By Jonny Bakes
Lovebites is a band that I’ve been aware of for a long time but have never really gotten round to checking out their back catalogue, which is bizarre considering they sound like they would be completely my scene. But we all know that the second best time to do anything is right now, so I might as well take this opportunity to really get to grips with Lovebites as I experience my own ‘Judgement Day’.
Lovebites are the all-female Japanese symphonic metal band that you’ve quite possibly never heard of… or perhaps you might have done considering they won Metal Hammer’s ‘Golden Gods’ Award for ‘Best New Band’ in 2018. They churned out albums at a rate of roughly one per year from their debut in 2017 until the departure of bassist Miho in 2021, which led to a hiatus. Not to be kept down for long though, Lovebites are back in 2023 after recruiting a new bassist in the form of Fami to drop the next album in their expanding catalogue.
One of the first things that stands out is that, unless you were told that they’re Japanese, you wouldn’t necessarily come to that conclusion yourself as the album bears the hallmarks of a European symphonic/power metal album. I couldn’t help but draw comparisons with Judas Priest in the musical style and song structure, and the vocals sounded distinctly similar to Doro. One thing is for sure, these women absolutely slay! The music is empowering and energetic whilst being heavy enough to crush any doubts you might have had about the band.
The album opens with a grand instrumental introduction before launching into a rhythmical assault and wailing guitars to give a strong flavour of what’s in store for the rest of the album. But that’s not all that ‘We Are The Resurrection’ achieves; instead it also shows that despite the significant lineup change, Lovebites are well and truly back with a vengeance to bring high energy catchy metal to your ears once again. Vocal harmonies are the order of the day to add extra depth which results in something that sounds pretty passionate too. It’s certainly a very strong start that pulls you in to listen to the rest of the album.
The stand out track for me though has to be ‘Stand And Deliver (Shoot ‘em Down)’ which opens with a filthy bass riff before launching into something that is very reminiscent of Judas Priest. It’s a track that packs a serious punch which is almost impossible not to headbang along to. The rhythm is relentlessly fast leaving you with very little time to rest, but that’s fine, because I’m sure you’ll all have the stamina to last this one out. I can really see this going down a storm in a Lovebites live performance and it has certainly done enough to make me want to catch them live to find out! If this doesn’t become a live staple, I will be very surprised as it really is an absolute belter!
Lovebites have really given their all to bring you your ‘Judgement Day’ and it is something that will not be easily forgotten! It’s energetic, powerful and guaranteed to get you headbanging. If you like your metal to be fast, full of massive riffs and guitar solos with catchy vocal hooks then you had better not snooze on this release. I’ve definitely been won over by Lovebites so I guess that means I have passed my own ‘Judgement Day’?
- ‘Judgement Day’ is out now.
www.facebook.com/LovebitesTheBand
- All content © Über Rock. Not to be reproduced in part or in whole without the express written permission of Über Rock.