Ultra Beatdown
by DragonForce
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Billboard
    80
    Those in the know can attest DF is merely coming into its own after years on the touring circuit.
  2. AllMusic
    90
    Power metal may not be the most inventive musical style on the planet, but Dragonforce are making it more exciting than most anyone else has for quite some time.
  3. NOW Magazine
    80
    More importantly, though, the songs still totally fucking rock.
  5. Sputnikmusic
    40
    Ultra Beatdown features the same guitar riffing, theatric singing and the rest of that stuff that doesn’t matter in regards to Dragonforce.
  6. PopMatters
    70
    Ultra Beatdown ultimately delivers what the band promises, which is all the fans can ask for.
  7. The A.V. Club
    67
    True, the lyrics (nearly all of which offer some variation on a battle/victory cliché) are borderline brain-dead, the musicianship is all slippery soullessness, and the production is so oppressive that the instruments might as well be synthesized. But in a subgenre where understatement matters less than showing one's might, these could just as well be merits.
  8. Alternative Press
    90
    Ultra Beatdown is a relentless explosion of power metal serving as a superb master class for fledgling shredders on any instrument. [Sep 2008, p.152] [Sep 208, p.152]
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  9. Uncut
    60
    A grandiose power metal pomposity that marshals such gusts of keyboard and flowery, Yngwie Malmsteen guitar duelling it basically feels like a climax strung out over 60 minutes; epic in short bursts, slightly tiring in the long haul. [Nov 2008, p.92]
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Awards & Rankings

87
#87 Most Discussed Album of 2008

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 58 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 58
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 58
  3. Negative: 6 out of 58
  1. imthenoob
    May 10, 2017
    7
    From start to finish (including bonus tracks), There are plenty of good and memorable songs that more than live up to previous works. It's aFrom start to finish (including bonus tracks), There are plenty of good and memorable songs that more than live up to previous works. It's a different sound but in a good way that fits the band.… Full Review »
  2. TheRockerDude
    Dec 10, 2013
    10
    Dragonforce has pleased me with no end. It is great for all things, gaming, working out, and even to sleep to. I have listened to all of theirDragonforce has pleased me with no end. It is great for all things, gaming, working out, and even to sleep to. I have listened to all of their songs at least 10 times each. This album, however, was one of their best. It really brought new life to the world of Power Metal. The lightning fast solos and powerful lyrics made this band what they are today and i hope continue to power their way through the world of Power Metal with even better albums and songs.… Full Review »
  3. spadenx
    Jan 13, 2012
    6
    Its ok. A few good songs on it but compared to the other albums by Dragonforce, It wasnt all that good. The songs sounded too similar andIts ok. A few good songs on it but compared to the other albums by Dragonforce, It wasnt all that good. The songs sounded too similar and didnt have the variety that other albums did. Their sound was a little different this time around and I didnt like it, Didnt seem up to par as their old stuff. I can understand them having to evolve but in this case, they devolved.

    It was an ok album that die hard fans will love but first time listeners are better off starting with the old stuff and working their way forward.    … Full Review »
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