DragonForce

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British power metal band renowned for their extremely fast tempos, melodic hooks, and virtuosic guitar solos, often incorporating themes of fantasy, epic battles, and video games. Formed in London in 1999 by guitarists Herman Li and Sam Totman, initially under the name DragonHeart. Achieved global recognition with their third album 'Inhuman Rampage' (2006), propelled by the hit single 'Through the Fire and Flames' featured in Guitar Hero III. Known for their high-energy live performances and technical proficiency, particularly Li and Totman's guitar work. The band has undergone several lineup changes, particularly in the vocalist position, but Li and Totman remain the core members. They continue to release albums and tour extensively.
  • The band's breakthrough single, 'Through the Fire and Flames,' gained massive popularity largely due to its inclusion as the final, notoriously difficult track in the video game Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, significantly boosting album sales and mainstream recognition.
  • DragonForce has experienced significant lineup instability, especially concerning lead vocalists. Founding singer ZP Theart departed in 2010 after four albums. His replacement, Marc Hudson, joined for five albums (2011-2019) before amicably departing in 2023. The band is currently searching for a permanent replacement while utilizing session singers.
  • They coined the term 'extreme power metal' to describe their signature sound, characterized by consistently high tempos (often exceeding 200 BPM), extensive use of double bass drumming, harmonized lead guitar lines, and melodic vocals, drawing heavily from speed metal and neo-classical metal influences.
  • Guitarists Herman Li and Sam Totman are celebrated for their incredibly fast, precise, and melodic solos, frequently employing techniques like sweep picking and tapping. They attempted to set a Guinness World Record for the 'World's Fastest Guitar Player' in 2008, though the record wasn't officially recognized.
  • Herman Li became a prominent figure in the online guitar community through his popular Twitch streaming channel, where he showcases his playing, gear, and interacts with fans, bringing significant attention to the band in the digital age.