LOVEBITES showcase their unmatched force on their aptly named Napalm Records debut, Outstanding Power. Coming May 8, 2026, the Japanese power metal quintet is ready to expand their reach with a new heavy-hitting partner by their side for their tenth anniversary as a band. Founded in 2016, LOVEBITES have rocket-launched themselves all the way to the top of the metal scene in their home country—including their debut at the legendary Budokan in Tokyo in March of 2026. Additionally, they have made a name for themselves abroad, gaining early recognition at Metal Hammer UK’s Golden Gods Awards and playing major stages across Europe, from Wacken Open Air, Hellfest, and Graspop Metal Meeting to Download Festival and Bloodstock Open Air.

 

Outstanding Power dashes forward with galloping riffs and sweeping pathos in its opening song, “The Castaway”, a speedy power metal hymn extraordinaire, featuring rousing vocals and shimmering guitar and bass solos. Encouraging “Silence The Void” ties in with catchy verses, while “Forbidden Thirst” channels the inner turmoil in its lyrics into heroic storytelling through music, crowned again with impressive solos by guitarists Miyako and Midori. In mature “Blazing Halo”, their dual guitars take the form of AC/DC-esque structures, gifting a classical sense to LOVEBITES’ high-energy approach. “Dream Of King” starts off as a stripped-down, mid-tempo anthem, letting vocalist Asami shine, before crescendoing into an emotional firework—an easy album highlight! Following, LOVEBITES channel some classic genre imagery by dedicating “Phoenix Rises Again” to the mighty mythical creature with regenerative powers, a symbol to outlast and overcome struggles. “Out Of Control” is a true rock hymn, perfectly matching its successor “Wheels On Fire” in its heavy metal vibe. A suspenseful riff builds up tension for “The Eve Of Change”, reminding listeners to raise their voices and stand up for themselves—this is the call! With “Reaper’s Lullaby”, the Japanese five-piece ventures into rougher territory, adding gang shouts to a thrash-reminiscent sound. Delightfully fast, repeating the lyrics burns in their meaning, giving the words significant weight and turning the song into another standout showing LOVEBITES’ versatile skills. Instantly contrasting comes the power ballad “Eternally”, layering Asami’s gentle vocals with tender keys before making room for her ardent vibrato and sweeping instrumentals, before Outstanding Power finds its finale with ever so heartfelt “One Will Remain”.

 

LOVEBITES level up on passion for their fifth album. Thrillingly adding multifaceted elements to their highly skilled power metal, the women let both their vocalist and instrumentalists shine equally with their latest release. Outstanding Power is exactly what it claims to be: outstandingly powerful.