Maximum Metal Rating Legend
5 Excellent - Masterpiece. A classic.
4.5-4 Great - Almost perfect records but there's probably a lacking.
3.5 Good - Most of the record is good, but there may be some filler.
3 Average - Some good songs, some bad ones at about a half/half ratio.
2.5-2 Fair - Worth a listen, but best obtained by collectors.
1.5-1 Bad - Major problems with music, lyrics, production, etc.
0 Terrible - Waste of your life and time.

Note: Reviews are graded from 0-5, anything higher or not showing is from our old style. Scores, however, do not reveal the important features. The written review that accompanies the ratings is the best source of information regarding the music on our site. Reviewing is opinionated, not a qualitative science, so scores are personal to the reviewer and could reflect anything from being technically brilliant to gloriously cheesy fun.

Demos and independent releases get some slack since the bands are often spent broke supporting themselves and trying to improve. Major releases usually have big financial backing, so they may be judged by a heavier hand. All scores can be eventually adjusted up or down by comparison of subsequent releases by the same band. We attempt to keep biases out of reviews and be advocates of the consumer without the undo influence of any band, label, management, promoter, etc.

The best way to determine how much you may like certain music is to listen to it yourself.
Band
Dragonforce
Title
Maximum Overload
Type
LP/EP
Company
Metal Blade
YOR
2014
Style
Power
7/31/2014 - Review by: Greg Watson

DragonForce
Maximum Overload

Company: Metal Blade
Release: 2014
Genre: Power
Rating: 4
Reviewer: Greg Watson

  • Holds true to their ability to totally pull the rug out



  • So, as the new DragonForce came across my list, I realized that I had not listened to the band since the release of "Inhuman Rampage" and it's safe to say I was interested in checking out their new album, "Maximum Overload" to see what, if any, changes had taken place with the band. Right from the jump, I immediately noticed the "new to me" vocalist, Marc Hudson. As the opening notes of "The Game" kicked in, there was a sense of familiarity and yet newness that made its way through my ears. The first thing apparently clear to me is that Marc Hudson can wail (no disrespect ZP). Not only have the band really cut back on the long, almost annoyingly lengthy guitar solos but the songwriting has improved by leaps and bounds. Tracks like "Tomorrow's Kings", "Three Hammers" and "City of Gold" are all quality songs that you could hear any power metal band performing with gusto. "Defenders" blew me away with a very heavy thrash influence and Hudson's vocals reach sonic crescendos at times. A huge surprise was their version of "Ring of Fire". I am not a Johnny Cash fan at all (begin the chorus of boos and curses thrown my way) but hot damn this cover is just bad ass. Having matured, DragonForce have crafted an album that still holds true to their ability to totally pull the rug out with their sheer speed and precision. Herman Li and Sam Totman definitely need some respect for the things that they pull off on the guitar. "Maximum Overload" was a total game changer for me in this band's genesis.


    • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
      4 :AVE RATING

    ALL REVIEWS FOR: DRAGONFORCE
    TITLE
    DOR
    COMPANY
    REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
    Maximum Overload
    2014
    Metal Blade
    Greg Watson7/31/2014
    4
    Reaching Into Infinity
    2017
    Metal Blade
    Eric Compton6/13/2017
    3
    Sonic Firestorm
    2004
    Noise Records
    Ken Pierce10/20/2005
    -
    Sonic Firestorm
    2004
    Noise Records
    Anthony Burke3/3/2004
    -
    Valley Of The Damned
    2003
    Noise Records
    Anthony Burke10/15/2003
    -

    ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: DRAGONFORCE
    INTERVIEW INTERVIEWER DATE TAGLINE


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