Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Lovebites - Clockwork Immortality (2018)
Lovebites has started off their career in a faster pace than other power metal bands, releasing an EP and an album per year for the first couple years. That's one and a half times faster than Mechina who used to follow the "release one album per year at the start of the year" pace. And what's more impressive is, they've toured throughout those years as well. I don't know if they were actually recording in studios or on the road. And even more impressive is how much the releases are high-quality masterpieces. In saying that though, Clockwork Immortality is a slight step down from Awakening from Abyss. Obviously there's nothing sh*tty, though a couple tracks show the adrenaline wearing off a bit after that rushy pace. Still it's worth listening to with every spin helping it grow like a motherf***er.
I'm still quite pumped up for this thanks to the band members and what they can do. We have the guitar shredding from the duo that is Midori and Miyako, with solos that you can certainly headbang to, maybe even dance to! For those who think ladies can't shred, you've thought WRONG. The solos are often so long (almost as long as DragonForce) that vocalist Asami can do anything to pass the time before heading back on queue to sing her heart out. It just proves that you don't have to make pop-sounding songs lasting under 4 minutes to be successful. This dynamic band shall not be restrained!
Their influences from Euro-power metal shine in "Addicted", which pretty much shows that the sound they've had in their debut hasn't gone away. It's the "Shadowmaker" of this album! Then "Pledge of the Saviour" levels up the intensity while being a slightly slower anthem. "Rising" adds more variety from both the local and international scenes, as they continue waving the flag in a battle for freedom and diversity.
There's no sign of the band crashing out, though "Empty Daydream" may have a slight hint at that. Sure the instrumentation is awesome as always, but I feel it could've been made better for this album to step up towards perfection. Luckily, it is followed by one of my favorites here, "Mastermind 01". It throws around some d*mn thrashy punches with its riffing aggression. Asami's vocals are perfect here, having her "take no sh*t" attitude. Nothing but kick-A punky metal rage in that highlight! "M.D.O." continues that thrashy energy. And for those wondering it stands for, it's "Most Destructive Outset".
"Journey to the Otherside" doesn't do much to stand out, other than having River Styx-laden lyrics. My ultimate favorite track here has to be "The Final Collision". What's surpising is, it sounds closer to hard rock than the power metal that I prefer. It's helped out by Asami's fantastic vocals especially shining in the majestic chorus. Incredible guitars by Midori and Miyako as well, particularly in the different harmonies and soloing. Well done! "We the United" shall really unite the live crowd. Finally, we have the 7-minute power ballad "Epilogue". Now I like this one, which shows that my appeal for ballads has grown over the past few years. I guess that's something to expect as I get older (currently age 27). It's not enough to be a total highlight though. Also the outro has the same theme as the opening track, bringing the album to full circle.
If that track and at least one other track had some slight improvement, Clockwork Immortality would've been a perfect album, but nonetheless, it's an excellent follow-up to their debut. There was concern about if the band would tap out if they continued their fast creative pace. Fortunately, they took some time in making their next album Electric Pentagram which came out in early 2020. Anyway, not every power metal band has to be male fantasy warriors ala Rhapsody of Fire. These ladies who may look to some like a dressed-up J-pop group can unleash some killer metal tracks. Nothing different from Clockwork Immortality, yet they've rightfully kept sailing as an unstoppable force!
Favorites: "Addicted", "Pledge of the Saviour", "Rising", "Mastermind 01", "The Final Collision"