It was a wild night of power metal in Orlando as DragonForce brought their latest North American tour to a nearly sold-out House of Blues. Hailing from the United Kingdom, DragonForce has become a household name in the metal community for their lightning-fast guitar work and high-energy live shows. Lively best known for “Through the Fire and Flames” from Guitar Hero, the band’s symphonic sound and virtuosic musicianship have solidified their status as one of the leading acts in the power metal genre.

The evening began with Edge of Paradise, a Los Angeles-based rock band that seamlessly blends elements of hard rock and symphonic metal. Their captivating stage presence and the powerful vocals ofMargarita Monet set the tone for an evening of intense music. Their performance was met with enthusiasm, as they introduced the audience to their unique brand of melodic metal.

Following Edge of Paradise, Nanowar Of Steel brought a dose of humor and heavy metal to the stage. The Italian parody metal band delivered a hilarious yet musically impressive set, combining satirical lyrics with masterful instrumentation. Their first time in the US, Nanowar Of Steel has proven that comedy firmly belongs in the metal scene. From Cthulhu making phone calls and Barbagianni causing chaos to singer Potowotominimak assembling an Ikea table on stage and passing it to the crowd, the entire set was nonstop fun. Their entertaining performance had the crowd in stitches, with many hoping the Italian band make their way back to the US soon.

Amaranthe, the penultimate act of the night, presented a dynamic fusion of melodic death metal, metalcore, and pop elements. Their triple-vocal attack, featuring Elize Ryd, Nils Molin, and Mikael Sehlin, created a harmonious blend of clean and growling vocals. The band’s charismatic stage presence, energetic songs, and non-stop headbanding added a refreshing diversity to the lineup, earning them a warm reception from the audience.

As DragonForce took the stage, the anticipation among the crowd was palpable. The band kicked off their set with “Revolution Deathsquad,” setting a blistering pace that continued throughout the night. The twin guitar assault of Herman Li and Sam Totman left the audience in awe, and the precision and speed of their solos were nothing short of breathtaking. And guest guitarist Billy Wilkins, known for his guitar videos on social media, added even more shredding.

Frontman Marc Hudson’s soaring vocals were a perfect complement to the intricate instrumentation, and his connection with the crowd was evident as he encouraged sing-alongs and fist-pumping. The band treated the audience to a mix of their classic tracks and newer material, showcasing their evolution as a band while maintaining their signature sound. Their newest song, “Power of the Triforce” from the upcoming album “Warp Speed Warriors,” is one of the best recent DragonForce releases with catchy melodies and fast riffs, and included a giant chicken, or rather cucco, being passed around the pit.

DragonForce’s performance reached its zenith with a power metal rendition of “My Heart Will Go On” where both Herman and bassist Alicia Vigil played from within the pit, followed immediately by “Through the Fire and Flames.” The crowd erupted in excitement, and the band flawlessly executed the iconic track, leaving no doubt as to why it has become a metal anthem. The intensity and precision of the performance were astounding.

The entire night was a celebration of power metal at its finest. Edge of Paradise, Nanowar Of Steel, and Amaranthe each brought their unique styles to the stage, ensuring a diverse and entertaining opening for DragonForce. And DragonForce proved once again why they are revered in the metal community, delivering a relentless and electrifying performance. The show was a testament to the enduring power and appeal of power metal, leaving the audience with a night of unforgettable musical prowess, sheer virtuosity, and pure power metal fun.

October 27th, 2023