Having never been to a Dragonforce gig before – I’m not so sure what to expect. Yes, I have both their albums, and yes – I am aware that they are the leading exponent of British power/speed metal, but I’m still not so sure what to expect. Well – global metal-wizards or not – tonight they play the Cockpit in Leeds – a more humbling and intimate gig (as this tour intends to be: “…set up with the intention of including a number of smaller… venues.”) – an atmosphere which often proves the big-time boys from the small-gig merchants. Are Dragonforce up to task?

Heading downstairs to the stage area, I found Last Days of Vengeance already half-way through their set, playing enthusiastically to a packed room of largely Dragonforce fanatics. I found the band’s enthusiasm carefully glossed over their adequate songs – which managed to convince at least some of the audience of the band’s competence. Had this been a local level gig, I’m sure their efforts would’ve been more appreciated, but tonight, even the band were forced to admit that the audience were there for one band only. However, their set was rewarded with an appreciative round of applause. Last Days of Vengeance had filled their role as ‘local support’ for Dragonforce very well, so much that I intend to try them again on more local terms soon.

For a band that has played both the Graspop and Wacken metal festivals (amongst others) this summer, you have to admire their bravery at treading the boards at the Cockpit: Limited lighting, hot as hell and virtually no space on stage for them to execute their high-adrenaline stage moves that are destined to be a trademark of their stage act. Yet as Dragonforce strode onto the stage to a simple synth introduction, you could tell the crowd weren’t bothered – they were here to hear Dragonforce, plain and simple.

Kicking things off with Black Fire, Dragonforce sounded very very impressive – I was surprised how well they sounded through the Cockpit’s sound system. As I wondered how long this impeccable sound would keep up with the band, they launched into Fury of the Storm – the entertainment value of Dragonforce shining through as the entire room sang along.

Unfortunately it was during Freedom of Despair that my initial worry came true – the Cockpit’s sound system gave way completely and Herman Li et. al. were left playing nothing but silent riffs. Assuring us things would continue as soon as possible, ZP Theart led most of Dragonforce off-stage to leave room for the frantic techies to try and refuel the sound system. Looking a little stranded on stage, Herman Li tried desperately to entertain the crowd as power returned to his guitar in surges. Showing frustration as equal to the crowd, our patience was rewarded with some eventual fretboard magic from Mr Li, before the lucky James from the crowd was hoisted up on stage and was allowed to dazzle the crowd with a few bars of Li-worship on Herman’s Ibanez – setting a trend for more audience participation later on.

Returning to horrendous cheers, Dragonforce picked up with the next song Black Winter Night, before moving to the ‘ballad’ Starfire. After which we were treated to Vadim’s keyboard solo – full of humour and technical wizardry – made even more impressive when I learnt afterwards he played the entire solo on just the one working keyboard, when he normally sets up both of them to take part.

Next up was Soldiers of the Wasteland – another crowd pleaser, amplified by the number of stage divers actively encouraged by the band. However, the gremlins returned to the soundboards during the song and this time bassist Adrian Lambert was the target. Clearly disappointed to be unable to play as part of the band, the crowd were now party to Revelations, sans bass – which underlined the need for Lambert’s 6-stringed tones, as the track clearly lacked its usual punch.

With a hint of tour-fatigue creeping into ZP’s vocal track, Dragonforce carried on regardless through the epic My Spirit Will Go On, with the crowd fulfilling its supporting role magnificently by carrying the song over the continuing technical difficulties of the Cockpit.

It was apt, perhaps, that everything finally returned to the form shown so early on at this gig at the climactic track of the evening – Heart of the Dragon. Never have I heard the roof of a venue lifted so high than on those immortal words; “Proud and so glorious, standing before of us.” As the curtain came down to the strains of Valley of the Damned to thunderous applause, Dragonforce seemed visibly amazed by their reception in this small room nestled in North Yorkshire.

It may be easy to criticise Dragonforce for their brand of cheesy melodic metal, often taking inspiration from nothing more than the sounds of arcade games from decades past, but tonight I was instantly swept along with the fury of the sonic firestorm, all technicalities aside. If you’re not against them, you’re 100% behind them, and Dragonforce certainly deserve that loyal support.

Setlist:
Black Fire
Fury of the Storm
Freedom of Despair
Black Winter Night
Starfire
Soldiers of the Wasteland
Revelations
My Spirit Will Go On
Heart of a Dragon
Valley of the Damned