Poll: Why the hate for Dragonforce?

[Arkhangelsk]

I do get that some people think they're repetitive, but why does it call for hate and stupid profanity? Every DF video, 90% claim that they suck. When will people learn to be more respectful and less judgemental? Oh, and while I'm on it, a little survey on what the Escapists think of them.

 

[Gooble]

I saw them live in Oxford, and they were amazing. One of the best gigs I've been to. However, I would probably never buy their music because it's repetitive and being incredibly skilled at guitar does not mean that you can make good music.

 

[Arkhangelsk]

I saw them live in Oxford, and they were amazing. One of the best gigs I've been to. However, I would probably never buy their music because it's repetitive and being incredibly skilled at guitar does not mean that you can make good music.

Nowadays I'm more in it for the song, which is special in a cool way.

 

[chronobreak]

If somebody doesn't like them because they are repetitive, then that's why there is hate on them. It's as good a reason as any. If you think people take it too far, that's because it's the internet. Anything else?

 

[headshotcatcher]

They're bad, so repetetive.. Also, the vocal guy sounds like a gay (no offense)

 

[Cpt_Oblivious]

I like it, mostly because it's silly and crazy fast.

But apparently they're awful live and get out of time with one another. That's why some people dislike them.

But hey, they're a studio band, not a concert band.

 

[JanatUrlich]

They're very boring. It's not that they're bad, it's just that I don't find them appealing

 

[Skeleon]

I have no idea who they are. Where's the "I don't know them" or "I'm indifferent" option? Please add either.

 

[Rusman]

Personally I really like them, great for comedy value and they put on a cool show (strippers ) See them three times and again this weekend at download.

 

[The Infamous Scamola]

I wouldn't really know, I'm only familiar with Through the Fire and Flames, and that was an ok song.

 

[MusicalFreedom]

I don't like them, they're really over-the-top and kinda repetetive (bit rich coming from a black metal fan but there you go). Then again, I generally don't like anything even resembling power metal.

 

[arc101]

I like them, but they are sold under false pretenses, using sticato to make it sound like they are playing faster than they are, and also use keyboards that sound like guitars... and also, guitar hero kinda made people think it was harder than it is.

 

[Kasawd]

I have no idea who they are. Where's the "I don't know them" or "I'm indifferent" option? Please add either.

Agreed.

I have just never been into power metal.

 

[Kiutu]

Because they are lame, corny, do not actually play their songs, and their music sucks. They are just show boaters.
And crimped hair is ugly.

 

[CakeDragon]

You know that if you went to one of their gigs now it'd be full of scene kids who have only gone to see them play 'Through The Fire And Flames' because it's on Guitar Hero.
I'm not really a fan of their music, but I'd not be happy at this.

 

[LetheanLilith]

Mmm. I just think they're boring.. Their lyrics are really cheesy and meaningless, and I can't even tell their songs apart because EVERYTHING SOUNDS THE SAME!
I'm not really biased genre-wise either, considering that I WILL listen to any genre of music.

 

[BonsaiK]

Musically, Dragonforce remind me of Visual Kei, but without the image. I don't mind them. I think people dislike them because:

1. Lots of fast playing makes them feel inferior as guitarists

2. The singer has an old-school operatic power metal voice like Ronnie James Dio, which is perceived these days as a bit "girly" compared to most modern metal styles which have more of a growl or scream thing happening

3. Dragonforce have trouble executing their music live sometimes because of its complexity, and also have difficulty being interesting performers to watch onstage for the same reason. They are essentailly a studio creation.

4. Their lyrics seem pretty cliched and thoughtless. They're clearly only there so the singer has something to sing, they don't really communicate much. You could generate a HTML program to generate random Dragonforce style lyrics easily enough. Just get it to randomise words like "freedom" "power" "fight" "fire" "thunder" "pain" "forever" etc, add a few connecting words and there you go.

In a sense, this makes the band seem somewhat like a parody of themselves. But I think that's the point. They are in essence a cartoon of themselves. Which is where the "computer game" connection comes in. Dragonforce are a fantasy metal band with everything taken to the nth degree, and all the cliche poured on REALLY heavily on PURPOSE, just like Gears Of War is a macho action shooter with a "bigger is better" approach. Some people can't handle this "ironic hyper-reality" approach. Personally I like it - what I get from Dragonforce when I hear it is a sense of FUN and the idea that the guys are having a damn good time making this music. You can see it in the album sleeve photos where they're not trying to be tough guys, they're just posing stupidly with silly grins. It's a little bit "spinal tap" and I think that's a good thing. They have their tongues firmly lodged in their cheeks and are all the better for it.

And of course it all sounds the same, that's the style. Complaining about that is like listening to Bob Marley and saying "hey, it's all reggae, why doesn't he mix it up a little and throw in a metal number".