DragonForce recently announced that singer Marc Hudson is stepping back from his musical duties due to an ongoing issue with tinnitus, with his former vocal coach Alessio Garavello stepping in as his replacement, according to a statement shared on Instagram.
The band’s official statement explained the situation regarding Hudson’s health and outlined their plans for the upcoming album and tours.
“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,” the band said. “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!”
The announcement also introduced Alessio Garavello, who will be taking over the male vocal duties alongside frontwoman Alissa White-Gluz.
“Joining us for the next chapter is our longtime friend and Marc’s former vocal coach, Alessio Garavello,” the band continued. “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 shared his thoughts on Hudson’s contribution to the band and the importance of prioritizing his health.
“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,” Li said. “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 commented on the decision to bring Garavello into the lineup, highlighting his history with the band.
“When we started talking about who could step in, there was really only one name on the list,” Totman said. “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.”
New songs from the upcoming album are expected to begin releasing next week.
The lineup change marks the latest development in a period of significant transition for the British power metal band. Hudson’s departure from the touring and recording lineup follows the arrival of White-Gluz earlier this year, making Garavello’s appointment the second major vocal shift of 2026.
Hudson has been a fixture of the band for well over a decade. He has served as the group’s lead vocalist since 2011, appearing on five studio albums: The Power Within (2012), Maximum Overload (2014), Reaching into Infinity (2017), Extreme Power Metal (2019), and Warp Speed Warriors (2024).
The singer he now supports has a similarly extensive history in heavy music. White-Gluz, formerly of Arch Enemy, joined DragonForce in May 2026 as the band’s co-lead vocalist, becoming the group’s first female frontwoman and only its third singer overall. Her live debut with the band came at the Welcome to Rockville festival.
The band framed her arrival as the start of a new era. “Today, the world’s fastest band speeds up and into its biggest, boldest and most electrifying era to date: DragonForce have announced Alissa White-Gluz as their newest member and first frontwoman,” the group stated in its official announcement. White-Gluz had previously collaborated with the band on an alternative version of a 2024 single before formally joining its ranks.
Garavello’s connection to the group runs deeper than a simple substitution. The band describes him as both Hudson’s former vocal coach and a longtime friend, and he will handle male vocals during Hudson’s step-back period while the frontman continues working with the band’s management behind the scenes.
