In a truly old school move, female power metal band LOVEBITES have just released a physical-only EP. Titled Golden Destination it features two unreleased songs (Spellbound and Puppet On Strings) along with an orchestral version of Thunder Vengeance, the explosive track which opened their recent Electric Pentagram album.
Paying homage to bassists Miho’s love of Iron Maiden’s Golden Destination fairly races out of the blocks with triple gallop phrases and a twin guitar attack. Accompanied by a behind the scenes video that documents their recent jaunt around the UK with DragonForce it offers a glimpse at the band’s off-stage personalities. In stark contrast to their previous slick videos, Golden Destination finds LOVEBITES sightseeing, eating at fast food outlets and, in opposition to their glamorous on-stage personas, sound checking in slippers and dressing gowns. It’s a video that shows LOVEBITES’ special relationship with the UK and a fascinating insight into the workings of a touring band that’s sure to win the group many new converts.
The two previously unreleased tracks are typical LOVEBITES fare and show a great musical virtuosity but it’s the new version of Thunder Vengeance that’s the real revelation. Like the best heavy metal LOVEBITES’ have always included classical flourishes in their music but this reworking really goes to town and attests to guitarist Miyako’s musical training and this new version would have made an equally grandiose opener to Electric Pentagram.
Golden Destination is another solid step towards world domination.
Rating: 90/100
Golden Destination (EP)
Tracklist:
01. GOLDEN DESTINATION
02. SPELLBOUND
03. PUPPET ON STRINGS
04. THUNDER VENGEANCE (Orchestral Version)
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