Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Lovebites - Electric Pentagram (2020)
Anyone looking for some classic heavy metal revived by a new band from this decade or the last would probably choose Eternal Champion. It's their call, but I'm looking for metal that can really get me f***ing hooked. That's where Lovebites come in. Although I've only been listening to Lovebites for a few months as of this review, that's enough time for their albums to grow on me. Electric Pentagram may just be the best album by the band in this decade, just a notch above their next one Judgement Day!
Electric Pentagram may be a little cliche in the title, but the music sure as f*** ain't! Their classic-infused power metal has more of their speed/thrash-esque side and J-pop spponfuls than before, resulting in more versatile originality. Even with a total length of 70 minutes, I wouldn't change a thing.
We get into a promising start with the thunderous "Thunder Vengeance", speeding through the fast guitars, keys, drums, and vocals, and letting those 5 and a half minutes fly by in this fun ride. But we get a real f***ing highlight in "Holy War". I've reacted in total awe the first time I heard it. That should've been the single instead of the next track "Golden Destination". Not that there's anything wrong this track. In fact, the riffing sounds much more Iron Maiden than Iron Maiden past their prime years. And so far, this album is already at the verge of getting an A+++, even at its first quarter. "Raise Some Hell" is more brutal without ever descending into full-on nasty death. It has a sh*t-ton of thrashy attitude in the music and lyrics. They're really utilizing their skills at their finest there.
"Today is the Day" opens with synthy ambience then unleashes a wild riffing stampede. Now if you really wanna get the live crowd engaged, "When Destinies Align" has it all done right. "A Frozen Serenade" is the best anthem for the rising of female metal. Why do I say that? Well, listen to the harmonies, riffs, and keys that all level up the verse-chorus structure. This is proof that Lovebites can do all that and inspire other all-female metal bands to do the same. It's a whole new generation that shall be welcomed! "Dancing with the Devil" is a cool way of modernizing 70s rock/metal.
"Signs of Delieverance" is a true f***ing keeper. And I can almost say the same about "Set the World on Fire". Drummer Haruna can actually perform blast beats as proven in that track. Asami somehow sounds slightly weak there, but that doesn't affect much. There's also 6 and a half minutes of glory in "The Unbroken", and you might think of VAN F***ING HALEN. "Swan Song" has a flawless connection between guitar and piano, and that ending is so spectacular, a better way out than in the previous album.
I can understand Babymetal being the most popular Japanese all-female metal band today, but that's the kind of recognition Lovebites really deserves. Give them your love and support. Check out their grand discography. You don't wanna miss out on such a fantastic band!
Favorites: "Holy War", "Raise Some Hell", "A Frozen Serenade", "Signs of Deliverance", "The Unbroken", "Swan Song"