The first two Dragonforce CDs have been re-released, and now with the recent announcement that singer ZP Theart has left the band if you haven't got copies of their earlier albums featuring the original line-up, then these remixed re-issues would be the right choice. Plus they also come with bonus DVDs, which I haven't seen (we were only given the CD portions of the sets for review) so I can't comment on them.
I enjoy speed metal but I have to admit purchasing Valley Of The Damned many years ago and found Dragonforce's music somewhat monotonous; it started feeling like one long song, then I gave their next album Sonic Thunderstorm a go in hopes that just maybe things had changed. They hadn't, so I never bothered with their third release, Inhuman Rampage. Though my opinion has changed since I tried Dragonforce's latest album Ultra Beatdown, I have grown to somewhat like their hyper melodic metal.
Title track "Valley of the Damned" is an ideal choice to begin with, of course the guitars of Sam Totman and Herman Li are the main draw card for many, and they commence at medium pace before burning up their fretboards as those furious double kicks come into play. As always, those crazy smoking guitar solos are very entertaining to listen to. "Black Fire" does have a slower section to give the listener a breather, and the appealing ballad "Starfire" also gives some respite. "Where Dragons Rule" has a soft introduction followed by more of Dragonforce's quest for speed.
ZP Theart's vocals really gelled with Dragonforce's music; his replacement will be interesting to hear, but for now check out this re-issue.
Track list:
1. Invocation of the Apocalyptic Evil
2. Valley of the Damned
3. Black Fire
4. Black Winter Night
5. Starfire
6. Disciples of Babylon
7. Revelations
8. Evening Star
9. Heart of a Dragon
10. Where Dragons Rule (bonus track)
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