Marc Hudson (Dragonforce) Releases Castlevania -inspired Video for “Dracula X!”

Watch HERE

‘Starbound Stories’ is an uplifting journey through MARC HUDSON’s universe of power metal, anime influences, Japanese music and video game soundtracks, last mentioned particularly present on “Dracula X!”. The new comic-inspired animated lyric video to “Dracula X!” leads the listener through the exciting storyline of the track.

MARC HUDSON on “Dracula X!”:

“’Dracula X!’ is a visceral journey inspired by the Castlevania saga. With the spellbinding screams of Adrienne Cowan and the virtuoso mastery of Jacky Vincent’s guitar, it is an evocative battle cry, echoing through the corridors of Dracula’s cursed castle. Through its haunting notes and lyrical poetry, it immortalizes the relentless quest to conquer the undying evil, a sonic testament to the eternal struggle between light and darkness.”

Check out the Action-Packed Lyric Video for “Dracula X!” HERE:

“’Starbound Stories’ is a soaring rocket ride of

sparkling anime-inspired power metal and

I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!” – MARC HUDSON

Instrumental album opener “As The Twilight Met The Sea” acts as an introduction to the soundscapes of the album and features samurai metal master Ryoji Shinomoto (RYUJIN, previously known as Gyze) on traditional Japanese instruments. Shinomoto also lends his vocals on the following track, “Freedom Heart”, which also features a solo by guitar virtuoso Syu (Galneryus). Beautifully emotional successor “Stars” features classically trained violinist Mia Asano on electric violin. “Astralive” lures with an undeniably catchy chorus whilst also featuring fast drum patterns, spellbinding guitarwork and keys, and skillful power metal vocals that reach for the skies. “Swansong” starts off with a beautiful keyboard intro that could be pulled from a movie soundtrack. Sentimental vocals approach before the song progresses into a full-blown power metal ballad, with high screams and plenty of effects that further enhance the magical atmosphere while backing up the guitars and drums. 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.

MARC 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.

‘Starbound Stories’ Track List:

1.As the Twilight met the Sea

2.Freedom Heart

3.Dracula X!

4.Stars

5.The Siren

6.Astralive

7.Swansong

8.Call of the Martyrs

9.Starbound Stories

10.One more sight of the sun with You

‘Starbound Stories’ will be available in the following formats:    

=> 1 LP Gatefold translucent Blue (incl. 24 page booklet + recordbutler)                 

=> 1 LP Gatefold Black (incl. lyric sheet)

=> 1 CD Digipak + T-shirt   

=> Digital Album  

 [1 LP Gatefold translucent Blue (incl. 24 page booklet + recordbutler)]

North American Tour 2023

w/ Amaranthe, NanowaR of Steel + Edge of Paradise

Oct 20 – Mesa, AZ – Nile Theater*

Oct 21 – Albuquerque, NM – Revel*

Oct 23 – Austin, TX – Empire Garage

Oct 24 – Dallas, TX – The Granada

Oct 25 – Houston, TX – House of Blues

Oct 27 – Orlando, FL – House of Blues

Oct 28 – Ft Lauderdale, FL – Culture Room

Oct 30 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade – Heaven

Oct 31 – Charlotte, NC – The Underground

Nov 01 – Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Soundstage

Nov 03 – New York, NY – Palladium Time Square

Nov 04 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium

Nov 05 – Montreal, QC – MTelus

Nov 06 – Toronto, ON – Danforth Music Hall

Nov 08 – Cleveland, OH – Agora Theater

Nov 09 – Detroit, MI – The Majestic

Nov 10 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues

Nov 11 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue

Nov 12 – Lawrence, KS – Granada Theater

Nov 14 – Denver, CO – Summit Music Hall

Nov 15 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot

Nov 16 – Boise, ID – Knitting Factory

Nov 18 – Berkeley, CA – UC Theater

Nov 19 – Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern

* no NanowaR of Steel

Marc Hudson – Vocals, Guitar, Backing vocals

Shaz D – Keyboards

Frédéric Leclercq – Guitars, Bass

Rich Smith – Drums

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