DragonForce have announced that their year-long search for a new vocalist is now over. The UK-based metal masters sifted through a mountain of audition tapes to find the right person to replace former singer ZP Theart, and will now be fronted by 23-year-old Marc Hudson.

"I'm really excited about being a part of the DragonForce family," said Hudson. "It's always been my dream to dedicate my life to making music. I'm going to bring all the power and emotion I can to the songs, and help make the killer new record the fans have been waiting for!"

The Oxford, England-bred vocalist paid his dues in the UK underground scene, citing powerhouse singers like Bruce Dickinson, Michael Kiske, and Sebastian Bach as influences.

DragonForce have been crafting the follow-up to 2008's 'Ultra Beatdown' in studios in France, England, and the US. "Everyone in the band is extremely excited about how the new material is shaping up," said guitarist Herman Li. "We haven't felt this kind of energy in the band for a long time. We can't wait to unleash the next DragonForce album later this year."

The new DragonForce album is expected to hit stores in September, with a full world tour to follow.

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