I was also somewhat confused by asamis singing voice at first. Loved everything else though. But ~5 replays later, i just love her. 🤗

LOVEBITES - Holy War LIVE the vocals are better here

The band members are: Asami: Vocals Miyako: Guitar (Dean), Keys/Synth and main songwriter Midori: Guitar (ESP) Miho: Bass, band leader and co-founder Haruna: Drums and co-founder Asami has a background in R&B and was influenced by Alicia Keys and Aretha Franklin; she also named the band because she liked "Love Bites (but So Do I)" by Halestorm. Miyako played piano since the age of four and didn't start playing guitar until she was 18. Her influences are Ritchie Blackmore and Polyphia she was also inspired to start arranging and composing music by Ettore Rigotti of Disarmonia Mundi. Midori is influenced by Kiko Loureiro, Nuno Bettencourt and Yngwie Malmsteen. Miho is influenced by Steve Harris and Nikki Sixx she was also in a previous band Destrose with Haruna. Haruna is inspired by B'z and Helloween. You will hear about Destrose as you get more into Japanese metal because of the bands that formed from former members like: Mary's Blood (by extension Nemophila), Fate Gear and Lovebites.

I would recommend "Thunder Vengeance" live from Zepp Divercity 2020 for a good live show opener.

Felt the same way about the vocals at first but she absolutely grows on you, and the ridiculous talent of the band helps make up for it. Try Thunder Vengeance live from their channel. Show opener from new concert bluray. Little more thrashy, less power metal on that one and it's fukking awesome.

I know this is an old video, but you should definitely revisit these guys with "Holy War" live. It does them all a lot more justice and the vocals are way better. Also the solo is insanity.

It was a bit hard for me to get into Asami's voice in the beginning, but the more you listen, the more it suits the metal they're playing. Midori and Miyako are from another universe and Haruna and Miho are beasts in the rhythm section. If you can find it, check out their Break the Wall live (a thrashy little number).

As I say on all of these videos: Lovebites is what you get if Iron Maiden and Dragonforce had a kid that grew up listening to JRock.

You've done BAND-MAID and LOVEBITES. It's time to complete the Japanese trio with Unlucky Morpheus and their song "Black Pentagram". I'm so excited to watch! Also, I noticed that you reacted to Ne Obliviscaris' "And Plague Flowers the Kaleidoscope". That's gonna be a dope video to watch too.

Thunder Vengeance live is another great track to check out. It's a bit more thrash than power metal. Nothing wrong with being honest about your reaction. If you're not than it will come across as disingenuous. Keep it honest and enjoy the ride!

Nice reaction but brooo If you want to see the range of Lovebites vocalist, try Holy War... she is awesome!!

Need to see them live they have live shows on their youtube page. Just uploaded holy war one of their best

It's cool that you're honest. It's not my kind either. tates are different and that's super dope and i'm here top discover new Music 👍 thank you

Welcome to the world of Japanese metal. We hope you enjoy your stay. These ladies have plenty of face melting & mind blowing songs to offer, & they are among the most technically proficient & nearly flawless musicians I have witnessed. Check out their live stuff like Holy War, Swan Song, Thunder Vengeance, Break The Wall, Epilogue, & Under The Red Sky.

Check out Lovebites live version "The Hammer of Wrath" (live Foak). Also see Asterism "Rising Moon"

"It was mixed by Mikko Karmila and mastered by Mika Jussila, who have worked with acts like Nightwish, Children of Bodom, and Stratovarius, at Finnvox Studios in Helsinki, Finland." - this is a wiki quote I just discovered - if you still doubt, ask Chase ;)

So happy you react to them !

While this is one of my favorite bands I can understand where you're coming from on the vocals. Took me awhile to fully appreciate them myself since she is singing in English, but I'm assuming Japanese is her first language. Can't wait to see what else you have coming down the pipeline xD

You've heard nothing yet. They are not a DragonForce copy band. If you go a little farther, you'll see many different aspects of them. You'll even meet Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky, Dovolzark, and Shopin. And, don't judge the singer until you watch and listen to their live. Don't hurry to judge before you open the cover of the book. They may touch your preference somewhere. If not, its still a matter of your preference anyway. Oh, i forgot tell you one thing. The dark haired guitarist with a Dean, her main guitar is a Dean USA Icon which is pretty much modified. The pickups are replaced from Dean original to Fishmans and change it to active, the condensers are also replaced, and modified some wiring too. She's got another red flying Dean as well.

I felt the same. They are talented and impressive at their respective instruments, reminiscent of classic metal bands that occupy a second tier category like Armored Saint, Helloween, Savatage, ect...Don't get me wrong I enjoy a good noodlehead guitar solo, but it must be more than just scale exercises. In my opinion the guitarists of Iron Maiden demonstrate the best use melodic scale runs and mood creation. They artistically craft their parts in a way that leave a memorable impression. It appears many have have placed Band-Maid and Lovebites in the same category, but I feel Band-Maid is truly in a category of their own. I feel Band-Maidens are far superior Songwriters as well as great musicians. It is a rare thing to possess both of those qualities without clashing egos that usually become destructive. I believe BAND-MAID occupies a Top Tier Level of musical craftmanship and songwriting which draws from the best elements of Metal, Hard Rock, Punk, Funk and Pop such a diverse pallet allows for a wider variety of elements which can be incorporated to craft a unique sound of their own. A truly special band.

see you more lovebites, set the world on fire, break the wall, and others, in live

The drummer does serious work for this band. Was a huge fan of this kind of music 20 years ago when it was new, but it's a little one-note in 2020. That said, the ladies are HELLA-talented. The twin leads are always spectacular, and as I mentioned, the drummer is pretty damned great. I wouldn't choose to listen to this very much, but the musical talent on offer is undeniable. The singer throws in way too much vibrato where she doesn't need to and makes her sound worse than she could easily sound, so it's a style thing I don't like and not a capability thing.

It personally took me a bit of time to get into Asami’s vocals. But after listening to a few songs, I got it. It’s that power/prog sound they were going for. Her background jazz and r&b. I think she sounds better on other songs, and live she’s very impressive. But at the end of the day, it all comes down to preference. You can respect the talent without liking it. Great video! Have a great day!

Nothing related to Band-Maid , except they're japanese, female and incredibly talented (and better live!)

If you go on the Dean guitars homepage. you'll find Miyako. she is one of the 14 Dean signed artists. you really need to check any live video. because Lovebites is phenomenal on live. here is a link to a full concert. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ldieZ9iHqtSvY2w.html

You have to do the Thunder Vengeance ./ Holy Wars live at ZEPP TOKYO 2020

this band is not typical anime songs like band maid and babymetal. Lovebites is straight power and thrash metal. I'm guessing you're hesitant to make another Lovebites reaction video, because your opinion might be wrong after seeing some of the live videos. It's same with Chase Carneson. Lol

by the way, i told you i never really paid attention to the guitars of bands before, but since i watched your videos, ive learned a little. midori i believe plays an esp, myako i know plays siignature deans , the drummer i believe plays pearl, i dont remember what you said the bass player uses but i still dont know the amps yet. thankyou for giving something to look for in videos

I really think she'll sound better if she sing in japanese instead of english. I think her pronunciation is effecting the way she produce her voice. Nice reaction btw, please react to their live performance of "holy war" (live at zepp diversity tokyo), i like her performance there, i think you would too. Good job Tank.

your honest still impresses me, ive seen reactors who say its their first time hearing a band, 2secs into the song their singing along with it. but i agree the vocals were not what i expect with heavy metal, but i still liked her.

To be honest, I'm a pretty big fan of this band and I absolutely never listen to this song. I can also say that in my personal opinion, the vocals are better on their live performances, so maybe you'd prefer some of those

At first I wasn't a big fan, but her voice grew on me. I think it helps that the instrumentalists are so incredibly good. I also got to watch them almost daily when they were touring Europe with Dragonforce. Herman Li streamed almost every concert live on Twitch. I'd never give a dislike for a good video with an honest opinion... only for an actually bad video. Haven't seen one of those from you yet. :)

First time listening for me too, and I agree, band excellent and the singer almost kills it...

You might wanna take a look at their namesake song: Love Bites by Halestorm (my favourite female fronted band right after Nightwish)

As long as you're checking out stuff from Japan check out the Japanese Black Sabbath (Ningen Isu ) my recommendation for a song would be Namahage.

Recommendation from Japan/ band ： ASTERISM / 3 peace rock band song ： "RISING MOON" / instrumental guitarist ： HAL-CA / another Japanese talented yang female musician (Sorry, I'm not so good at English)

*MARY'S BLOOD* / MARIONETTE : kzfaq.info/get/bejne/g7J9Zdifu5bPp4k.html

I think set the world on fire live by these guys would be much more to your liking Very thrashy Also check swan song with the Chopin intro live

Asami sings with a lot of vibrato, which is quite common with a lot of Japanese singers, particularly female ones. I mean classic ones, famous singers from the 60s and 70s and 80s, the kind who've sold a gazillion records over decades and are legendary. When I first started listening to Japanese music, I found it a little weird, but I got used to it quickly, and so do most people.Some newer singers don't do it as much, but Lovebites have a very 80s thing going on quite intentionally, and the vocals fit once you realize what they're doing. Actually (I'm editing this in) it's not really vibrato, it's something that's hard to define, but she sounds Japanese, and I don't mean because of her accent...I can't explain it, but it's a thing, and whatever that thing is, I don't even notice it now until someone mentions that they aren't sure about the vocals. Also, think Bruce Dickinson, except much tinier and Japanese and better looking. No offence to Bruce...And speaking of Iron Maiden, most of the songs people think sound like Dragonforce actually don't sound like Dragonforce, but do sound like Iron Maiden, who were a huge influence. A few do have a Dragonforce vibe though, this one in particular, and while I like the song, it's not my favourite, probably because I don't really like Dragonforce, but Lovebites are a lot more than that, they're definitely not strictly a power metal band and can thrash with the best of 'em.

Honestly, I wanted to like this song when I heard it a while ago but never connected for the exact same reason. I like her voice a lot on Shadowmaker though. It has more of a fit. With this it almost seems her voice can't keep up to speed with the instruments.

The vocals sound better live. Unlike Saiki of Band Maid, Asami's vocals took a little while to grow on me, very much like Bruce Dickinson back in the day.

Thunder Vengeance LIVE (kzfaq.info/get/bejne/r711arOiqNarmWg.html) or Holy War LIVE ( kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mM1xq9N21avHnqM.html) or Raise Some Hell LIVE (kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rpiiaK91s73OpH0.html) see if you feel the same way about Asami's vocals, the musicianship is always spot on with these women and man can they play the intricate notes on those power cannons!!!

Another great all female Japanese metal band is the supergroup *NEMOPHILA* check out their song *OIRAN* kzfaq.info/get/bejne/m9-SZbGltd3HqJc.html they're also set to release new stuff soon.. hopefully they make an MV for the lead track as well.

If you are interested in a bit more comprehensive tour on their equipment there is a video (I believe it has something like "Daughters of the Dawn-Live in Tokyo 2019" in its title), where these ladies display their guitars and other gear. Cheers!

I think you should check out Unlucky Morpheus. While this band is good, Unlucky Morpheus is on another level both vocally and musically. “Black Pentagram” is a great song, but honestly, the band has other songs that fleshes them out better like: “Unending Sorceress” or “Knight of Sword”.

Check out this year's recorded concert video :)

I can understand about the singer but i think she makes this band different because it' a metal band with a pop singer and that makes it unique , i like that contradiction. Try break the wall .

i just found your channel. dude your reactions are awesome!!! if i could suggest reacting to Finsterforst - Mach Dich Frei, i would be eternally greatful.

I am always amazed there are a few reactors that say "her vocals didn't really impress". Watch more videos, you will see she has one of the most versatile and amazing voices in all of rock. out of every 50 reactions there are at least 2 that say"her vocals didn't impress" while the other 48 are blown away.

LOL, i was waiting for this :D but live are Monsters too :D

I tend to lean more towards the Aldious band, also Japanese and only women, than the Lovebites. If you want to hear a spectacular voice, the best in Japan in my opinion, check out some Fuki song, it has several projects, but my recommendations would be more or less these: Unlucky Morphius: Cadaver - Radevac - Black Pentagram Light Bringer: Resistance DollBoxx: Take my Chance it will blow your mind, especially the last one

The strings are so strong in this band. Vocally I too was not very excited. Add a Dutch female singer and then you have something.

More Band Maid please!

OMG, I can't believe you didn't check them out again. You have no idea what you're missing.

I know where you are coming from on her vocals, she has her moments, but they are few and far between. I get the JP vibe from the band all the time with those gorgeous double leads. Expect the exact same vocals from the other tracks(At least I have not heard anything different yet). They are almost the perfect package, though. Maybe they will find another vocalist some day. It is a hard thing to go through though. But hey, Nightwish did it a couple times before getting to Floor.

midori on the left has an esp e-11 frx. wicked weapon of an axe.and can she play? big yeah

Try Shadowmaker will blow your mind

I've found that the vocals of most of these female Japanese bands take a little while to get used to . Just like the first few songs I heard from Accept , Scorpions and Krocus , back in the 70s . But once I got used to it , I can't see not having albums from these bands in my music library . Check out Band Maids alter ego Band Maiko , Its a trip

Hello. I hope you can react to Lovebites Hammer of Wrath (live) [from knockin' On Heaven's Gate] I think you gonna like the singers voice more some years later than the first time. 🤘😀🤘

Lovebites is pure power metal. Lots of double bass and wankery solos. Sick harmonies but a little too much flash for my liking. I can only take them in short stretches. LOVE LOVE LOVE me some 4'9" Haruna on the drums though...going all the way back to Destrose. As a side note, why is Midori LITERALLY bronze in this video?

About her voice; as I started listening to VOLBEAT I don't like Michael Poulsens voice, but now I've got every single album from this band and I love that Rock'N'Roll Metal. I'm sure you know this band, but if not: VOLBEAT - Battleship chains VOLBEAT - Black Rose

Subbed for the honesty, dude.

I was able to freeze the frame on her guitar and the stock has E-II on it, so I guess that would an ESP E-II. So looked on ESP site and it looks like the FRX body to me. Please let me know if I am anywhere near the correct answer.

What is more important is respecting the band whether you're into it or not. It's really good to be honest, me too not my taste on metal but I still like them, loved to see women shredding likes there's no tomorrow.

If you really want to see what Asami can do (and the rest of the band), Holy War Live is a good video. She sings 100% flawlessly in every live video i've seen but she hits some good notes in that one. I'm not an expert, I think they're one of the tightest live bands too. At first I thought the live videos they're releasing could also be mixed before they release it, but i've seen videos from audience members that sound just as good.

I felt the same way about the vox at first but after listening to this act, the operatic vocals fit and give it a unique sound. She is a great singer in full voice. They do sound influenced by Maiden and Dragonforce then again that's pretty good taste.

I think you nailed it with regards to the instruments. Not that I'm any expert, you most definitely know far more than I do. But I do know that ESP absolutely dominates the market over there.

I like this song, but you are so right!!! I think you will like more "Thunder vengeance" or "Raise some hell"

Lovebites - Shadowmaker. Thanks for reacting!

How could i miss this reaction. Awesome band. So one year later what is your favorite song ?

Yeah that's all fair comment. I tend to find that there's a main trio of potential spearheaded by all these ladies.. Band Maid are rock and Lovebites are power metal, Babymetal are.. hmm.. Babymetal. It's possible that it's simply because I've known Band Maid for significantly longer than Lovebites, but I do think that quality aside the biggest problem they have is conveying personality? One of the really endearing things about Band Maid (and you'll probably find this as you go on with them) is that each of the band members have known personalities throughout their fandom - Misa likes a tipple, Kanami has a crush on Saiki (which keeps getting let out of its box from time to time to everyone's amusement except Saiki), Miku has pigeon association tendencies and an overwhelming cuteness with pigtails that never stop bouncing, and Akane is an eating conveyor belt.. From that side of things Lovebites don't seem to carry individual personality traits. For me that's the one thing which lets them down, but you can also argue that you shouldn't compare bands like that either, so the mission goes on. I'd say there's however no doubt that they are as passionate as any power metal outfit out there.

Sadly you stoped your journey with Lovebites. There are a lot lovebites live videos with beautiful vocal and instrument such as : Epilogue, Edge Of The World, Holy War. I understand why you stick on babymetal and band maid.

You did a good and honest reaction! Lovebites is a band that is still growing and evolving. Bassist Miho and drummer Haruna have been playing together since 2011. They found this band in 2016. After they recruited guitarists Midori and Miyako, Lovebites' instrumental part is very solid! Singer Asami was a R&B singer, never listened to metal music before Lovebites, it would take her some time to grow to a solid metal singer. Also, Lovebites' song writing capability is also growing. These girls do have the talent, musicianship, and quality to become a great band. I just bought their "Five of a Kind" concert DVD, 100 minutes of great metal music! It is amazing to imagine how much energy the 4'9" Haruna has to play those drums for 100 minutes! I would recommend the BlueRay/DVD to everyone just to boost your immune system.

Lovebites is a shocking band!

This reaction got me a sub. I love the honesty. These ladies are STELLAR musicians, but I do not like the vocals - a little too warbly, but not really the power that this band really needs. Definitely check out Holy Wars by LOVEBITES, though, I really like that one. Be careful, though, the Japanese metal rabbit hole is deep. Some recs: Unlucky Morpheus - uhhh anything? But Knight of Sword is great - it's inspired by Fate/Stay Night. Their new album is great - Unending Sorceress and Salome are fantastic. Aldious - Scrash Mary's Blood - BurningBlaze or Marionette BRIDEAR - Ignite DOLL$BOXX - Anything, hah. LIGHTBRINGER - Hyperion GALNERYUS - Raise my Sword is popular, though there are others More rock side, there's Gacharic Spin - Next Stage (live) I recently went down this rabbit hole - it's very, very deep. Good luck, my man.

UNJUST! Check anything live and then judge... Give them a chance... Note: I appreciate your work and feeling the music ;) I don't like vocals myself... so much... and lyrics... but think of it as a simple message... or a reminder... You need to check more of Japan metal scene... forget Babymetal (new & sweet for one time only)... Lovebites, Nemophila, Hanabie...

I can understand the vocal preferences. This band does shred. My equivalent to this would be dream theater. I feel like 95% of their music could stay an instrumental.

Next.. Sabaton. Price of a Mile. 40:1 then Swedish Pagans (ft Tina Guo) The Holy Triad of Sabaton kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rLaSlK-jx7uaeKM.html

I'm not sure where it started, but I've heard a lot of melodic Japanese bands with this really 'warbly' vocal style.

Well, that was bad luck. „When destinies align“ is in my opinion one of their less impressive songs (aside from that incredible fast pace). I think „Shadowmaker“ has more variation. I recommend to listen to one of their „Five of a Kind“ live videos. I listen to them since their first single and really like Asamis voice, but that live setting let me finally realise how much her vocals really add to their songs. Her range and vocal power sound much, much better in the live setting than on any of their studio recordings.

or this .. blows you out of your window..... LOVEBITES - Set The World On Fire [Live from "Ride For Vengeance Tour 2021"]

Machinemade god, Teeth vs Curb or Forgiven!! Let’s goooo!!! Tank be the first to react to em cus I havnt seen anyone react to them!!

Riff reminded me of Stratovarius. Check them out if you don't know them.

the other guitar and the bass player are both sponcered by ESP so they are ESP

I agree, I wasn’t in with Asami’s vocals at first. It took me a few listens for it to gel. I agree you may want to hit one of their live videos on their KZfaq channel. I’m trying to plug plucky up & comers Vintersea. Try Befallen or Illuminated please!

Thank you for your reaction!!! Next!!! LOVEBITES / SWAN SONG (FIVE OF A KIND Live) LOVEBITES / Thunder Vengeance(Official live MV) LOVEBITES / Holy War(Official live MV)

I totally respect your points and opinion. However, before you make your final decision about this band, just pretend that you have been fooled, and listen to an 8 minutes ballad called "Epilogue" live. I stress the point "LIVE!". It's less technical than the usual speed/power metal songs they play but it is extremely intense and emotional. No need to react. Just listen to it in your private time. The problem is that the live footage seems to have been taken down from YT. There are several reaction videos though. Spoilers: The lead vocalist originally being a soul singer gets soulful, and one of the guitarists goes full "Gary Moore". The guitarist switching back and forth from keyboard to guitar in this song is also something to watch..

This isn't the type of genre I gravitate to (Band-Maid is more my style) but I can appreciate the musicianship though. To really appreciate them though, (like Band-Maid) watch their live stuff. Asami's vocals work a little better in that setting plus there are other songs that seem to fit her a little better.

Having listened to "Electric Pentagram" several times at work I have to admit. Absolutely great! The song "Raise Some Hell" got me. My absolute favorite song so far. "Holy War" is also very cool!

Definitely not their heaviest songs so I can see why the vocals don’t do it for you! I suggested Thunder Vengeance or Raise Some Hell. And you have to check out the Live Versions in Zepp Tokyo

Tank, You did not pick their best song. SHADOWMAKER would have been a better choice. When Destinies Align is not even the best song from the album. I would recommend THUNDER VENGEANCE Live. but I'm sending you a link to their MV for their song THE CRUSADE. This is the song you should have started with Link: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/q8t7rLRl3a-RnY0.html BTW I wouldn't even put When Destinies Align in their top 10. SHADOWMAKER has a lot more guitar shredding. The Crusade is like Iron Maiden

I totally agree with your assessment. Their guitar players are absolutely fantastic, but their songwriting and vocals just don't do it for me. Just my personal taste, but it holds me back from really getting into them.

It's time to check out the new LOVEBITES song JUDGEMENT DAY from the samely named album soon to be released.

Dude, besides NeO - and plague flowers... that I know its coming you should do Angra - Carolina IV, their guitar player was Kiko Loureiro, now un Megadeth. Angrabis a brazilian speed/power metal band. Great musicians.

And about interesting voices... i suggest Unlucky Morpheus for sure kzfaq.info/get/bejne/hqmmZtZhuZrGqGQ.html, Fuki is a real beauty with an awesome voice and Wagakki Band kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rbiRg5mF0rG4gXk.html where Yūko it's awesome too. You can't be wrong with both of two bands, and the background of them is uncommon and "very japanese" in many way :D

I've never heard the band before, but it wasn't bad! I can definitely hear the Dragonforce comparison. I appreciate your honest impressions + i'm in agreement with you about the song. Glad to hear you will check out more, I might like the next one more lol! If you're diving into Japanese metal, check out "SUNBLOOD" by the band Earthists. + "Silent Spear" by the band mildrage! 👍👍🤘🤘 (both perform in english!) I'd be interested in your honest opinions from both bands!

I'm not sure if someone has mentioned this but the band is named after the song "love bites (and so do I)" by Halestorm which if you haven't already reacted to I reckon you should, as Halestorm are awesome

When is a reaction for Hanabie - We love sweats coming??? Would love to see your thoughts about the band

Much respect Tank. I have a feeling Asamis vocals will be a litmus test like Geddy Lee of Rush. Nobody could argue the instrumentalists skill in Rush or in Lovebites, not comparing mind you, but unique vocalists that will make or break the deal. Even if you don't do a reaction vid be curious what you think after seeing some live stuff. For me they hooked my musical DNA like Sabaton did yours but that was after Holy War, We the United, and Thunder and Vengance live. T&V was the opening song, We the United the closer.

Completely understand with the vocals, I think the main difference is that Lovebites perform in English and the vocalist has a thick Japanese accent, vs the Band-Maid vocalist is singing mostly in her native language where she is no doubt more comfortable and sounds more natural. My favorite song of theirs is "Rising" if you're curious. I don't expect a reaction for it, but if you feel curious enough, maybe check it out!