Lovebites: Finding Light In The Dark
LOVEBITES have not stopped for breath since releasing their debut EP back in 2017. With their latest album only releasing last year, the Japanese power metal outfit has already managed to find time to produce an EP of new material – Glory, Glory, To The World. “We’re always pushing to create the best possible material, that’s always in our minds, so we think it’s best to keep going and not lose that creative momentum,” lead singer Asami explains. “Sure, we might release more often than other bands, but I’m confident quality isn’t sacrificed in the process.” That’s certainly true, with Glory, Glory, To The World seeing LOVEBITES flex their creative muscles and pulling their trademark power metal sound in a number of different directions.
With the world in the midst of a pandemic, writing and recording a new EP was never going to be straightforward, however. LOVEBITES weren’t going to let that deter them, but it did change how they approached writing and recording. “We refused to compromise, and a strong desire rose up in me to overcome anything thrown in our way,” Asami declares. “I think that push has made this EP the most positive work in the history of LOVEBITES.” That sense of positivity is definitely the common thread throughout Glory, Glory, To The World’s five songs. As Asami points out, “all of the tracks have their own unique atmosphere, but the main thing in common is ‘positive power’”. This is true throughout the EP, whether it’s the majestic title track (“inspired from the kind of music you’d hear in church”) or the frantic Dystopia Symphony, an ode to Beethoven overcoming his hearing loss. The band certainly have a knack for finding the light in the darkness, and it’s hard to come away from their music without feeling empowered; Glory, Glory, To The World is no different.
Despite their prolificacy, LOVEBITES‘ commitment to producing quality material can’t be overstated either. Although the whole band shaped the songs’ arrangements, initial writing on the EP was split between guitarists Midori and Mayako, singer Asami and LIGHT BRINGER keyboardist Mao, an external writer the band has worked with throughout their career. “One of LOVEBITES’ core values is ‘let’s take in as many good things as possible’, so we were active in seeking out external writers and really pushing what we’re capable of,” Asami comments. Musical growth is clearly a focus for the band, with Asami highlighting there was a lot of pressure to outdo their previous album, the momentous Electric Pentagram. She expands, “receiving lots of ideas from varying perspectives is great for the band’s evolution.” With an unexpectedly remote approach to recording due to the pandemic, LOVEBITES were meticulous in ensuring Glory, Glory, To The World met their usual high standards. As Asami elaborates, “we didn’t meet all together to record like we usually do. Instead, it was mostly done individually and we’d exchange the data afterwards. We exchanged ideas over and over until everything was how we wanted, with no discrepancies.”
With such regular, quality output and an overall drive to continually better themselves, it’s no wonder LOVEBITES have been making a name for themselves outside of their homeland of Japan. “I feel like we are now in an era where we can shine worldwide despite being based in Japan, thanks to social media and YouTube,” Asami observes. “It’s difficult to reach the UK and Europe, but when we release a music video, I feel like we’re there when I’m reading so many comments and reactions from overseas. We’re happy to realise that people support us despite being so far from our home in Japan!”
Moreover, and at the risk of pointing out the obvious, LOVEBITES additionally stand out by virtue of being an all-women band in a genre that is still unfortunately dominated by men. Likewise, the band’s image sees the members elegantly dressed, cutting an atypically regal aesthetic for a metal group. “I think there are still people who write us off because we’re women. Maybe they see our image and immediately think we’re not for them,” Asami ponders. “I hope that such people will realise they’ve been deceived and will like our songs if they give us a chance. I think it’s important to bring something a little bit different or innovative, those types of bands are the ones in history that bring new energy to a scene.” Indeed, you only have to listen to lead cut Glory To The World to realise that LOVEBITES give many of their metal contemporaries a run for their money – beyond just song-writing talent, this is a band of significant musical chops and ability. Metal has always thrived on the idea that looks can be deceiving, and LOVEBITES are no different.
With their latest EP under the belts and the world still in flux, LOVEBITES are cautiously planning their next steps. “I don’t know when we’ll be able to play overseas again. However, until then I want to continue making music to the best of our ability.” From Asami‘s comments, LOVEBITES‘ sheer determination shines through. Anxious to bring the new material to life in a live setting, Asami signs off; “please look forward to that day and until then, stay healthy! Thank you for your support!”
Glory, Glory, To The World is set for release on May 28th via JPU Records. Pre-orders are available now and can be purchased here.
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