form not heard since the Inhuman Rampage days. It doesn’t overstay its welcome and there is enough diversity and balance throughout the album to keep us coming back for more.

Hear our more detailed discussion by playing the episode above as we discuss the album track-by-track, and be sure to check out more episodes of According to a Pop Fan!

Stream/download this week’s episode above. Remember to subscribe to Super Metal World on Apple Podcasts, follow on Spotify, or listen to anywhere you consume podcasts!

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Horns high,

Michael & Ty