Marc Hudson, the frontman of Power Metal band DragonForce, has signed a solo deal with Napalm Records and will release his first solo album, Starbound Stories, on 25 August 2023. The first single, Astralive, is out now with an accompanying video.
“It is with great pride that I can finally announce my signing to Napalm Records,” Hudson told us. “I’m very grateful for the label’s belief in me as a solo artist and can’t wait to have Napalm on my side to show Starbound Stories to the world.”
With his typically powerful and dynamic vocal range, Hudson’s first solo song, Astralive, blasts an undeniably catchy chorus whilst also featuring fast drum patterns and spellbinding guitar work. You can also feel his infectious enthusiasm and genuine passion for the music shining through.
“Astralive is the first single from the album and takes the listener on a Power Metal journey through space and time,” he says. “This song explores the cosmic mysteries of the universe and mankind’s eternal search for wisdom beyond the stars.”
Hudson is joined by Shaz D, Keyboards, Frédéric Leclercq, Guitars and Bass and drummer Rich Smith for Starbound Stories. Samurai metal master Ryoji Shinomoto (RYUJIN, previously known as Gyze) on traditional Japanese instruments performs on the instrumental album opener As The Twilight Met The Sea.
Other tracks feature solos by guitar virtuoso Syu (Galneryus), Jacky Vincent (ex-Falling in Reverse, ex-Cry Venom) and guest vocals by Adrienne Cowan (Seven Spires). Steve Terreberry, known on YouTube as Stevie T. (3.32M subscribers), performs a guitar solo on Call Of The Martyrs and is joined by prog guitarist Galen Stapley (Azure).
Stapley also provides a solo on the following title track, Starbound Stories. One More Sight Of The Sun With You is sung in Japanese, staying true to the main themes of the album and closing the entire offering on an uplifting note.
Hudson’s debut solo album is an outstanding musical adventure balanced between Power Metal, video game soundtracks, Japanese music and even pop influences, showcasing virtuosity throughout all of its grand instrumentation.
Marc Hudson – Starbound Stories can be pre-ordered from Napalm Records.
