Lovebites: Facing Judgement Day United
Life is good in the LOVEBITES camp. Prior to the pandemic, the Japanese power metallers were one of the rising stars in the genre, 2018’s Clockwork Immortality earning them rave reviews throughout the world and a number of international tour dates, including Download Festival. Even the global lockdown didn’t stall their momentum, releasing two records in Electric Pentagram and the EP Glory, Glory to the World. However, in August of 2021, founding member and bassists Miho decided to leave; shortly after, the band announced they would be taking an extended break. As it transpires though, these two events were more coincidental than linked.
“LOVEBITES has never stopped,” explains guitarist Midori. “Since its inception we have been releasing and touring at a tremendous speed. We want to make LOVEBITES a long-lasting band, but at the speed we’ve been travelling at so fast, it’s impossible to keep up that momentum forever; even if we could, I don’t think it would allow much space for personal or musical growth. Things have slowed down to their usual pace and we’ve been able to focus on ourselves. I think this period has been very important to the band and also on us as individuals.”
With personal batteries recharged, there was the small matter of finding a new bass player before the band could think about recording again. After accepting applications between April and May last year, Fami was revealed as the new, permanent LOVEBITES bassist in October 2022. “The moment I met Fami at the audition I felt she fitted with the band very naturally, as if she had always been part of LOVEBITES,” reveals Midori. “Her personality is as equally important as her technical abilities; she’s so bright, extremely energetic and an all-round lovely lady. Musically, I can hear her thick, heavy bass next to me, and it gives me a great sense of energy and I feel as if my own power is amplified because of it.”
Musically was the natural next step, and it took the form of Judgement Day, the band’s fourth full studio album. Another huge slab of soaring and technically prolific power metal, the combination of MAIDEN-esque gallops, dexterous solos and huge, infectious choruses make Judgement Day arguably LOVEBITES‘ greatest album to date which, given the band’s approach to it, will come as somewhat of a relief. “The album title was chosen ahead of time,” explains Midori. “As the first album after time off and with a new bassist, we wanted to make a statement of how much we love heavy metal and how far we have ventured down this path. With this album title, we want the listener to decide just how heavy metal we are.”
A job very much well done, and it was helped out by choosing to have the title track, The Spirit Lives On and Dissonance released as singles prior to the album’s seeing the light of day. “As always, LOVEBITES’ sound is very varied, but this time we chose tracks that easily convey our aggressive attitude and intentions for this album, “explains Midori “I believe the songs we chose clearly show our thoughts on heavy metal have not wavered and continue to evolve.”
As for Fami, the pacey, rumbling opening to the PRIEST-inspired Stand and Deliver (Shoot ‘Em Down) is just one example of the band’s willingness to let her shine from the off. “We created several songs that would allow her to showcase her skills and being her bass style to the forefront,” explains Midori “We also left room for her to arrange her own bassline on other songs too; in the end she was more lively and bright than I had imagined in the initial production stages!
So, new member well bedded, a storming new album – all that’s left is the live performances, and that’s not far away either; when DS spoke to Midori, she’s just finished a rehearsal for their grand return at the Ex Theater Roppongi in Tokyo, with the band scheduled to play two nights to just over 3,500 people. “We’re so grateful to our fans who have been patiently waiting for our return to the live stage, and also grateful for those who have been introduced to us and become fans in that time,” Midori says excitedly. “These shows will focus on celebrating the return of LOVEBITES (indeed, they have been branded We Are The Resurrection) and then the follow up dates in August and September will all be about the album; 2024 dates overseas will happen, and I’d love to return to the UK!”
When power metal is done brilliantly, there’s little that can rival it in heavy music; LOVEBITES are one of those bands who nail it every single time. As far as they’re concerned, they’ve conquered their own personal Judgement Day with aplomb.
Judgement Day is out now via JPU Records.
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