Reaching Into Infinity

Reaching Into Infinity marks a pivotal moment in DragonForce's discography, serving as the final studio appearance of longtime keyboardist Vadim Pruzhanov and the debut of drummer Gee Anzalone. While the band is historically synonymous with the 'extreme power metal' sound they pioneered in the mid-2000s, this 2017 release sees them experimenting with progressive metal elements and varied tempos. The centerpiece, 'The Edge of the World,' is their longest track to date, incorporating death growls and a sludge-influenced middle section that surprised longtime fans. Critics, including those at AllMusic, noted that the album successfully balanced their trademark speed with more mature songwriting and diverse influences ranging from thrash to traditional heavy metal. The recording process took place across multiple international studios, resulting in a hi-fi, polished sound that emphasizes the technical interplay between guitarists Herman Li and Sam Totman.