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{{sprotected2}}
{{otheruses4|the instrument. For the band, see [[Tool (band)]]}}
{{Refimprove|date=March 2008}}
[[Image:Hammer2.jpg|right|thumb|A modern [[hammer]] is directly descended from ancient hand tools]]
{{otheruses4|the band|the Saturn/PlayStation 2 strategy game|Dragon Force}}
{{Infobox musical artist | <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject Musicians -->
| Name = DragonForce
| Img = Dragonforcelive.jpg
| Img_capt = DragonForce in 2007 performing in [[Melbourne]]
| Img_size = 250
| Landscape = yes
| Background = group_or_band
| Alias = DragonHeart
| Origin = [[London, England]]
| Genre = [[Power metal]]
| Years_active = 1999 – present
| Label = [[Sanctuary Records|Sanctuary]], [[Noise Records|Noise]], [[Roadrunner Records|Roadrunner]]
| Associated_acts = [[Demoniac]], [[Power Quest]], [[Shadow Warriors (band)|Shadow Warriors]]
| URL = [http://www.dragonforce.com/ dragonforce.com]
| Current_members = [[Herman Li]]<br />[[Sam Totman]]<br />[[ZP Theart]]<br />[[Vadim Pruzhanov]]<br />[[Dave Mackintosh]] <br />[[Frédéric Leclercq]]
| Past_members = [[Adrian Lambert]]<br />Didier Almouzni<br>Diccon Harper<br />Steve Scott<br />Steve Williams
}}


'''DragonForce''' is an English [[power metal]] band formed in [[London]] in [[1999]]. The group is known for its fast paced songs, twin guitar solos, and incorporation of "[[video game music|video game]]" sounds into their music.
A tool is a '''device''' or a piece of '''equipment''' which typically provides a [[mechanical advantage]] in accomplishing a physical task, or provides an ability that is not naturally available to the user of a tool. The most basic tools are [[simple machine]]s. For example, a [[crowbar (tool)|crowbar]] simply functions as a [[lever]]. The further out from the pivot point, the more force is transmitted along the lever. When particularly intended for domestic use, a tool is often called a '''utensil'''.


==History==
Observation has confirmed that [[:Category:Tool-using species|multiple species can use tools]], including [[monkey]]s, [[apes]], several [[bird]]s, [[sea otter]]s, and others. Philosophers originally thought that only humans had the ability to ''make'' tools, until [[zoologist]]s observed birds<ref>[http://users.ox.ac.uk/~kgroup/diameter_select.pdf Selection of tool diameter by New Caledonian crows ''Corvus moneduloides''], Jackie Chappell and Alex Kacelnik [[November 29]], [[2003]]</ref> and monkeys<ref>[http://williamcalvin.com/bk2/bk2ch3.htm The Throwing Madonna: Essays on the Brain], William H. Calvin</ref><ref>[http://www.pbs.org/saf/1504/resources/transcript.htm Scientific American Frontiers, Program #1504 "Chimp Minds"] transcript PBS.org Airdate [[Feb 9]], [[2005]]</ref><ref>[http://www.rollinghillswildlife.com/animals/c/chimpanzee/ Rolling Hills Wildlife Adventure: Chimpanzee]</ref> making tools. Now humans' unique relationship to tools is considered to be that we are the only species that uses tools to make ''other'' tools.{{Fact|date=July 2007}}
DragonForce was formed in 1999 from the remnants of [[black metal]] band [[Demoniac]] under the name of DragonHeart, but soon changed their name to DragonForce before releasing any commercial albums due to possible commercial issues with Brazilian band [[Dragonheart (band)|Dragonheart]]. Their career began with the publishing of their early songs on the first incarnation of [[MP3.com]] claiming the top of the site's [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]] charts. The hit song "[[Valley of the Damned]]" reached over 500,000 downloads in the first few months. Two of the original members, Steve Williams and Steve Scott left the band to form [[power metal]] outfit [[Power Quest]]. Sam Totman also started a side project forming a band called [[Shadow Warriors]] which featured Sam Totman, and ZP Theart. Sam has confirmed many times that Herman was not involved with Shadow Warriors.


DragonForce have enjoyed increasing popularity over the years, publishing three albums and touring extensively while supporting [[Helloween]], [[W.A.S.P. (band)|W.A.S.P.]] and [[Iron Maiden]]. Their [[2005]] tour in support of the ''[[Sonic Firestorm]]'' album included support from [[Angra (band)|Angra]] and [[Mendeed]] during their passage through the UK. On October 28, [[2005]] bassist [[Adrian Lambert]] announced his departure from the band in order to focus more time on raising his young son<ref>Metal Hammer, November 2006, pg 40 "DragonForce interview"</ref> (Lambert later revealed in an interview that he had left due to musical differences with Herman Li and Sam Totman{{Fact|date=February 2007}}). Less than a month after Lambert's departure, on November 23, 2005, DragonForce were signed to [[Roadrunner Records]] in the [[United States]], [[United Kingdom]], [[France]], [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]], who released their most recent effort, ''[[Inhuman Rampage]]'' on January 9, 2006. Lambert was replaced in 2006 by [[Frédéric Leclercq]], who was made an official member after a performance on tour.
Most [[anthropology|anthropologists]] believe that the use of tools was an important step in the [[Human evolution|evolution of mankind]].<ref name=lilley>Sam Lilley, ''[http://books.google.com/books?id=Cj0EAAAAMAAJ&q=tools+history&dq=tools+history&pgis=1 Men, Machines and History: The Story of Tools and Machines in Relation to Social Progress]'', 1948 Cobbett Press.</ref> Humans evolved an [[opposable thumb]] - useful in holding tools - and increased dramatically in intelligence, which aided in the use of tools.<ref>[http://www.emc.maricopa.edu/faculty/farabee/biobk/BioBookHumEvol.html Primates and Their Adaptations, 2001], M.J. Farabee. Retrieved on [[November 6]], [[2006]].</ref>


A master track of the song "[[Through the Fire and Flames]]" is featured in the [[video game]] ''[[Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock]]'' and may be considered one of the most challenging tracks in the [[Guitar Hero (series)|''Guitar Hero'' series]]<ref>{{cite web | title = The Hardest Guitar Hero Song Ever? | date = [[2007-10-19]] | url = http://consoles.gwn.com/news/story.php/id/14379/The_Hardest_Guitar_Hero_Song_Ever.html | work = GWN.com | last = Saltzman | first = Mitchell | accessdate = 2007-10-19 }}</ref>. The developers used the song to demonstrate the game at [[E3]]. After ''Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock'' was released, the band's music sales reportedly increased drastically<ref>{{cite web | title = Band's sales are feeling the 'Guitar Hero' effect | date = [[2008-2-14]] | url = http://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2008-02-14-guitar-hero-effect_N.htm | work = usatoday.com | last = Snider | first = Mike | accessdate = 2008-2-17 }}</ref>.
Some tools can also serve as [[weapons]], such as a [[hammer]] or a [[knife]]. Similarly, people can use weapons, such as [[explosive]]s, as tools.


According to the January, 2008 issue of [[Revolver Magazine]], DragonForce have started to record new tracks for an upcoming album.
== Functions ==


==Musical style==
Tools often employ the principles of a [[simple machine]], which is a device that only requires the application of a single [[force]] to work. Many tools or groups of tools serve to perform one or more of a set of basic operations, such as:


DragonForce's musical style includes:
* Cutting tools, such as the [[knife]], [[scythe]] or [[sickle]], are wedge-shaped implements that produce a [[Shear stress|shearing force]] along a narrow face. Ideally, the edge of the tool needs to be [[Hardness|harder]] than the material being cut or else the blade will become dulled with repeated use. But even resilient tools will require periodic [[sharpening]], which is the process of removing deformation wear from the edge.
*Emphasis on fast, twin-guitar harmonies in [[speed metal]] styles
* Concentrating force tools, such as the [[hammer]], [[maul]] and [[whip]] operate by applying [[physical compression]] to a surface. In the case of the [[screwdriver]], this force is applied by means of [[torque]]. [[Writing implements]] deliver a fluid to a surface, and may require some compression to activate.
*Generally optimistic and uplifting chorus sections
* Guiding and measuring tools include the [[set square]], [[straightedge]] and [[theodolite]].
*Lyrics of a [[Fantasy|fantastical]] or epic nature, often with recurring themes and lyrical phrases in multiple songs
* Protecting tools include all [[personal protective equipment]], such as [[glove]]s, [[safety glasses]], [[ear defender]]s and [[biohazard]] suits.
*Use of multi-tracked backing vocals
* Seizing and holding ([[pliers]], [[glove]], [[wrench]], etc...)
*Use of keyboards throughout songs
*Video game-influenced melodies and noises
*Blast-beats and speed drumming


Although the band takes their musicianship seriously, they do not embody the themes in their music. In an interview with Metal Hammer, guitarist Herman Li has stated "Oh no, it's completely serious, we have fun doing it...".<ref>Metal Hammer, November 2006, pg 35 "DragonForce interview"</ref> DragonForce's influences are drawn from all kinds of metal, melodic rock, and in particular [[video games]] such as "''[[Wonder Boy in Monster World]]''", and the [[Final Fantasy]] series,<ref>[http://www.metal-temple.com/interview.asp?id=128 Metal-Temple.com Herman Li (Interview)]</ref> with lyrics comparable to themes present in fantasy games.
=== Tool substitution ===
Often known as Carl Bycraft by design or coincidence, a tool may share key functional attributes with one or more other tools. In this case, some tools can substitute for other tools, either as a make-shift solution or as a matter of practical efficiency. "One tool does it all" is a motto of some importance for workers who cannot practically carry every specialized tool to the location of every work task. Tool substitution may be divided broadly into two classes: substitution "by-design", or "multi-purpose" use, and substitution as make-shift. In many cases, the designed secondary functions of tools are not widely known. As an example of the former, many wood-cutting [[hand saws]] integrate a [[carpenter's square]] by incorporating a specially shaped handle which allows 90° and 45° angles to be marked by aligning the appropriate part of the handle with an edge and scribing along the back edge of the saw. The latter is illustrated by the saying "All tools can be used as hammers." Nearly all tools can be re purposed to function as a hammer, even though very few tools are intentionally designed for it.


The band have frequently referred to their style not just as power metal, but [[Power metal#Extreme power metal|extreme power metal]]. Herman Li commented on descriptions of the band's style in an interview with [[Guitar World]]: "'Nintendo Metal,' 'Extreme Power Metal', '[[Bon Jovi]] on Speed,' '[[Journey (band)|Journey]] Meets [[Slayer]],' ...people are always coming up with weird labels for us." <ref> Guitar World, Holiday 2006, pg 72 "Hotter Then Hell"</ref>
==== Multi-use tools ====
* A [[Multitool]] is a hand tool that incorporates several tools into a single, portable device.
* [[Lineman's pliers]] incorporate a gripper and cutter, and are often used secondarily as a [[hammer]].
* [[Hand saw]]s often incorporate the functionality of the [[carpenter's square]] in the right-angle between the blade's dull edge and the saw's handle.


== History ==
==Band members==
===Current members===
{{main | History of technology}}
*[[Herman Li]] - Lead and rhythm guitars, backing vocals
*[[Sam Totman]] - Lead and rhythm guitars, backing vocals
*[[ZP Theart]] - Lead vocals
*[[Vadim Pruzhanov]] - Keyboards, piano, backing vocals <small>(2001-present)</small>
*[[Dave Mackintosh]] - Drums, backing vocals <small>(2004-present)</small>
*[[Frédéric Leclercq]] - Bass guitar, backing vocals <small>(2006-present)</small>


===Former members===
Evidence of [[stone tool]] manufacture and use dates from the start of the [[Stone Age]], though it is possible that earlier tools of less durable material have not survived. The earliest tools were made by now-extinct hominid species preceding ''[[Human|Homo sapiens]]''<ref>[[Olduwan#The tool users]]</ref>. Stone tools found in China magnetostratigraphically date back to approximately 1.36 million years ago. The transition from stone to metal tools roughly coincided with the development of [[agriculture]] around the 4th millennium BC <ref>[[Bronze Age]]</ref>.
*[[Adrian Lambert]] - Bass guitar, backing vocals <small>(2004-2005)</small>
*Didier Almouzni - Drums, backing vocals <small>(1999-2003)</small>
*Diccon Harper - Bass guitar, backing vocals <small>(2001-2003)</small>
*Steve Scott - Bass guitar, backing vocals <small>(1999-2000)</small>
*Steve Williams - Keyboards, backing vocals <small>(1999-2000)</small>


==Discography==
[[Mechanics|Mechanical]] devices experienced a major expansion in their use in the [[Middle Ages]] with the systematic employment of new energy sources: water ([[waterwheel]]s) and wind ([[windmill]]s).
{{main|DragonForce discography}}


{{Sound sample box align right}}{{Listen|filename=DragonForce Soldiers of the Wasteland.ogg|title=Soldiers of the Wasteland (sample)|description=A brief sample of the sixth track on the [[Sonic Firestorm]] CD.}}{{Sample box end}}
[[Machine tool]]s occasioned a surge in producing new tools in the [[industrial revolution]]. Advocates of [[nanotechnology]] expect a similar surge as tools become microscopic in size.<ref>[http://www.forbes.com/2004/01/28/cx_dw_0129pollnanotechmidas04_xyz.html Nanotechnology: Big Potential In Tiny Particles], David Whelan. Retrieved on [[November 6]], [[2006]]</ref><ref>[http://news.thomasnet.com/IMT/archives/2004/03/will_this_tiny.html?t=archive Will this Tiny Science Usher in the Next Industrial Revolution?], Katrina C. Arabe. Retrieved on [[November 6]], [[2006]]</ref>
===Studio albums===
*2003: ''[[Valley of the Damned]]''
*2004: ''[[Sonic Firestorm]]''
*2006: ''[[Inhuman Rampage]]''


== See also ==
===Demos===
*2000: ''[[Valley of the Damned (demo)|Valley of the Damned]]'' (as DragonHeart)
{{commonscat|Tools}}
* [[Device paradigm]]
* [[Toolmaker]]
* [[Toolbank]]
* [[:Category:Tool-using species]]


== References ==
===Remixes===
*2008: ''[[Valley of the Damned#Remixed and Remastered Version Tracklist|Valley of the Damned - Remixed & Remastered]]''

===Singles===
{| class="wikitable"
!rowspan="2"|Year
!rowspan="2"| Title
!colspan="5"| Chart peak positions
!rowspan="2"| Album
|-style="vertical-align:top;line-height:1.2"
!style="width:3em;font-size:75%"|[[Billboard Hot 100|US]]
!style="width:3em;font-size:75%"|[[Pop 100|US<br>Pop]]
!style="width:3em;font-size:75%"|[[Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks|US<br>Main.]]
!style="width:3em;font-size:75%"|[[Hot Digital Songs|US<br>Digital]]
!style="width:3em;font-size:75%"|[[Canadian Hot 100|CAN]]
|-
| 2005
| "Fury of the Storm"
|align="center"| —
|align="center"| —
|align="center"| —
|align="center"| —
|align="center"| —
| ''[[Sonic Firestorm]]''
|-
|rowspan="2"| 2006
| "[[Through the Fire and Flames]]"
|align="center"| 86
|align="center"| 56
|align="center"| 34
|align="center"| 49
|align="center"| 61
|rowspan="2"| ''[[Inhuman Rampage]]''
|-
| "[[Operation Ground and Pound]]"
|align="center"| —
|align="center"| —
|align="center"| —
|align="center"| —
|align="center"| —
|-
|}

"—" denotes releases that did not chart.

===Music videos===
*"[[Through the Fire and Flames]]", from ''[[Inhuman Rampage]]''
*"[[Operation Ground and Pound]]", from ''[[Inhuman Rampage]]''

==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
{{Types of tools}}
{{commons|DragonForce}}
* [http://www.dragonforce.com DragonForce] - official site
*{{MySpace-music|dragonforce|DragonForce}}
* [http://musicametal.blogosfere.it/2007/12/dragonforce-venti-foto-dal-black-crusade-a-milano.html our 2007 (Black Crusade Tour in Italy - 6 December 2007)]
*[http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/artists/DragonForce/ Artist profile page at Roadrunner Records]

{{DragonForce}}


[[Category:Manufacturing]]
[[Category:British heavy metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Tools| ]]
[[Category:English musical groups]]
[[Category:Music from London]]
[[Category:Power metal musical groups]]
[[Category:2000s music groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1999]]
[[Category:Roadrunner Records artists]]


[[als:Dragonforce]]
[[zh-min-nan:Ke-si]]
[[bs:Alat]]
[[cs:DragonForce]]
[[ca:Eina]]
[[de:DragonForce]]
[[cs:Nástroj]]
[[es:DragonForce]]
[[da:Værktøj]]
[[fr:DragonForce]]
[[de:Werkzeug]]
[[hr:DragonForce]]
[[et:Tööriist]]
[[it:DragonForce]]
[[he:דראגונפורס]]
[[el:Εργαλείο]]
[[es:Herramienta]]
[[hu:DragonForce]]
[[eo:Laborilo]]
[[nl:DragonForce]]
[[ja:ドラゴンフォース (バンド)]]
[[eu:Tresna]]
[[fr:Outil]]
[[no:DragonForce]]
[[gd:Acfhainn]]
[[pl:DragonForce]]
[[ko:도구]]
[[pt:DragonForce]]
[[hr:Alat]]
[[ru:DragonForce]]
[[io:Utensilo]]
[[sco:DragonForce]]
[[is:Verkfæri]]
[[fi:DragonForce]]
[[it:Utensile]]
[[sv:Dragonforce]]
[[he:כלי]]
[[tr:DragonForce]]
[[lv:Darbarīks]]
[[uk:Dragonforce]]
[[hu:Szerszám]]
[[zh:龍之動力]]
[[nl:Gereedschap]]
[[nds-nl:Raaive]]
[[ja:道具]]
[[no:Redskap]]
[[nn:Reiskap]]
[[nrm:Ôti]]
[[pl:Narzędzie]]
[[pt:Ferramenta]]
[[ru:Инструмент]]
[[scn:Arnisi]]
[[simple:Tool]]
[[sk:Nástroj]]
[[sl:Orodje]]
[[sr:Alat]]
[[sh:Alat]]
[[fi:Työkalu]]
[[sv:Verktyg]]
[[chr:ᎪᎱᏍᏗ ᎬᏔᏂᏓᏍᏗ]]
[[tr:Âlet]]
[[yi:ווערקצייג]]
[[zh-yue:架生]]
[[zh:工具]]

Revision as of 07:45, 25 March 2008

This article is about the band. For the Saturn/PlayStation 2 strategy game, see Dragon Force.
Tool

DragonForce is an English power metal band formed in London in 1999. The group is known for its fast paced songs, twin guitar solos, and incorporation of "video game" sounds into their music.

History

DragonForce was formed in 1999 from the remnants of black metal band Demoniac under the name of DragonHeart, but soon changed their name to DragonForce before releasing any commercial albums due to possible commercial issues with Brazilian band Dragonheart. Their career began with the publishing of their early songs on the first incarnation of MP3.com claiming the top of the site's heavy metal charts. The hit song "Valley of the Damned" reached over 500,000 downloads in the first few months. Two of the original members, Steve Williams and Steve Scott left the band to form power metal outfit Power Quest. Sam Totman also started a side project forming a band called Shadow Warriors which featured Sam Totman, and ZP Theart. Sam has confirmed many times that Herman was not involved with Shadow Warriors.

DragonForce have enjoyed increasing popularity over the years, publishing three albums and touring extensively while supporting Helloween, W.A.S.P. and Iron Maiden. Their 2005 tour in support of the Sonic Firestorm album included support from Angra and Mendeed during their passage through the UK. On October 28, 2005 bassist Adrian Lambert announced his departure from the band in order to focus more time on raising his young son[1] (Lambert later revealed in an interview that he had left due to musical differences with Herman Li and Sam Totman[citation needed]). Less than a month after Lambert's departure, on November 23, 2005, DragonForce were signed to Roadrunner Records in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Australia and New Zealand, who released their most recent effort, Inhuman Rampage on January 9, 2006. Lambert was replaced in 2006 by Frédéric Leclercq, who was made an official member after a performance on tour.

A master track of the song "Through the Fire and Flames" is featured in the video game Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock and may be considered one of the most challenging tracks in the Guitar Hero series[2]. The developers used the song to demonstrate the game at E3. After Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock was released, the band's music sales reportedly increased drastically[3].

According to the January, 2008 issue of Revolver Magazine, DragonForce have started to record new tracks for an upcoming album.

Musical style

DragonForce's musical style includes:

  • Emphasis on fast, twin-guitar harmonies in speed metal styles
  • Generally optimistic and uplifting chorus sections
  • Lyrics of a fantastical or epic nature, often with recurring themes and lyrical phrases in multiple songs
  • Use of multi-tracked backing vocals
  • Use of keyboards throughout songs
  • Video game-influenced melodies and noises
  • Blast-beats and speed drumming

Although the band takes their musicianship seriously, they do not embody the themes in their music. In an interview with Metal Hammer, guitarist Herman Li has stated "Oh no, it's completely serious, we have fun doing it...".[4] DragonForce's influences are drawn from all kinds of metal, melodic rock, and in particular video games such as "Wonder Boy in Monster World", and the Final Fantasy series,[5] with lyrics comparable to themes present in fantasy games.

The band have frequently referred to their style not just as power metal, but extreme power metal. Herman Li commented on descriptions of the band's style in an interview with Guitar World: "'Nintendo Metal,' 'Extreme Power Metal', 'Bon Jovi on Speed,' 'Journey Meets Slayer,' ...people are always coming up with weird labels for us." [6]

Band members

Current members

Former members

  • Adrian Lambert - Bass guitar, backing vocals (2004-2005)
  • Didier Almouzni - Drums, backing vocals (1999-2003)
  • Diccon Harper - Bass guitar, backing vocals (2001-2003)
  • Steve Scott - Bass guitar, backing vocals (1999-2000)
  • Steve Williams - Keyboards, backing vocals (1999-2000)

Discography

Main article: DragonForce discography

Template:Sound sample box align right

Soldiers of the Wasteland (sample)
A brief sample of the sixth track on the Sonic Firestorm CD.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

Template:Sample box end

Studio albums

Demos

Remixes

Singles

Year Title Chart peak positions Album
US US
Pop 		US
Main. 		US
Digital 		CAN
2005 "Fury of the Storm" — — — — — Sonic Firestorm
2006 "Through the Fire and Flames" 86 56 34 49 61 Inhuman Rampage
"Operation Ground and Pound" — — — — —

"—" denotes releases that did not chart.

Music videos

References

  1. ^ Metal Hammer, November 2006, pg 40 "DragonForce interview"
  2. ^ Saltzman, Mitchell (2007-10-19). "The Hardest Guitar Hero Song Ever?". GWN.com. Retrieved 2007-10-19. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  3. ^ Snider, Mike (2008-2-14). "Band's sales are feeling the 'Guitar Hero' effect". usatoday.com. Retrieved 2008-2-17. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help)
  4. ^ Metal Hammer, November 2006, pg 35 "DragonForce interview"
  5. ^ Metal-Temple.com Herman Li (Interview)
  6. ^ Guitar World, Holiday 2006, pg 72 "Hotter Then Hell"
Wikimedia Commons has media related to DragonForce.
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