In recent years, the global music scene has witnessed a rise of Japanese Rock and Metal bands who’ve been making roads outside of their native Japan. One such band is: Lovebites. This Japanese Power-Metal group has been gaining fans worldwide with their exceptional musicianship, powerful vocals, and energetic performances. The band have already appeared at a number of music Festivals all over Europe and in Japan, along with their own sell out headlining shows. In this article, we delve into the history and explore what the future holds for this Metal powerhouse.
A Fusion of Power and Melody:
Lovebites consists of five incredibly talented musicians, formed back in 2016 by former Destrose members Miho on Bass (although she would subsequently leave the band in 2021, more on that later) and Haruna (Drums), the two where quickly joined by Asami (vocals), Midori (guitar) and Miyako (guitar/piano).
With their unique blend of classic heavy metal and melodic power metal, it showcases a dynamic sound that pays homage to the genre's legends while adding their own modern twist. Lovebites musicians have been quoted as taking their influence from all over the Rock / Metal world, particularly from NWOBHM (New wave of British Heavy Metal) European Metal, and American Thrash bands. When combined with Asami’s powerful vocals, who interestingly comes from a more Soul and R&B background, this creates a different dynamic to their sound.
The band's first release was in May of 2017, a super limited EP simply titled: “The Lovebites EP”. Mixed and mastered by Finnish engineers who’d worked with the likes of Nightwish and Children of Bodom, this firmly anchoring the band's sound in the European Metal music Lovebites have become synonymous for.
After the EP’s release, and only later on in that same year! Lovebites released their debut album: "Awakening from Abyss," it instantly garnered attention both in Japan and internationally. The album's powerful compositions, catchy hooks, seamlessly merge intricate guitar harmonies, thunderous drumming, and soaring vocals was a powerful combination for a band that had only formed a year earlier!
The band's subsequent releases, including mini album “ Battle Against Damnation” (2018.06.06) "Clockwork Immortality" (2018.12.05), and "Electric Pentagram" (2020.01.29), showcased their growth and maturity as songwriters. Lovebites' ability to craft anthemic and emotionally charged tracks that resonate with listeners has earned them a dedicated ever growing fanbase worldwide.
2021 saw the release of EP “Glory, Glory, To The World” (2021.03.10) recorded during the COVID 19 pandemic - but only months later in August fans were shocked to learn that co-founding member and Bassist Miho had announced she was leaving the band! It was revealed that the other band members and management had tried to find ways in which she would stay - but in the end, they had to respect Miho's decision to go.
With Miho now gone the remaining members of Lovebites temporarily suspended all activities with a promise to their fans that they will return.
A best of album was to follow with the tracks being voted on by the fans. "In The Beginning ~ (The Best of 2017-2021)" was released on 2021.12.22.
After a short hiatus, in early 2022, Lovebites announced they were now accepting auditions for a new bass player. Applicants were to send a video recording of themselves performing. The auditions were open to anyone regardless of their age, gender, nationality, and they could be professional or amateur. With the thousands of applications submitted from all over the world, the band narrowed this down to just a handful who were invited to a face-to-face audition to chat and perform with the band. In the end this came down to a choice of just two potential replacements for Miho.
There is a great video on Lovebites official Youtube channel HERE showing the auditions process.
Lovebites announced in October 2022 they had found their new bass player. An (at the time), 20 year old bassist called Fami. The musician had already amassed a huge following on her Youtube channel playing Bass before joining Lovebites. A video was released of Lovebites performing with Fami to introduce her to the fans, showcasing her talents, and that she is the right fit for the band.
With their new bassist on board the band released "Judgment Day" (2023.02.22) their fourth full-length studio album. It seems Miyako had been working on demos for this album all the way back in 2021 before Miho left the band . The album debuted at number 5 on the Oricon Albums Chart and also number 5 on Billboard Japan's Hot Albums! With it receiving generally great reviews from critics and fans alike!
International Recognition:
Since their inception back in 2016, Lovebites' undeniable talent quickly caught the attention of metal press and enthusiasts beyond Japan's borders. Back in 2018, they won the "Best New Band" award at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards in London, becoming the first Japanese band to receive this award, starting to solidify their position as a rising force in the global Metal scene.
Epic Live Performances:
Beyond their studio recordings, Lovebites' live performances are an electrifying experience. The band's stage presence and high-energy shows have earned them a reputation for delivering memorable concerts. Their synchronised headbanging, blistering guitar solos, and Asami's powerhouse vocals combine to create an immersive live experience that leaves audiences craving more. So it’s no surprise the band have release 4 live albums to date:
Daughters of the Dawn ~ Live in Tokyo 2019 (2019.07.10),
"Five of a Kind ~ Live in Tokyo 2020" (2020.07.22),
Heavy Metal Never Dies ~ Live in Tokyo 2021 (2021.09.29),
Knockin' at Heaven's Gate ~ Live in Tokyo 2023 (2023.08.23).
What Does The Future Hold for Lovebites?
With an already impressive back catalogue the band shows no signs of letting up when it comes to their continued creativity. Lovebites defy any current musical trends with their brand of Power-Metal.
Their fanbase continues to grow both at home in Japan and in the West. You only have to look at the crowds over the years at the likes of Wacken in Germany, and Bloodstock Open Air in the UK, to see the connection with their audience and the acceptance into the European scene. This, along with their own sold out headlining shows, proves there is an appetite for what Lovebites are doing, and they're building that loyal fanbase a show at a time.
Will they be setting their sites next on breaking the Americas as so many bands have tried to do before them? We will have to wait and see. Whatever happens next we know Lovebites will continue to grow and succeed, and we’re very happy to be along for that amazing ride!
Drew.C
Tokyo Noizu
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