DRAGONFORCE Frontman MARC HUDSON Shares 'The Siren' Single From 'Starbound Stories' Solo Album

July 26, 2023

DRAGONFORCE frontman Marc Hudson will release his first solo album, "Starbound Stories", on August 25 via Napalm Records. The effort is described in a press release as "a sparkling, anime-inspired power metal ride, heavily influenced by both Japanese music and video game soundtracks, and featuring a horde of notable guests.

The second single from "Starbound Stories" is "The Siren", which is led by a tingling, uplifting melody and ballad-like vocals. The anime-influences that have heavily inspired "Starbound Stories" are clearly present in the soundscapes of this track, and the story-like lyrics enchant the listener. The accompanying official music video takes the magical atmosphere of the song to the next level.

Hudson comments on "The Siren": "With soaring melodies, an electronic pulse and a chorus bursting to life with J-pop sensibilities, 'The Siren' serves as a love letter to the nightlife of Japan, lighting up the sky with endless colors and possibilities."

Instrumental album opener "As The Twilight Met The Sea" acts as an introduction to the soundscapes of the album and features samurai metal master Ryoji Shinomoto (RYUJIN, previously known as Gyze) on traditional Japanese instruments. Shinomoto also lends his vocals on the following track, "Freedom Heart", which also features a solo by guitar virtuoso Syu (GALNERYUS). Explosive power metal anthem "Dracula X" features a guitar solo by Jacky Vincent (ex-FALLING IN REVERSE, ex-CRY VENOM) and guest vocals by Adrienne Cowan (SEVEN SPIRES). Beautifully emotional successor "Stars" features classically trained violinist Mia Asano on electric violin. "Swansong" starts off with a beautiful keyboard intro that could be pulled from a movie soundtrack. Sentimental vocals approach before the song progresses into a full-blown power metal ballad, with high screams and plenty of effects that further enhance the magical atmosphere while backing up the guitars and drums. Steve Terreberry, known on YouTube as Stevie T., performs a guitar solo on "Call Of The Martyrs" and is joined by prog guitarist Galen Stapley (AZURE). Stapley also provides a solo on the following title track, "Starbound Stories". "One More Sight Of The Sun With You" is sung in Japanese, staying true to the main themes of the album and closing the entire offering on an uplifting note.

Hudson's debut solo album is an outstanding musical adventure balanced between power metal, video game soundtracks, Japanese music and even pop influences, showcasing virtuosity throughout all of its grand instrumentation.

"Starbound Stories" track listing:

01. As The Twilight Met The Sea
02. Freedom Heart
03. Dracula X!
04. Stars
05. The Siren
06. Astralive
07. Swansong
08. Call Of The Martyrs
09. Starbound Stories
10. One More Sight Of The Sun With You

Recording lineup:

Marc Hudson - Vocals, Guitar, Backing vocals
Shaz D - Keyboards
Frédéric Leclercq - Guitars, Bass
Rich Smith – Drums

Photo credit: Oliver Lloyd Design

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