It’s a long way from Hong Kong to Hollywood, but like movie icon Jackie Chan, DragonForce’s ultra shredder Herman Li has made a similar journey. Born in the former British colony, Li lived there until his family moved to England, where he went to school and university. As a youth, he was very much into video games, which today shows in his music; he is well known for mimicking vintage video game themes or even the sound effects of the games on his guitar while performing with his band DragonForce.

Li has said that he picked up guitar out of boredom and influence by a friend who could play a few chords on guitar. He convinced Li that even three chords would be enough to play many popular songs (BTW: he was right!). His early guitar influences were Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and John Petrucci, which may account for some of Li’s own blazing speed and technique.

Li met future DragonForce partner Sam Totman when he joined the black metal band Demoniac. Li’s influence on this band helped it evolve into a more melodic speed metal band, and resulted in a very controversial album called The Fire and the Wind. When the band dissolved, Li and Totman formed DragonHeart. They changed the name to DragonForce when the band found out that another band owned the name DragonHeart. DragonForce has become very successful; they have released four studio albums, a double disc live album, and are now working on a fifth studio recording with new singer Marc Hudson to be released in early 2012. They have toured the world many times, and have performed with such artists as Disturbed, Slipknot, and Iron Maiden. Li has described DragonForce’s music as “extreme power metal.”

Over the years, there have been several personnel changes in DragonForce, leaving Li and Totman as the only original members. They often share songwriting and production duties, which have earned the band many accolades, including a Grammy® nomination and many music magazines’ “best” awards. Li’s unique approach to guitar sounds and stunning technique have earned him four Guitar World magazine awards, including Best New Talent, Best Riff and Best Solo, among many other awards.

When he is not writing, recording and producing for DragonForce, Li’s other pursuits include writing a guitar column for Total Guitar magazine, dabbling in computer technology, and martial arts. He also performs at guitar seminars and clinics to showcase his own approach to guitar playing and to help inspire guitar players worldwide.