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Album Details

• Artist: Dragonforce
• Album: Ultra Beatdown
• Label: Roadrunner
• Year of Release: 2008
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: solitaryman on 2008-09-05

From literal total obscurity (I still remember hearing the demo version of "Valley Of The Damned" back in, like, 2004 or so) to perhaps modern metal's most recognizable name (due to the impact of previous single "Through The Fire And Flames", both on it's own and due to it's inclusion on the social gaming phenomenon known as Guitar Hero). Dragonforce are called many different things; from the fastest band ever to play to a corny, cheesy "joke-band" that insults more than honors the tenets of speed and power metal. While the integrity of their themes, both musical and lyrical, might be questioned (and rightfully so, especially on their blessedly-rare ballads), there's no doubting their chops. Li and Totman may be the most dangerous guitar duo modern metal has known, and each of their albums have been heavily focused on their respective shredding skills. Ultra Beatdown aims to step out of the box a bit more, relying less on a super-futuristic feel as their previous record had, and having more in common with their debut Valley Of The Damned than anything else. They've lended more emphasis to composition and lyrical melodies, which brings their atypical lengthy monsters more variety and emotional impact. Come for the solos, stay for the songwriting.

 

Ultra Beatdown will not re-define anyone's perceptions of the band, of course. They're still the same Dragonforce, and one listen to one-fourth of their new single "Heroes of Our Time" will attest to that. What little they do inject in the way of new sounds acts more as a delicate spicing to an otherwise fulfilling meal. The shifting tempos throughout the 8 tracks leave less of a "been there done that" feel in their wake, but you're not going to be hearing anything breathtakingly new. "The Fire Still Burns" will quickly become a concert staple with it's typical guitar duels and shred-fests. "Reasons to Live" sees the band stepping out into a mid-tempo ballad-type number that utilizes a waltzy midsection, very cool and one of the album's best songs. For pure metal cheesiness, look no further than the epic (and tiring) "The Last Journey Home". This album is almost altogether void of their required ballad, but "A Flame For Freedom" definitely reeks of this atmosphere; it's only in it's steady drive that the song is saved. Of course, if you're still drooling over the guitars, then you shouldn't even be reading this. Just buy it.


All in all, it's another Dragonforce album we've got here with Ultra Beatdown. An improvement over their last spastic video game soundtrack of a record, to be sure. The new bassist holds his own but I don't think anyone will notice. Like being the drummer for Sinatra's backing band or something.  For all their talent and their critical acclaim, I can't see this band holding the spotlight for much longer. They might retread the same ground over and over until it's finally worn to nothing. In the meantime, this record should hold their pace in most fan's tapdancing shoes.

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