Extreme Power Metal Explained
Extreme Power Metal is the eighth studio album by British power metal band DragonForce, released on 27 September 2019.[1] It is the band's last studio album to feature longtime bassist Frédéric Leclercq[2] and the first not to feature longtime keyboardist Vadim Pruzhanov, who left the band in 2018; Epica keyboardist Coen Janssen recorded keyboards for the album as a session member.[1] The lead single "Highway to Oblivion" was released on 30 July 2019.[3] The band embarked on a world tour in support of the album following its release.[4] Music videos for "Troopers of the Stars" and "Strangers" were filmed, but not released until two years later, on 27 August 2021 and 25 October 2021, respectively.[5] In 2022, the band continued touring the album after their last tour's cancelation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[6] On 29 November 2022, the music video for "The Last Dragonborn" was released, being the first music video with new bassist Alicia Vigil.[7]
Recording
The band recorded the album with producer and Once Human's bassist Damien Rainaud at Mix Unlimited in Los Angeles.[8] Part of the recording was also livestreamed on guitarist Herman Li's Twitch.[9]
Track listing
The Japanese special edition of the album also included a bonus DVD containing professionally recorded footage of the band's performance at Download Festival in 2018.
Personnel
DragonForce
- Marc Hudson – lead and backing vocals
- Sam Totman – guitars, backing vocals
- Frédéric Leclercq – bass, guitars, backing vocals
- Herman Li – guitars, backing vocals
- Gee Anzalone – drums, backing vocals
Additional musicians
- Coen Janssen – keyboards, piano, orchestration, programming
- Emily Ovenden – additional backing vocals
- Clive Nolan – additional backing vocals
- Kalen Chase Musmecci – additional backing vocals
- Steve Francis, Ross Mallon, Josh O'Brien, Paul Roberts, Tim Mekalick – additional backing vocals on "Troopers of the Stars"
Technical
Visuals
- Stan-W Decker – cover art, layout
- Vladan Cvetkovic – photography
Notes and References
- News: DRAGONFORCE Reveals Details Of New Album 'Extreme Power Metal', Launches Video For 'Highway To Oblivion'. Blabbermouth.net. 30 July 2019. 30 July 2019.
- Web site: DRAGONFORCE: Frédéric Leclercq lascia la band. it. metalpit.it. 14 August 2019. 14 August 2019.
- Web site: DragonForce Announce New Album, Debut 'Highway to Oblivion' Video. Loudwire. Divita. Joe. 30 July 2019. 10 August 2019.
- Web site: DRAGONFORCE Reveals Details Of New Album 'Extreme Power Metal', Launches Video For 'Highway To Oblivion'. heavy-metal.it. 30 July 2019. 10 August 2019.
- Web site: DragonForce launches 'Starship Troopers'-inspired video for "Troopers of the Stars". metalblade.com. 27 August 2021. 27 August 2021.
- Web site: DRAGONFORCE Goes Full '80s Glam In 'Strangers' Video, Announces North American Tour With BATTLE BEAST. Blabbermouth.net. 25 October 2021. 8 November 2021.
- Web site: The Last Dragonborn. youtube.com. 29 November 2022. 7 January 2023.
- Web site: DRAGONFORCE Unveil Epic "Highway To Oblivion" Music Video, Announce New Album Extreme Power Metal. Metal Injection. 30 July 2019. 10 August 2019.
- Web site: DragonForce Detail New Studio Album, 'Extreme Power Metal,' Share First Single. Guitar World. Bienstock. Richard. 30 July 2019. 10 August 2019.
- Web site: ARIA Chart Watch #545. auspOp. 5 October 2019. 5 October 2019. 23 May 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230523014209/https://www.auspop.com.au/2019/10/aria-chart-watch-545/. dead.
