In the time it takes most bands to record one album LOVEBITES, formed in Tokyo in 2017, have released three albums, two double live sets, a four-track single and now this, their third EP Glory, Glory To The World.
Glory To The World is the opening track and, with an epic introduction, creates an ethereal, almost quasi-religious feel that makes the coming storm even more volatile. With the force of a volcano erupting Glory To The World bursts into life as guitarists Midori and Miyako riff in tandem while the addition of keyboards adds depth and texture. When not clubbing listeners with some of the heaviest riffs known to man this pairing trade blistering guitar solos, and to dizzying effect. There’s a definite neo-classical style to their playing that finds guitar lines intertwining and evidences a Bach and Mozart influence. Vocalist Asami sings English and here her enunciation is crystal clear and her handling of the song’s chorus renders it a real earworm.
The aptly titled No Time To Hesitate comes racing out the blocks and places drummer Haruna centre stage who seems intent on nailing her kit to the studio floor. It’s a punchy, hard-hitting track, factor in some glass-shattering screams from Asami and you have a pedal-to-the-metal, foot-on-the-monitor metal masterclass. This EP is a full-on affair with not a single second wasted and it’s not until we reach the third track, the dark and oppressive Paranoia, that we get a breather of sorts. Tinkling keys hang like icicles which are soon shattered by guitars that ring as if warning sirens as Haruna and bassist Miho combine to create an explosive sound that’s guaranteed to blow your speakers.
For all its frenetic trashiness there’s a lot of variety on Glory, Glory To The World as Dystopia Symphony trades speed for power to deliver a more measured song. Featuring a suitably mean and moody solo from Midori it has a neat midsection as the instrumentation swirls upwards towards some infinitesimal point. There’s an evocative, almost cinematic nature to LOVEBITES’ sound so it’s no surprise closer Winds Of Transylvania was previously released as the theme tune to the Vlad Love anime and it’s sure to transfer well to the live environment and makes a fine conclusion to this raucous EP.
Not content to rest on their laurels Glory, Glory To The World finds the band further developing their sound and, reaching new levels of technicality, evolving from 2020’s Electric Pentagram album. World domination beckons.
Glory, Glory To The World is released by Victor Entertainment on 8th March and JPU Records on 28th May 2021.*
Tracklisting:
1. Glory To The World
2. No Time To Hesitate
3. Paranoia
4. Dystopia Symphony
5. Winds Of Transylvania
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