It is rare that a band comes along who are so thouroughly talented, yet have literally no airs or graces. Dragonforce are the best that British Extreme Power Metal (and more of British Metal in general) has to offer. Valley of the Damned way back in 2003 let us know exactly what this band was about, superb musicianship, cheesey lyrics and a generally aptitude toward unbridaled sillyness.
"Sonic Firestorm" live up to its name and took the etal world by storm, mercilessly raping the opposition and bludgeoning it's life less corpse into a bloody pulp. Sam and Hermans guitar work had gotten even better and ZP's (already almost unbelieveble) vocal range had improved once again, Adrian Lambert was on top form. Alas I always felt Vadim's talent for keyboards was underused.
Their tours in turn, took that aptitude for sillyness to epic heights and even proved their enourmous level of passion for the music they make, a passion we can all now see on their video for "Through the Fire and Flames".
Now on "Inhumane Rampage" the band has made another winning record. Herman and Sam's guitar work is good as ever and their experimentation with new guitar sounds really shows through. ZP again is spot on as is Lamert's bass work. The inclusion of Dave (Bal Sagoth) on this album has brought with it the double bass drum (ah wonderment), allowing an astoundingly fast persussion assault for Sam and Herman to keep up with and finally Vadim has been allowed to showcase his wonderful talent for keyboards.
"Inhumane Rampage" like both Dragonforce albums before has little variety. But don't think for a second that that takes anything away from the experience of listening to it. 90% of this album is either fast or extremely fast, because that is the way Dragon force is meant to be.
The high points are the opening track "Through the Fire and Flames" stunningly beautiful, powerful and silly. Revolution Deathsquad and Storming the Burning Fields follow in this same trend. But the other stand out song on this album is Dragonforce's first (and only ballad) Trail of Broken Hearts, taking on a more Bon Jovi rather than Iron Maiden (on speed) feel to it showing the entire bands full range of musical styles and that perhaps we shouldn't right them off as being too cheesey for their own good just yet.
All in all, utterly silly, flamboyant and tongue in cheek with some of the best musicianship around to day, and all the subtlety of Hippo in a tutu. Truly a record to headbang to. The way Dragonforce should be.
