Aleforce party hard...

WELL when it comes to heavy metal parties, the line-up this Thursday is hard to beat – some might even say it’s an Ultra Beatdown to release the Power Within but that would be a horrible play on the album titles of Dragonforce, destined to end up with us all in the Valley of the Damned, undergoing an Inhuman Rampage brought on by a Sonic Firestorm…. Ooops did it again!

Right – down to business: Thursday night, Mandella Hall – Dragonforce and Alestorm. Hard drinking power metallers and hard drinking Scottish pirate metallers. There is of course other bands on the bill (we’re looking forward to The Defiled, but we’re not really sure why) but let’s face it, we’ll be going along to see how shit-faced one needs to be to (a) really enjoy the sets and (b) the bands can be and still perform.

The last time Dragonforce played the Mandella Hall it would be fair to say that it was a bit of a shabby set, cliché ridden and blown off by Turisas.

But, when they played at the Odyssey, supporting Iron Maiden, there was more potency, with new singer Marc Hudson seemingly injecting new vigour into the set.

This show is the second date of their UK and Ireland tour, part of a world tour that takes in 40 countries. The assessment will be whether they can maintain the head of steam, and will the teaser as openers for Maiden live up to an appetising full-set main course. With second single from The Power Within out now, a healthy dose of that album is expected: and the chance to see how Hudson has adapted the old favourites to his own vocal style.

Oh and the usual diet of widdly guitar solos please…

As for Alestorm…well behind the fácade of silly lyrics, onstage antics and copious amounts of rum there is some nice, tight musicianship. Listen closely to Alestorm’s output and the arrangements and delivery are surprisingly good. Whether sobriety will be close enough for us to appreciate it…well who can tell.

And believe it or not there be some of ye olde party tickets are stll for sale on the door on Thursday should you not have laid your scurvy ravaged, rum-addled bodily parts on your pass to the party...

See ya all there – and remember, party hard, be good and be careful and remember to plan your Friday morning hangover cure project…

Widdly guitar bits, swigging beer and ample rum in support!

THEY play guitar epics in the manner of Euro power metal, they are fond of widdly, long solos and even longer songs, and they are no strangers to Belfast!

Yep, Dragonforce are making a return visit to the city as they tour backing their fifth album, "The Power Within"

Also on the bill for September 27th at the Mandella Hall are Alestorm, The Defiled and Cavorts...and all for the measly sum of £19.50 (+booking fee).

Last time the 'Force were in Belfast it was backing Iron Maiden, the first time we had a look at new singer Marc Hudson. And if you want to see this line-up then get in early!  With the October 2008 show selling out well in advance fans are advised to get tickets early for Dragonforce’s eagerly anticipated return! Tickets go on sale Wednesday 4th April from www.shine.net, online at Ticketmaster and Ticketmaster Outlets and The Kitten Bar! [NB this is an over 14s show]
DragonForce guitarist Herman Li said,“The last two years have been the most fun we ever had making an album. Through writing, jamming and touring together, we have built this incredible energy and it has been fully captured on the new album.This time around we’ve really brought our metal side to the surface and made some of the best music of our career. From the fastest song we’ve ever recorded to the slower songs, and some things you would never expect from us, this is by far the most diverse DragonForce album yet.”
“The Power Within” will be released on April 15th 2012 via the band’s own Electric Generation Recordings, distributed by Essential Music (UK), Roadrunner Records (North America), 3Wise (Australia) and JVC Victor (Japan).

Li added, “This is an exciting new era for DragonForce with Marc joining the band, so we figured this was an ideal time to take full control of our own destiny and establish our own record label for Europe. It’s all hands on deck running it, but a great buzz!”

Looks like another bonkers night. In 2008 the band looked tired and a little bit jaded, perhaps through lengthy touring or the usual personality issues that crop up; however, we have a feeling that they now have something to prove and with a healthy support bill including Alestorm they will be at the top of their game!