Dragonforce, Inhuman Rampage

Dragonforce, Inhuman Rampage (Roadrunner-2006)

Who likes power metal?

Hey no sniggering at the back! I am serious I like some power metal now and then. It reminds me of the American Wrestling with all the theater and show, add in a story and the big production it can be very entertaining. Then I have seen UK wrestling, nothing like America put it like that.

Like wrestling the UK was very bad at making power metal bands and even metal music for some time. Enter this band who had a few album out before this amazing piece of work. Guitarist Herman Li got this band going as he could not find a band who wanted to play his style (very fast solo like power metal) so he made one himself. Fast forward a few great album and the band had a change in sound a little. The change was to add in more solos and more guitars (no joke).

"Through The Fire And Flames" kicks it off in one hell of a style. The song has a great name and I think they can walk through fire and flame. The drums are none stop but still play in time to the melody. The songs here are very melodic and also very much a track for the metal clubs. The opratic vocals add that theme that I talked about, nice and clean vocals with words you can hear and sing along to. Hey it works for Abba.

"Revolution Deathsquad" is like a tribute to all metal bands and solos ever. There is even some riff tributes included but not done in a cheesy way at all. Solo after solo after solo...  I joke not, it is guitars and melodic riffs to the max the singer has time for a part-time job here. But so bloody good. Any guitar player has to hear this and I do not mean in a Eddie Van Halen way as he did something unique. This has been done before in over say five albums.

Sitting back and listening you do feel it is all production and studio work much like Hulk Hogan was in his 50s and could never do what he does without the gimmicks and set up. I have seen the band live and they are like this! They have gimmicks just as good with a Keytar and trampolines to jump off from and throw shapes.

"Operation Ground And Pound" has a real classic power metal sound with the keyboards being used as the intro but all is over soon and guitars kick in. Each song really does have a nice meladic vocal section and for people who sing in the shower you can do it here as well. But just don't expect to get round of applause at the next karaoke.

 Last track is the radio friendly ballad. "Trail Of Broken Hearts" is one for the people who enjoy a few drinks and like a slower number. Throw out the Bon Jovi and have this track.

Amazing thing about this album is it was a big hit in the UK. Selling over 100,000 copies it went gold here and gave roadrunner a very rare Gold album. Much deserved and I think I have this hear for the fans outside the UK.

Hey if you don't like it do as Hulk says "say your prayers, take your vitamins ..."

If you do get it get me a foam finger as a reward.

Easily available all over the world via Roadrunner.

Twitter: 29xthefun