DRAGONFORCE
Inhuman Rampage
Roadrunner Records 2006
www.dragonforce.com

What’s the 4-1-1?
Power metal act Dragonforce release another supreme album entitled Inhuman
Rampage.

Genre
Power metal

The Good
The opening track "Through the Fire and Flames" is a never ending assault of musical madness. Right when the opening riff hits, you get set for the blistering hurricane ahead. This is really an epic song and the best on the album. The guitar work is simply amazing. It literally leaves the listener speechless. The keyboard samples throughout the song are well played too. Herman Li is one of the greatest guitarists ever, and his solo in this song I can only describe it as mind blowing. Even Herman and second guitarist Sam Totman switch solo riffs at one point.

"Revolution Deathsquad" shows good keyboard work from Vadim Pruzhanou as his speedy samples rank supreme on this song. Dave Macintosh also shines in this song with his impressive drum fills. As with every song, a solo piece comes up that is everything you would expect. The next track "Storming the Burning Fields" holds some unique surprises in it, such as video game noise effects provided by Herman. You can find sounds from the classic Pac Man video game here.

"Operation Ground and Pound" starts with a great drum pattern that the listener will, without a doubt be nodding their head too. The keyboards in this song are catchy, and won’t get out of your head for some time. "Body Breakdown" has a perfect harmony to it, and more superb drumming from Macintosh. Frédéric Leclercq shows off a concrete solid bass line that blends with a short bass and keyboard solo.

The Bad
Nothing notable

The Verdict
After listening to this album I was literally in shock and speechless. This is some of the best musical work I have ever heard in my life. Herman Li shreds on the guitar like a madman, and all of his parts are perfectly structured. The music is so beautifully written. Dragonforce are rising to the top and nobody can stop them.

Did You Know?
Dragonforce drummer Dave Macintosh started playing drums at the age of 8 and quickly advanced to double bass at age 12. Dragonforce guitarist was self-taught.

Rating: out of 5

--Derek Carey