Japan’s Greatest Power Metal Export Just Got a Major Upgrade
If you haven’t heard of LOVEBITES yet, where have you been? The Japanese all-women power metal quintet have been absolutely decimating stages across Europe – Wacken, Hellfest, Download, Bloodstock – and earning serious nods at Metal Hammer’s Golden Gods Awards, all while building a rabid following back home in Japan. And now? They’ve just signed with Austrian metal powerhouse Napalm Records, and their fifth album, Outstanding Power, is out right now digitally, with physical formats dropping on May 8, 2026.
This is a big deal, people.
LOVEBITES had this to say about the signing:
“We are very excited to announce that we have signed a worldwide deal with Napalm Records, excluding Asia. Their roster is filled with metal bands ranging from rising stars to globally successful acts, and even legendary icons respected by all. We are proud to become part of this illustrious history.”
And honestly? Napalm Records should be just as excited. LOVEBITES are the real deal.
So What Does ‘Outstanding Power’ Actually Sound Like?
The album kicks off with first single “The Castaway” – and it wastes absolutely zero time. Galloping riffs, sweeping pathos, shimmering guitar and bass solos from the dual guitar duo of Miyako and Midori, and vocalist Asami delivering rousing, sky-splitting vocals. It’s a power metal hymn of the highest order.
Check out the official music video right here:
From there, the album doesn’t let up. “Silence The Void” is instantly catchy, while “Forbidden Thirst” channels inner turmoil into heroic storytelling – crowned, once again, with jaw-dropping solo work. “Blazing Halo” is genuinely surprising, with Miyako and Midori‘s dual guitars leaning into AC/DC-esque structures that give the track a classic, timeless feel. “Dream Of King” starts stripped-back and mid-tempo, letting Asami absolutely shine, before crescendoing into an emotional firework that might just be the album’s highlight.
The second half of Outstanding Power is equally relentless. “Phoenix Rises Again” dedicates itself to the mythical bird of regeneration – a perfect metaphor for a band setting sail into a bold new chapter. “Out Of Control” and “Wheels On Fire” pair up like the best of heavy metal siblings, before “The Eve Of Change” builds suspense and demands the listener raise their fist and their voice. Then there’s “Reaper’s Lullaby” – thrash-tinged, gang-shouted, and absolutely ferocious. And just when you think you’ve caught your breath, Asami layers on the tender power ballad “Eternally” with gentle keys and aching vibrato, before the album closes with the heartfelt “One Will Remain.”
The band described the creative spirit behind the record perfectly:
“Unlike the solid ground of land, the sea never offers stability. Yet a ship pushes forward across its surface, never yielding to the crashing waves, raging storms, or roaring thunder. It was with this sense of overwhelming power that we created a truly one-of-a-kind album.”
That comes through in every single track.
‘Outstanding Power’ Tracklisting
- The Castaway
- Silence The Void
- Forbidden Thirst
- Blazing Halo
- Dream Of King
- Phoenix Rises Again
- Out Of Control
- Wheels On Fire
- The Eve Of Change
- Reaper’s Lullaby
- Eternally
- One Will Remain
LOVEBITES Are:
Asami – Vocals | Midori – Guitars | Miyako – Guitars & Keyboards | Fami – Bass | Haruna – Drums
And if all that isn’t enough – they’re making their debut at the legendary Budokan in Tokyo this coming March. Yeah. That Budokan.
Outstanding Power is available digitally now, with physical formats out May 8, 2026. Pre-order your copy here and check out more about the band at lovebites.jp.
Are you already on the LOVEBITES hype train, or is this your first time hearing them?
Let me know in the comments below!
