Album Review: Marc Hudson – Starbound Stories (Napalm Records)

After 12 years with DragonForce, vocalist Marc Hudson presents his first solo album, entitled Starbound Stories, set for release via Napalm Records on August 25th, 2023.

Filled with epic soundscapes, anime-inspired, and influenced by Japanese music and video game soundtracks, Marc Hudson’s debut solo album is a showcase of individuality. His individuality, where his work in DragonForce comes through strongly at times, but this still feels like this own thing.

Notably, the album begins with a lovely piece of instrumental music called As The Twilight Met The Sea. It nicely sets up the creativity that the full album will showcase. Which comes screamingly and powerfully forth on Freedom Heart and Dracula X. The former features samurai metal master Ryoji Shinomoto (RYUJIN), guitar virtuoso Syu (Galneryus), and gets the blood pumping nicely.

Whereas the latter is a power metal anthem that encourages listeners to raise a fist in tribute to its glorious sound. It also features an incredible guitar solo by Jacky Vincent (ex-Falling in Reverse, ex-Cry Venom) and huge guest vocals by Adrienne Cowan (Seven Spires).

The stellar guests keep on coming as classically trained violinist Mia Asano joins Marc Hudson for the heartfelt and emotional Stars. The shimmering melodies, the smooth vocals, and immersive electric violin make this a strong and memorable effort.

Enough good things can’t be said about the vocals on this album, Marc sounds immense across every track. Yet, he is at his best when singing over something like The Siren. A peppy, J-pop inspired head-banger that is so much fun to listen to. An extremely catchy and fun track. Or the appealing energy of the ‘straight-forward’ power metal track that is Astralive. A track with a big chorus and less intrusive guitar virtuoso elements.

Reaching into a cinematic bag of tricks, Swansong is a delightful power metal ballad, that features impressive highs. Call of the Martyrs showcases fascinating technicality with upbeat power metal vibes. Partially thanks to a guest guitar solo from YouTube’s Stevie T. (3.32M subscribers) and prog guitarist Galen Stapley of Azure. The latter also returns to offer up another guitar solo on the foot-tapper and head-banger that is the title track. Before the album wraps up with One More Sight Of The Sun With You. A finale sung entirely in Japanese and that is wonderfully upbeat.

You can tell that Marc Hudson had a lot of fun making this album and has done everything possible to make it as personal to him, as possible. His influences and inspirations are made perfectly clear here, and its not so far removed from his work in DragonForce to isolate fans of that band either. It’s not always the most interesting of releases, there are a few tracks that come and go without leaving too much of an impression, but as an overall package, it’s nice listening.

Marc Hudson – Starbound Stories Track Listing:

1. As the Twilight Met the Sea (feat. Ryoji Shinomoto)
2. Freedom Heart (feat. Ryoji Shinomoto, Syu)
3. Dracula X! (feat. Jacky Vincent, Adrienne Cowan)
4. Stars (feat. Mia Asano)
5. The Siren
6. Astralive
7. Swansong
8. Call of the Martyrs (feat. Galen Stapley, Stevie T.)
9. Starbound Stories (feat. Galen Stapley)
10. One More Sight of the Sun with You

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