DragonForce are making a major change to their vocal lineup as frontman Marc Hudson steps back from the band’s musical activities due to ongoing issues with tinnitus.
Hudson will be taking time away from recording and touring duties, including the band’s forthcoming album and their planned 2026/2027 touring schedule. While he steps away from performing, Hudson will remain involved with DragonForce behind the scenes alongside the band’s management.
Taking over male vocal duties will be Alessio Garavello of Power Quest, who has previously worked with Hudson as his vocal coach. Garavello will perform alongside Alissa White-Gluz of Blue Medusa and formerly Arch Enemy, who joined DragonForce as a co-vocalist earlier this year.
The band confirmed the news in a statement released on September 19th:
“Due to an ongoing issue with tinnitus, Marc Hudson is stepping back from DragonForce music duties for now including the forthcoming album and touring plans in 2026/2027. In the meantime, he’ll still very much be involved with DragonForce behind the scenes, working with the band’s management on some exciting stuff you’ll start seeing later this year!”
DragonForce also explained that Garavello will be handling the male vocal parts on the band’s upcoming material, which will feature a dual-vocal format.
“Joining us for the next chapter is our longtime friend and Marc’s former vocal coach, Alessio Garavello. He will be handing the male vocals supporting frontwoman Alissa White-Gluz. DragonForce’s forthcoming album will feature a dual-vocals format, with new songs dropping starting next week.”
Guitarist Herman Li emphasized that Hudson’s health and hearing are the priority, noting how important his voice has become to the band’s identity over the past 15 years.
“For the last fifteen years, Marc has poured his heart into this band, and his voice has become such a huge part of who we are. Protecting his hearing isn’t something we’d ever ask him to compromise on. We’d much rather have him healthy and with us for the long haul than push through now and risk that. He’s still in the room with us every day, just wearing a different hat, and we wish him a speedy recovery.”
Guitarist Sam Totman also explained why Garavello was the natural choice to step into the role, pointing to his longstanding relationship with the band and his previous work with Hudson.
“When we started talking about who could step in, there was really only one name on the list. Alessio has been part of our story longer than most people realize. He helped shape Marc’s voice in the first place, so he understands these songs from the inside. But he’s not here to be anyone but himself, and he brings his own warmth and energy to everything he sings. Hearing him on the new material has lit a real spark in all of us, and we think you’re going to love him as much as we do.”
DragonForce are expected to begin releasing new material from their forthcoming album next week, with Garavello and White-Gluz representing the band’s new dual-vocal configuration.
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