DragonForce Announce New Album, Debut ‘Highway to Oblivion’ Video

England's power metal icons DragonForce have just revealed the details of their eighth studio album, Extreme Power Metal. It comes out Sept. 27 on Metal Blade and to tide fans over, they've released the first song off the record, "Highway to Oblivion," which can be heard below.

DragonForce embrace a cinematic approach to the album opener, utilizing electronic beats and melodies with a dramatic vocal buildup before an explosion of theatrical guitars enter the fray. There's a balance between dizzying speed and a comparatively mid-tempo gallop supported by an enchanting synth-driven atmosphere.

As for the video, it'll give you Tron flashbacks.

"This album again combines the best of DragonForce in an even bigger, more epic way than we have ever done before. We are so excited for fans to hear it," Herman Li said of the forthcoming 10-track effort which includes a cover of Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On," which dominated the charts thanks to the Titanic film.

"Highway to Oblivion" is also now available for play in the "rhythm shooter" virtual reality game Audica. The video game features the edited version of the track (for which the music video was made) as well as the full seven-minute version.

Epica keyboardist Coen Janssen played on the album following the 2018 departure of longtime keyboard player Vadim Pruzhanov, who had been with the band since 2001.

"We worked really closely with Coen on this new album," said guitarist Sam Totman. "We are so happy with what he has brought into this new album. Every fan will be so happy to hear his majestic playing."

As for what fans can expect, Li prefers they figure it out for themselves. "In this age where our music is easily accessible, I am not going to waste time trying to describe the sound of our new album. I'll let the music do the talking," he stated.

Previewing the tour, the axeman added, "However, what I can tell you is our upcoming tour will be our biggest in a decade. We have a massive epic production and a really special surprise for VIPs. We can't wait to see everyone out on the road."

Watch the video for "Highway to Oblivion" below and view the Extreme Power Metal album art and track listing beneath the clip.

Catch DragonForce on tour at the dates listed toward the bottom of the page.

DragonForce, "Highway to Oblivion"

DragonForce, Extreme Power Metal Album Art + Track Listing

01. "Highway to Oblivion"
02. "Cosmic Power of the Infinite Shred Machine"
03. "The Last Dragonborn"
04. "Heart Demolition"
05. "Troopers of the Stars"
06. "Razorblade Meltdown"
07. "Strangers"
08. "In a Skyforged Dream"
09. "Remembrance Day"
10. "My Heart Will Go On" (Celine Dion cover)

DragonForce Tour Dates With Dance With The Dead + Starkill

Oct. 01 — Tucson, Ariz. @ Encore
Oct. 02 — Albuquerque, N.M. @ Sunshine Theater
Oct. 03 — Las Vegas, Nev. @ Vinyl @ Hard Rock Hotel
Oct. 04 — Fresno, Calif. @ Strummers
Oct. 05 — Reno, Nev. @ Cargo
Oct. 06 — Portland, Ore. @ Hawthorne Theater
Oct. 07 — Vancouver, British Columbia @ The Red Room
Oct. 08 — Seattle, Wash. @ El Corazon
Oct. 11 — San Francisco, Calif. @ August Hall
Oct. 12 — Ventura, Calif. @ Ventura Theater
Oct. 13 — Los Angeles, Calif. @ Megacruise (DragonForce only)

See DragonForce in the Top 25 Power Metal Albums of All Time