ALBUM REVIEW: Electric Pentagram – Lovebites

Intending to replicate the speed and adrenaline surging of their sound, it’s hard to believe that we are already ready to welcome LOVEBITES‘ fifth release. Since their explosive inception in 2016, the Japanese metallers have rarely taken their foot off the gas, instead trailblazing their way across the globe, winning plaudits with every performance and every studio release. So, does third full-length, Electric Pentagram, keep the momentum surging forward?

Sticking to their ethos, Electric Pentagram flies out of the traps with Thunder Vengeance as the band’s now signature blistering twin guitar harmonies and soaring vocals from frontwoman Asami sets an strong opening statement of intent whilst Holy War leans more into symphonic territory as the backing keyboards helps enhance the band’s triumphant sound and ensures that fits will be continuously raised throughout. It’s an explosive one-two punch to this new offering and indicates that LOVEBITES still have plenty of gas in the tank.

From there, it’s very much business as usual for LOVEBITES. Golden Destination‘s lovely twin guitar harmonies, breathtaking leadwork and NWOBHM inspired song structure is an absolute romp, Raise Some Hell is an absolute rager as the thrashing riffs compliment Asami‘s incredibly powerful vocal deliveries and When Destinies Align is a bonafide anthem thanks to yet another bout of sensational guitar licks and angelic vocal deliveries from Asami. Speaking of Asami, she has developed a strong reputation for her vocal deliveries and on Electric Pentagram she delivers the goods once again. Oozing with class, power and melodic prowess, her vocal abilities are second to none and really helps propel the band’s bombastic sound to new heights.

Given the band’s whirlwind pace in releasing material, Electric Pentagram is certainly victim of the band’s relentless charge as there are moments here that don’t quite connect as well as they probably should, resulting in the record losing a sense of memorability. Despite boasting some neat riffs, A Frozen Serenade doesn’t connect as well as it probably should and by the time the record hits its final stages with The Unbroken and Swan Song, a creeping sense of repetition has settled in. Although the songs here are of the same solid quality as the album’s opening barrage, the simple fact that this is quite an extensively long record results in the band loosening the vice-grip, making the final stages somewhat of a slog, rather than a triumphant and excitable finale it probably should have been.

Given the absolute blistering pace in which LOVEBITES are releasing records, there is a cause for concern that the band could be the victim of their downfall and run out of steam. Despite moments where the band don’t land the knock-out punch as well as they normally should, fortunately on the whole, Electric Pentagram continues to push the band’s exhilarating brand of heavy metal forward. Whilst it may be slightly predictable in places, this new offering from Japan’s rising stars is yet another strong addition to their ever-increasing arsenal.

Rating: 7/10

Electric Pentagram is set for release on January 31st via JPU Records.

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