"some music was meant to stay underground..."

Dragonforce May Have Split With Vocalist ZP Theart

posted Mar 8, 2010 at 9:27 PM by xFiruath.  (42 Comments)

Photo of Dragonforce

Band Photo: Dragonforce (?)

UPDATE: Dragonforce has since issued a statement confirming the split with their vocalist.

Roadrunner Records posted a statement earlier today that Dragonforce had officially parted ways with their vocalist ZP Theart and then also posted up an audition page for new vocalists to apply. Both the story and the audition page have since been removed, which calls into question whether the split actually occurred. More information on the status of the band will be announced as it is made available. The statement from Roadrunner, which has since been removed, read as follows:

DragonForce have split with lead singer ZP Theart. The band issued the following statement, regarding the matter:

“It is with great regret that DragonForce announce a parting of the ways with singer ZP Theart. This is due to insurmountable differences of musical opinion but the rest of the band sincerely wishes ZP great success with his future projects.”

While the creative core members have begun writing the fifth album, they have also started a worldwide search for a new vocalist. “We are looking for a powerful, melodic singer to write a new chapter of DragonForce with us." said guitarist Herman Li.

Anyone wishing to audition for the vacant position should apply following the instructions right here.

What's Next?

Please share this article if you found it interesting.

42 Comments on "Dragonforce Splits With Vocalist?"

Post your comments and discuss the article below! (no login required)

pinto_beans's avatar

Member

1. pinto_beans writes:

The end is nigh?

# Mar 8, 2010 @ 9:32 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
DeathCrush's avatar

Member

2. DeathCrush writes:

Why it it whenever one member of a band challenge the status quo, he is kicked out? Whatever happened to collaborating musical ideas and opinion constructively with one another?

# Mar 8, 2010 @ 10:14 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
zMETALlica's avatar

Senior News Correspondent

3. zMETALlica writes:

deathcrush: i think it's when one member goes radically different, i've seen it personally with bands i know. it's one thing to take influence on something abstract, but it's another to force it upon your band that is so different. If you have great unique ideas and the band can't agree to use it don't force it upon them and save it for a side project. i don't know if this is the case here, but good riddance in my opinion i didn't like his vocal style.

# Mar 8, 2010 @ 10:23 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Hammerheart's avatar

Member

4. Hammerheart writes:

Who else thinks Stu Block should audition??

# Mar 8, 2010 @ 10:31 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
EsotericSurgery's avatar

Member

5. EsotericSurgery writes:

#3, I totally agree man terrible vox lmao. I can't stand any of these douchebags.

# Mar 8, 2010 @ 10:31 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
6. RTB writes:

Idk how many DF fans their are in the world, but their mayhem performance a couple years ago, i was looking around for crowd response to see how many people get off seeing this band live, most guys were standing around with their d!cks in their hands trying not to fall asleep,(including yours truly) and i came to the conclusion that girls like this band more because they were the ones responding, fist pumping etc. Why? i have no idea...
DF they seem like really cool guys, they did a couple interviews i was able to see, very layed back, decent guys but i dont think their is a big enough fanbase for ths band to succeed...they could always market their music for pinball machine's and or video games, but other than that i dont know how they survive...wish them luck though cause they seem to be really cool guys

# Mar 8, 2010 @ 10:37 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Cynic's avatar

Senior Reviewer

7. Cynic writes:

"but i dont think their is a big enough fanbase for ths band to succeed"

What are you talking about? DragonForce must be one of the highest selling metal bands in recent years, if they're not successful I don't know who is.

# Mar 8, 2010 @ 10:41 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
8. thegoosegoblin writes:

I wonder what radical musical difference existed? Was ZP Theart trying to write songs that were less than 8 minutes long?

# Mar 8, 2010 @ 10:43 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Spaghetti_Motel's avatar

Member

9. Spaghetti_Motel writes:

Now if only the rest of the band would follow suit.

# Mar 8, 2010 @ 10:56 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
10. RTB writes:

Post 6, if thats the case i have no idea how they accomplished it.....especially in the states but oh well, they re all yours

# Mar 8, 2010 @ 10:56 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
11. SaintLucifer writes:

i would be very happy to see the end of these guys

# Mar 8, 2010 @ 11:26 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
50bmg's avatar

Member

12. 50bmg writes:

Why the Herman Li hate?

# Mar 8, 2010 @ 11:32 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
13. RTB writes:

Post 7, my error...
According to billboard and amazon, they have sold alot of lps,...you wouldnt have thought so as i didnt by that mayhem fest response....

# Mar 8, 2010 @ 11:36 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
xDecapitation's avatar

Member

14. xDecapitation writes:

Honestly, these guys make me laugh now. Since the "ZOMG MAN I FINISHED THROUGH THE FIRE AND THE FLAMES ON EXPERT!" (which is when i first heard them) I just cant stand them.

# Mar 9, 2010 @ 12:21 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
15. Random Dude writes:

i think you will find that a certain singer's head was getting too big for his hat......

# Mar 9, 2010 @ 12:47 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Natsquatch's avatar

Member

16. Natsquatch writes:

I dunno HammerHeart, you don't think that would be a pretty big waste of his talent (whether or not you like Dragonforce)?

# Mar 9, 2010 @ 2:09 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
HarvesterOfSorrow18's avatar

Member

17. HarvesterOfSorrow18 writes:

meh...no big deal as far as im concerned..all the songs sound like through the fire and flames...insane guitarists but thats the only appeal to this band..everything else is just meh

# Mar 9, 2010 @ 3:47 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
inhatredofme's avatar

Member

18. inhatredofme writes:

best news i've heard all day, now if they'd all just hate each other and part ways for good.

# Mar 9, 2010 @ 7:19 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Blindgreed1's avatar

Member

19. Blindgreed1 writes:

RTB: I'm not so sure that Cynic is much of a fan, (although he could be, as we've never spoken about it) I think he was just pointing out the fact that they are huge. I don't think DF was a good fit for Mayhem which is probably why you didn't see a lot of their fans there.

I'd also like to point out to Z and DC that often when someone writes complete sh!t that nobody else wants to play the most PC way to put the argument is "insurmountable differences of musical opinion". It's a nicer way of saying that ZP's material was total crap and he insisted that we play at least 4 of these peices of sh!t on the new album. lol. Personally, I don't like any DF material, but hey... Just one man's opinion.

# Mar 9, 2010 @ 9:48 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
20. RTB writes:

When i researched bg about DF sales? I had no idea they sold that many lp's...mastadon and as i lay dying sold more than they did,(08) but i didnt know they had that many fans....agree with the mayhem take, but usually you see a handfull of fans at a show that stick out when bands say dont fit the mold of a bill, 08 SB show only chics, i still dont know were the fanbase comes from but their apparently is one.

# Mar 9, 2010 @ 10:00 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
KREDD's avatar

Member

21. KREDD writes:

i was amazed when i first heard them due to their talent but it soon faded. still have respect for the playing but it's just not something that i can listen to over and over...mainly due to the horrible cheesy singing.

but in response to the standing around at the show(s) i've always *heard* that most ppl just stand and watch in awe(maybe boredom misconstrued as awe? ha). would seem that most DF fans are fans b/c of their love for DF's playing and technicality and don't have the 'get in the pit' mentality. but again, that's what i've read over the years.

# Mar 9, 2010 @ 10:53 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
22. Riku writes:

wtf i barely read the article and wow thay split up that sucks man i saw them at mayhena few years back with slipknot they where awsome Df si terribble with out ZP thart still good with the giutars

# Mar 9, 2010 @ 10:59 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
23. PuckettJp2 writes:

what??? nooooooo

# Mar 9, 2010 @ 12:10 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Blindgreed1's avatar

Member

24. Blindgreed1 writes:

I think most of their fans cross over from video game sound tracks... Just one man's opinion.

# Mar 9, 2010 @ 1:28 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
25. mrkilley2900623 writes:

well, before we get all excited about DF splitting up try reading the article, THE POST HAS SINCE BEEN REMOVED!!! wouldnt they have kept it on if it was serious? was probably just some hacker having a laugh winding up all the over-senstive power metal fans
CLT: carnivorous swarm - cannibal corpse

# Mar 9, 2010 @ 2:06 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Plibt's avatar

Member

26. Plibt writes:

meh i could care less about dragonfarce, but since the official article and what not has been removed doesn't that mean the split isn't official anymore?

# Mar 9, 2010 @ 2:11 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Cynic's avatar

Senior Reviewer

27. Cynic writes:

Most of their fan base is immature teenage boys who have never heard Yngwie, Becker or Vai or any good music, and so literally think they have discovered the worlds most talented guitar players through their Guitar Hero video game. To them DF is the equivalent of a "Fisher-Price My First Metal Band".

That said, I am a DragonForce fan because despite the hate and retarded fans, their first two releases were great power metal albums.

# Mar 9, 2010 @ 3:10 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
TheMidnightCowboy's avatar

Member

28. TheMidnightCowboy writes:

Dragonfart - Through the Fanboys and Flamers

# Mar 9, 2010 @ 3:32 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
29. Monk writes:

I respect the instrumental skill of the band, but I was never a big fan of the lyrics or singing style and although I'm not a huge fan i do like a couple of their songs. I also agree with the mayhem statement

# Mar 9, 2010 @ 3:47 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
MeTaLmAdIc's avatar

Member

30. MeTaLmAdIc writes:

Good they sucked anyway

# Mar 9, 2010 @ 3:56 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
deathfreak's avatar

Member

31. deathfreak writes:

Huh I think that they will all quite and begin new bands that are good and dont suck live.

# Mar 9, 2010 @ 4:30 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Blindgreed1's avatar

Member

32. Blindgreed1 writes:

Cynic: Lolz... That's why I didn't count that out as a possibility. You love the doom, so powah is somewhat joined at the hip. I also agree with the statement you made about their first two albums, technically brilliant. I just can't get on board with the lyrical content.

# Mar 9, 2010 @ 5:15 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
33. spiral_architect writes:

first the notice is posted, then it's brought down? it seems a lot like the current aerosmith publicity stunt of "is tyler in or is tyler out".

# Mar 9, 2010 @ 7:41 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
34. metalicasucksdonkeyballz writes:

I think its so funny how all these metal-licka fans are trashing dragonforce. News-flash: METALICA SUCKS!!!!!!!! They are so slow, and their last 6 albums sound like they're trying real hard to keep up, yet they act like their setting the bar.

# Mar 9, 2010 @ 8:48 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
35. hellsfire writes:

without ZP why bother listening

# Mar 9, 2010 @ 10:35 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
HeadbangerHippy's avatar

Member

36. HeadbangerHippy writes:

I think I should cut my tongue form my mouth and sign up for auditions! I'd probably make these guys sound decent! Haha, sorry, I don't like their music...

# Mar 9, 2010 @ 11:04 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
37. atreyme writes:

Oh, I didn't realise you didn't like them by what you had already said, 36. Thanks for clearing things up. I think they definetely needed a change of vocalists, but to be honest ZP's singing didn't go well with me anyway. My favourite songs by these guys would have to be fire and flames, heroes of our time, and valley of the damned. I always thought DF would be a lot better with a true metal singer, and hey, hopefully they do get someone not inspired by video games.

# Mar 10, 2010 @ 1:13 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
xDecapitation's avatar

Member

38. xDecapitation writes:

#35 ...why listen anyway?

# Mar 10, 2010 @ 1:14 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
39. hunta the hippo writes:

I watch it, I don't understand it, - but do realise that ZP has a personality and doubt very much that the guitarist's do? So boring and bland. 'Go for it ZP'.

# Mar 10, 2010 @ 1:31 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
40. RTB writes:

It figures....
Lol......sort of

# Mar 10, 2010 @ 2:57 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Riku's avatar

Member

41. Riku writes:

ok ok im back this time i read the arctile this time i dont the band really split up its just a bunch of bull sh** and lies its all for publicity stunt just

# Mar 10, 2010 @ 4:24 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
hellrat's avatar

Member

42. hellrat writes:

why don't them dragondorks just look up mickey matijevic and keep the giant wheel of cheese rolling??

then it'd be just a bump in the road for the sh**ty ol' dragon wagon...though some metal mercenaries ought to dig a deep fvcking ditch cross that wayward path, and put the fvcking jedi Force in the gutter where it belongs

this sorry drivel is the fvcking adolescent drama of a childish clique of 80's power poachers...what a fvcking junk show charade parade

# Mar 10, 2010 @ 7:19 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address

To minimize comment spam/abuse, you cannot post comments on articles over a month old. Please check the sidebar to the right or the related band pages for recent related news articles.