One of Japan’s most iconic and infamous metal bands LOVEBITES, are back after a break with their fourth studio album titled ‘Judgement Day’, which will be released Friday 24th February on JPU Records.
Not only are they back with a vengeance, but they’re also sporting a new line-up. After holding a band audition, the successful slot was filled by Fami, who’s already got a huge following on YouTube and is a mere 20 years old. Fami is now firmly placed in the group on bass guitar and jeez, she knows how to shred it!
This 10-track album instantly sweeps you off your feet with the sheer acceleration that the band plays at. No idea what BPM any of the tracks are, but it feels faster than the speed of light, which is replicated throughout the entire album.
‘We are the Resurrection’ sets the pace with a classic fanfare of marching drums and pitch-shifted riffs as the song hurtles into warp factor 9 with its double-kick drum pedal beats and dastardly strings just 25 seconds into the track. Truly breathtaking. Add the clean and crisp vocals of Asami and the two entwine perfectly.
The title track ‘Judgement Day’ is a bit of a red herring. A slow repetitive bass line is followed by heavy breathing and footsteps, as the tempo ascends to yet another astonishing level and Asami’s vocals rise several octaves. And as the track comes to a head, there’s the sound of broken glass (most probably shattered from the resonance in Asami’s vocals), where the track goes back to the start before diminishing.
‘Stand and Deliver’ on the other hand has a rockier start and allows new recruit Fami to shine with her ‘slap-bass’ signature technique. Let’s not forget that this Japanese metal outfit has 5 members, and how they all manage to keep up this extraordinary momentum is just beyond belief.
But later in the album, the brakes are stepped upon; but only for a moment and in only one track. They’ve gotta have a breather after all. Then it’s back to it at full pelt. Screaming guitars, thundering bass lines and the fastest drumbeats your eardrums will ever hear take you to the end of this belter.
To summarise, take the game ‘Guitar Hero’. Once you’ve beaten Lou in a battle, you’re faced with the challenge of playing along to ‘Through the Fire and Flames’ by the legendary Dragonforce; a track that runs at 200BPM. Well, the ladies of LOVEBITES kick their asses on this album.
They’re intricate, melodic, and here to stay; with a force that will clean the flesh from bones. They’re the real deal.
Review: Emma Painter
LOVEBITES
SHARE NEW MUSIC VIDEO AND ANNOUNCE ALBUM LISTENING PARTY
‘JUDGEMENT DAY’ DUE 24TH FEBRUARY 2023 VIA JPU RECORDS
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Pre-order Judgement Day HERE.
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