The "everyone is a star" attitude is very common among Japanese bands. It comes across from their work culture of everyone working together toward a common goal, in this case, playing the best music that they can. They try not to be individualistic because this is seen as "selfish".
I'm 75 in a very few weeks, so I'm old enough to remember the Beatles and the Rolling Stones as 'new' bands, and being told by my 'elders and betters' that, "they're just a gimmick, they'll never last" ! I was captivated by bands like The Yardbirds, (Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck together on guitar) Cream (Eric Clapton, ex Yardbirds) and the American bands like Jefferson Airplane, Steppenwolf and Iron Butterfly. Then there was Led Zep, Black Sabbath, Hawkwind, who gave us Lemmy and Motorhead, Deep Purple, Rush, Iron Maiden, Saxon, Judas Priest and all the other bands of the 70's and 80's. But I'm afraid that I never got into the 'Death Metal' thing, and most of the newer bands from the 90's on, never appealed to me. So I rather last interest in the whole thing, mostly just listening to my old vinyl albums and CD's. Then, about 4 years ago, a friend recommend that I might like this Japanese band, Lovebites. So, I went to RU-vid to have a look at them. My first impression upon seeing the thumbnails was that they were some kind of J-Pop band, and I thought , 'are you serious ?' However, I've known this friend a long time and we have a lot in common where music is concerned, so I decided to trust him and give them a chance. I chose to listen to what was then the newest video on their official YT channel, which was 'Winds of Transylvania' , the Vladlove music video. Talk about in at the deep end. It was a bit like what being hit by an express train must be like. I was just stunned by it, here were these pretty, no, beautiful, young Japanese women, in white dresses, playing as well or (mostly) better than any of the bands I love. I have been a huge fan ever since. The only other band I have been so enthusiastic about is Rush, who for me were always in a class of their own. The combination of intelligent song writing coupled with the excellence of the musicianship is just perfect for me. I have since discovered several other Japanese bands I like and listen to, but for me Lovebites are the top of the tree. They have brought me back to new music in a genre that I have loved for 60 years, and I think, given me a new lease on life. I went to both their recent London gigs, and although my back and knees complained about standing for so long. I'm so glad that I did. For me these ladies are one of the best bands I have ever seen live, up there with Rush, which is the highest praise I can give them. I hope you enjoy your Lovebites journey, these ladies are the best !
5 elite musicians (Counting Asami's vocals) that play effortlessly. They don;t have any weak songs in their catalog. Check out "Shadowmaker", "Thunder Vengeance" & "Break the Wall". Also "Swan Song" & "A Frozen Serenade" if you want to see then do a ballad. They are the best metal band to come along in decades. Every song has a holy sh** moment.
Videl som ich pred pár týždňami naživo v Nemecku, boli neuveritelne úžasné. Ja som ich spoznal tiež iba minulý rok a je to dosť smutné ako málo ľudí ich pozná.
This is the first ever song played by the new bassist Fami for a live audience for Lovebites. She has never had an audience like this and assignment. She did it very well I think. After the two guitar solos Fami had a mini solo. It could have been slightly higher in the mix. When she had that solo Asami, the lead singer, was looking at her and smiled and gave a thumbs up! And Fami was shining bright as the sun, she has an incredible smile.
LOVEBITES - The Hammer Of Wrath lyrics: What's the worst way to die？ Burning to death, or drowning？ Everyone laughs in derision There's no hope at all Why is the world rotting away Howling in pain, they slowly die All of the sorrow is murderous The insanity (Burn up) They're calling me (Burn up) It's do or die (Burn up) Get ready for hell (Bring down justice to the wicked) Don't look away from the mistakes Open your eyes, and see the truth When lightning cracks the blackened sky Listen to the screams of distress It's like a bad dream but it's not No way to get out, a living nightmare Bring down the Hammer of Wrath Who will be the next to burn？ God only knows the victim Everyone knows they are innocent All the hope is gone In despair they pass away There was no hope to begin with Even the angels are giving up Looking down on us Will this night ever break dawn (Bring down justice to the wicked) SOLO: midori / mi-ya [miyako] What's the worst way to die？ Burning to death, or drowning？ Everyone laughs in derision There's no hope at all Why is the world rotting away Howling in pain, they slowly die All of the sorrow is murderous The insanity (Burn up) They're calling me (Burn up) It's do or die (Burn up) Get ready for hell (Bring down justice to the wicked) Don't look away from the mistakes Open your eyes, and see the truth When lightning cracks the blackened sky Listen to the screams of distress It's like a bad dream but it's not No way to get out, a living nightmare Bring down the Hammer of Wrath Bring down the Hammer of Wrath SOLO: mi-ya [miyako] ----- lyrics: miho music: miho & Mao arrangement: LOVEBITES (miho, haruna, midori, miyako, asami) & Mao album: Awakening From Abyss 10/25/2017
If you like the drummer, may I suggest their song Dissonance? Slayer 🤔 Also don’t forget the ballads- Edge Of The World, Epilogue, Frozen Serenade!!! Soldier Stands Solitary will rip your face off 🤘😎
If you want to see what the drummer Haruna does, there is an isolated drum only audio from Hellfest open air. The song is Soldier Stands Solitarily. The song is banger BTW
Glad so see you so happy about Lovebites, the love of my life regarding music!!! It's always nice to share the enthusiasm!!! Up the LOVEBITTEN!!! 🤘❤🔥🤘👍
first song of first show after their hiatus. first show with new basser fami. and for fami it was the first show in front of a greater audience. next one: official MV "stand and deliver (shoot em down)" thank you for you fine reaction.
They just recently toured in Europe & UK, playing mostly small club shows and some festivals. You can find plenty of raw videos from these gigs and when you compare it with this off. concert dvd/bluray videos, which are profesionally mixed, you will notice how good they sound live even on a raw video recording. The other thing, that really stands out about them: they play with the same energy and enthousiasm for 400 people in a small club in Europe/UK as they do back home in Japan, on a big stage.
Time to see them utilize the piano and do a slower song. Check out A Frozen Serenade live. Use this link: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Ae8pQVu-RN8.html
Have seen them twice in Japan. Once in Osaka and once in Fukuoka. They are amazing live. Possibly the best sounding live band I have ever heard. Best band I have seen since a younger Metallica.
The names: Asami is the singer. The guitars are M&M: Miyako and Midori. Miyako is the black-haired, cool one who also plays piano. Midori is the blonde bodybuilder (two silver medals!) who is a lot more active. "Midori" means "green", so you'll sometimes see green hearts in comments about her or addressed to her. Fami is the new bassist (since 2022, album "Judgement Day" and live shows "Knockin' At Heaven's Gate" I and II). She is the one who still looks a bit like a schoolgirl (she's only 22). The name Fami is a stage name, she called herself after Family Mart, a chain of convenience stores. (There's a cultural gap there that I sometimes can't really bridge, it seems.) On older recordings, the bassist is Miho, normally with red- or purplish-dyed hair, who plays bass a bit like Steve Harris. The drummer is Haruna, the shortest of the bunch (4'9''), nickname "Little Big Engine". She's often called Harupi. There are other nicknames they have for each other that are only of interest when you start following their individual Twitter or Instagram accounts. (I mean it's not hard to find out who Dorimi, Famikko and Miya-tan might be. Piko is Harupi = Haruna.)
LOVEBITES - WE THE UNITED one of the best solos ever Live at zepp Divercity Tokyo 2020 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-QraMvSa6QT4.html This is how you end a show. I seen them twice a few years back in Newcastle and Edinburgh when they were on tour with Dragon Force Herman Li with a skirt on Herman Li ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-mWVwdGi9ixI.html Also was told the drums and guitars have to go for therapy after every gig. ha ha
That's a compilation video, not the Zepp performance. This is a good version of that show : ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-pdXVx-0V0ew.html
Having seen the Lovebites and Hanabie reactions I am looking forward to you making it to Nemophila. That whole "they all seem like the star" is part of what I love about the Japanese women metal scene. Many, maybe most, of the bands have that vibe. All feel like really cohesive teams.
Happy birthday Asami!!! Also, do Frozen Serenade, Break the Wall, and if you want to do another MV (or live, either is good), Shadowmaker is one of the best songs ever. I say the video, not because live isn't great, but because for most of us, we all found this band back from the MV for Shadowmaker. That was our first introduction to the band, and is still one of the best power metal masterpieces ever. Others to see, beside the ones I mentioned: Above the Black Sea, Swan Song, We The United, Burden of Time if you want to see Miyako showing off, and maybe Spellbound for some fun :) Enjoy! Edit: Also Thunder Vengeance. I can't believe I almost forgot to mention Thunder Vengeance. Live.
Amazing musicians. Was great to see them on 14th June and 1st July in London. Would also recommend "Stand and Deliver" "Thunder Vengeance" and "Winds of Transylvania" but everything is awesome 👌 Amd Fami never stops smiling. Can't wait to see them live again.
The mixing and mastering of all their albums and most of their live recordings is done by two guys from Finland. The both audio engineers Mikko Karmila and Mika Jussila also work for Nightwish, Amorphis or Children of Bodom for example. Amorphis and LOVEBITES co-headline one night of the ProgPower Festival in Atlanta this September. Midori calls Children of Bodom guitarist Alexi Laiho as one of her favorite guitarists and influences …
Haruna/drums at 4' 9" is a beast. She hits harder than any MMA fighter, has Olympic endurance and never sweats while smiling as she pounds that kit like it owes her money!!! M&M as usual, polar opposite personalities yet they blend together like a Vulcan mind meld especially LIVE. M&M practice together away from the band often so you can just imagine what those jam sessions are like. Miyako is the savant brain that was trained as a classical pianist from age 3 and picked up the guitar at 18 and self taught. Midori on the other hand dropped out of college at 20 and entered a prestigious music school for guitar. Asami never sang metal and has a ballet, R&B/Soul/Jazz background. Fami is a 21 y.o. phenom who had 6 times more followers on YT than the band did when she auditioned for the opening left by Miho the founder who put this group together. You will never be disappointed by anything this band does LIVE. While their MV or studio works are awesome LIVE with their stage energy is where this group really shines.
Im just like you at this moment, discovering bànds from Japan. Babymetal was the first two months ago, now Love Bites and Nemophila. These bands are giving the metal community a good kick up the arse and injecting a much needed vibe back into metal which has been missing for years. Nice reaction. You should check out Nemophila they are currently rocking my world as of this time. Though not as established as long as BM and LB they are slowly rising up along with Hanabe and Bandmaid on the Japanese and gaining more recognition from the global metal community at large. Keep rocking, big man.🤘🤘🤘🤘
I'd you love all Female Japanese metal... Do Aldious - Sweet Temptation music video. These ladies were the first ones to be commercially successful in thus mikenium. Once they did the doorway busted open for all the rest of the Female Bands to rush through.
The sound is provided by Miyako, the dark-haired guitarist, who, by the way, is "not a guitarist," she is a pianist and composer. In "the swan song" she does the piano introduction of the song with a version of Chopin and the perfect ending.
Check out the last release (from today on their channel) of Lovebites: "We are the resurrection"! It's amazing live performance! You will melt your face!😀
Lovin' your Lovebites reactions \m/ \m/. Lovebites is a regular on my ye 'ole playlist as far as "new" or "newer" rock and metal bands along with Band-Maid, Nemophila, Orden Organ, Orbit Culture, and Unleash the Archers joining some of the "old vets" on there like Helstar, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, King Diamond, Metal Church, Riot, and W.A.S.P. Speaking of metal bands from Japan, if no one has suggested them as of yet, I highly recommend Nemophila. "Dissension," "Orian," "Rise," "Revive," or "Seize the Day" would probably be a good jumping off point. There are official live videos of all 5 of those songs on their RU-vid channel, and they are friendly to reactors; so, you shouldn't have to worry about copyright strike issues.
Best Metal of the 21st century. Think that covers everything. Try Band-Maid for THE best Hard Rock on Earth - all female, Japanese maestros, best served live.
"The Hammer of Wrath" is one of Love Bytes' early works and is the second song on their first full-length album, AWAKENING FROM ABYSS. It is familiar to fans because it was often used as the opening and encore song at their live performances, along with the first instrumental song "The Awakening". In fact, there are extremely few of their original songs with solo parts for bass guitar and drums, and this song was chosen as the opening song for this revival concert, partly because it was the first appearance of a new member, FAMI.
As for bassist Fami. As many people mention here, she is their newest member and maybe the least known of them? But God what a great bass player she is! I really suggest you go to her own channel and watch her play. I discovered her when I saw her playing "alien alien bass cover" and I still don't understand what she's doing on the fretboard? It looks like she's just dragging her hands across the fretboard, but she repeats it several times and it sounds amazing! It is all so fascinating to watch!
I got some great suggestions for you mate. First off theres a band Called Haze. Its some kind of Japanese pubk rock. Their songs are great. For example Haze/ギャルガル / Official Music Video Then theres bandmaid wich is a rock band. They have many good songs. Their song "choose me" was in the peacemaker series. Their new song "protect you" is really good too. Then there is upiko. She isnt reallyhard or anything but her voice is amazing and her lyrics are really good. Her song "crow" is amazing. Then there is ladybaby wich is similar to babymetal. Their song nippon manju is really well known and pretty awesome. One of the singers later formed another band called "brats" and theit song brats - spiderweb is another experimental metal track. Then there is Ano. Shes more of a pop singer but she is very unique too. She does a kinda mix of pop with some rock to it. Hard to explain as you already experienced by other artist. Nevertheless her performance at "the first take" of her song ZeZeZeZettai Seiiki is awesome and youd like it. Her first take performance of her song fuhen is also great. Then theres Ado. Not to be confused with Ano. Shes more metal again. Youll need to listen to her song Ussewa and to her live performance (the one with 3 million views) of her song aishite aishite aishite Lastly theres a band called tricot and their song "tokyo vampire hotel" is pretty good
Midori, the blonde guitarist, does body building fitness competitions on the side. She took second place in one. Fami is the new bassist here and this was the very first song of her very first concert with the band. And I'm pretty sure it was also her first time in front of a major audience on stage. She took to it like a fish does to water.
Lovebites' rabbit hole is deep and long, even though the band was only founded in 2016. The founders were the fantastic bassist Miho and the - in my eyes - incredible drummer Haruna. Haruna, who I always affectionately call little big engine! A rather shy personality with the heart and skills of a lion on the drums. The M-Pack quickly joined, meaning the incomparable Midori (acoustic and electric guitar - the wild stage performer) and the not too highly rated musician Miyako [pianist, guitarist, composer - who can not only play the guitar seriously, no, she can also laugh and smile at concerts - I'm providing video evidence here ;-)] Also an important tip for beginners - the grand piano is not just an ornament on the big stage for Lovebites - really not! Music can also have lyrics and the majority - not all, but the majority - of Lovebites' lyrics are written by Asami, the band's charismatic singer. Unfortunately, Miho resigned as Lovebites' bassist in 2021 and later that year, the young, talented Fami was introduced as the band's new bassist. I myself have been a fan of the band since my unexpected live experience at Wacken Open Air 2018 - wow, the women have blown us away with their skills, their performance on stage and quite simply with their music! Wow, wow, wow! Since then, I've loved howling with the wolf pack and have had some great moments in Japan and here in Europe - an incredibly great band and please give them the big stages in Europe too - please, please, please!
Watch Fami channel(new LOVEBITES bassist) do bass cover Alien Alien(viewed 11M++) Check another all Japanese Rock/metal female Bands BAND-MAID... live songs Hate, Don't You Tell Me... NEMOPHILA... live songs ZEN, AMA TE RAS, Rise, Revive, Seize The Fate, Dissention, Raiter, cover songs IRON MAIDEN, MOTLEY CRUE, AC/DC, KISS, LIMP BIZKIT, SOTD... ASTERISM(female guitarist)... songs DAWN, RISING MOON, LIGHTS IN THE DARKNESS, CHURCH, GUNFIRE, BLAZE, all songs with crazy solos and 7string bass solos....
I got the pick from Midori (the blonde guitarist) after a live show 🥲 I think you'll particularly like Rondo of Nightmare from Babymetal! Make sure to pick the live version with the intro from the kami band (metal gods)! 😊
Here's Haruna in a recent concert, drum cam. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-7wo9iROwJeM.html This one is Soldier Stands Solitarily. This second one, is another recent drum cam of Holy War. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-C1ZL66rZGyo.html Yes, she is indeed The Little Big Engine!!!!!!! You support my girls, I support you. You have a new subscriber.
The production is great, the playing is great, the promotion outside Japan is not so good. A couple of weeks ago they played to 300 people in a London pub.
New sub here. Miyako (Black hair, Dean Guitar) is a classical trained pianist. Listen to "Swan Song" with the Chopin intro: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-dcMVtrvpJpk.html or "Lost in the Garden" with a Franz Listz piano La Campanella: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZbBDtutlHOc.html
Maybe check out Swan Song for something a little different, more power metal. Miyako (dark hared guitarist) starts off with a Chopin piano intro and ends with beautiful piano outro which always gets to me.
Imagine coming back from a 2+ year hiatus from live performances, with a new bandmember (and that bandmember has never played live shows before), and opening with THAT. Of course, all Lovebites songs are a big ask, so no matter what they choose, it's a high-wire act without a net.
Thank you for nice reaction. I recommend studio Live - Scream For Me ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-46z-13l2oNs.html another recommend Live LOVEBITES / Holy War [Live at Zepp DiverCity Tokyo 2020] ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bgAxpEpEcno.html Glory To The World [MUSIC VIDEO] ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE--wJtD2XEXH4.html "HEAVY METAL NEVER DIES - LIVE IN TOKYO 2021" Trailer ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-r213R5QYSOg.html
I was lucky enough to see them live last month and they 100% deliver live! Some other Japanese power metal bands / songs worth listening to: Hagane - Tenga Goken Fate Gear - Winds of Fall Mana Diagram - Glitter wind PaleNeØ - PANORAMA Paradoxx - Gyakusetsu no Singularity Sirius - Fly High FullMooN - blue max Amaidantoudai - Fumetsu no Hana Liv Moon - Seize the Days
"I need to listen to the album because it feels like the album must be like a hundred miles an hour all the time" You can't be any more on point for this hahahaha! Of all their albums, LOVEBITES only made one single ballad (Epilogue) and the rest is just "Weeeeeeh! Feel my speed metal going brrrrrr!!". Well technically, there's two of them (A Frozen Serenade) but this one is a bit beefy if you ask me so does it still count as a ballad? meh. If you want to listen to their ultimate speedilicious song, just try Soldier Stands Solitarily. It's not the fastest time-signature wise (I think this goes to Thunder Vengeance) but overall, it's the most driving one as every instrument and not only the drums is playing like really fast.
@Headbangers Guild: you missed them live in the UK last month. 😪 But now you are into J-Metal. You did BM & Lovebites. IMO Band Maid is missing. "Hate" official live and "Domination" live. Like Lovebites & BM - they are going to blow your mind. I wanna see your reaction - I subscribed 🤩. Because you are from UK - how familiar are you with bands like Nightwish, Epica, Ayreon or Blind Guardian? If not - another deeeeeeeeeep rabbit hole is waiting 🤪. Because you have to meet the goddess valkyrie then.
I'm enjoying your voyage of discovery with Lovebites, and the Wolfpack will guide you onwards. Another band I think you'd like is Nemophila. Start with Seize the Fate (official live) for an idea of their style, then in increasing order of heaviness try Oiran, Revive & Dissension.
Just so you know, they have several albums out and your picking songs from different albums. So, saying you want to hear the album dosn't work. unless you mean one of their live concert albums?
It would be a boring world if everyone liked the same stuff. I wouldn't go and see a Taylor Swift concert if you paid me, yet half the planet would donate a kidney to see her live.
