Starbound stories (CD, fra Marc Hudson

Appears in Digisleeve.

After 12 years with DragonForce, singer MARC HUDSON presents his first solo album Starbound Stories, which will be released on August 25, 2023. Starbound Stories is a captivating anime-inspired power metal adventure with influences from Japanese music and video game soundtracks, which the singer brings to life with a variety of notable guests.

The instrumental 'As The Twilight Met The Sea' opens the album's imaginative soundscapes and is accompanied by Samurai Metal master Ryoji Shinomoto (RYUJIN, formerly known as Gyze) on traditional Japanese instruments. Shinomoto also contributes his vocals to the track 'Freedom Heart,' which also includes a guitar solo by virtuoso guitarist Syu (Galneryus). On the explosive power metal anthem 'Dracula X,' Jacky Vincent (ex-Falling in Reverse, ex-Cry Venom) adds a guitar solo, and guest vocals are provided by Adrienne Cowan (Seven Spires). The emotional piece 'Stars' is accompanied by the classically trained violinist Mia Asano with an electric violin. The energetic 'The Siren' is led by a varied melody and ballad-like vocals, while 'Astralive' combines a catchy chorus with fast drumming, captivating guitar work, keyboard elements, and sophisticated power metal vocals that reach for the stars. 'Swansong' begins with a keyboard intro that could be from a film soundtrack. Together with sentimental vocals, the song becomes a full-fledged power metal ballad that features many effects that further enhance the magical atmosphere. Steve Terreberry, known on YouTube as Stevie T. (3.32 million subscribers), plays a guitar solo on 'Call Of The Martyrs' and is accompanied 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 and remains true to the main themes of the album.