The lead singer of DRAGONFORCE, Marc Hudson, is taking a significant step in his musical career as he makes his solo debut with the record label Napalm Records. After twelve years as part of the Power Metal band, he will release his album “Starbound Stories” on August 25, 2023.
“Starbound Stories” draws inspiration from Japanese music and video game soundtracks and features prominent guest appearances.
Marc Hudson comments, “It is with great pride that I can finally announce my signing with Napalm Records. I am extremely grateful for the trust the label has placed in me as a solo artist, and I cannot wait to have Napalm by my side as we unleash ‘Starbound Stories’ to the world.”
Here is the tracklist and cover art for “Starbound Stories”:
The album consists of ten tracks:
- As the Twilight met the Sea
- Freedom Heart
- Dracula X!
- Stars
- The Siren
- Astralive
- Swansong
- Call of the Martyrs
- Starbound Stories
- One more sight of the sun with YouNapalm Records describes the compositions as follows:
“The instrumental opening track, ‘As The Twilight Met The Sea,’ serves as an introduction to the sonic landscapes of the album and features the participation of Samurai Metal master Ryoji Shinomoto (RYUJIN, formerly known as GYZE) on traditional Japanese instruments. Shinomoto also lends his voice to the following song, ‘Freedom Heart,’ which also includes a solo by guitar virtuoso Syu (GALNERYUS). The explosive Power Metal anthem ‘Dracula X’ showcases a guitar solo by Jacky Vincent (ex-Falling in Reverse, ex-Cry Venom) and guest vocals by Adrienne Cowan (Seven Spires).
The beautifully emotive successor, ‘Stars,’ features classical-trained violinist Mia Asano on electric violin.
The energetic ‘The Siren’ is led by a spine-chilling melody and ballad-style vocals, while ‘Swansong’ begins with a beautiful keyboard introduction that could be taken from a movie soundtrack. The heartfelt vocals come in before the song turns into a powerful ballad, with intense highs and various effects that enhance the magical atmosphere while supporting the guitars and drums.
Steve Terreberry, known on YouTube as Stevie T. (3.32 million subscribers), performs a guitar solo on ‘Call Of The Martyrs’ and is joined by Progressive Rock guitarist Galen Stapley (AZURE). Stapley also performs a solo on the following title track.
‘One More Sight Of The Sun With You’ is sung in Japanese, staying true to the album’s main themes and providing an optimistic closing to the work.”
“Astralive,” the first single from “Starbound Stories”
“Astralive” is the first track we can hear from the album. Hudson says the following about it:
“‘Astralive’ is the first single from the album, taking the listener on a journey of Power Metal through space and time. This song explores the cosmic mysteries of the universe and humanity’s eternal quest for wisdom beyond the stars.”
The lineup for “Starbound Stories” consists of:
Marc Hudson – Vocals, Guitar, Backing Vocals
Shaz D – Keyboards
Frédéric Leclercq – Guitars, Bass
Rich Smith – Drums
