Japanese power metal firestarters Lovebites are stepping into a new chapter, officially joining forces with Austrian heavy metal powerhouse Napalm Records. For fans who’ve been watching the band’s rise, this is a serious move — one that signals bigger reach, bigger stages, and an even louder future.
Their new album, Outstanding Power, is already available digitally, with physical editions landing May 8, 2026. It’s their fifth full-length release, and everything about this rollout feels like a band pushing beyond the usual boundaries.
Lovebites have been building momentum since forming in 2016, quickly becoming one of Japan’s most talked-about modern metal exports. From tearing through European festival crowds at Wacken, Hellfest, Download, and Bloodstock, to earning recognition at Metal Hammer’s Golden Gods Awards, they’ve proven they’re not just a local phenomenon.
And in March 2026, they’ll hit another milestone: a debut at Tokyo’s legendary Budokan.
The band made it clear this partnership matters deeply to them. Lovebites comments: “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. Together with Napalm Records, whose passion for heavy metal matches our own, we will ensure the success of our upcoming album, Outstanding Power. Stay tuned!”
That’s not just label hype — it’s a band fully aware they’re entering a wider arena.
Beyond the business side, Lovebites describe Outstanding Power as something built around resilience and motion — a record shaped by the idea of pressing forward no matter what hits you.
Lovebites states about Outstanding Power: “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 — something only we could bring into the world. We hope metalheads everywhere will draw strength from the songs contained in Outstanding Power, and we look forward to setting sail together aboard the ship called Lovebites!”
It’s a fitting metaphor for a band that keeps climbing without losing intensity.
The first taste of the album comes with the single “The Castaway,” and it wastes no time showing what this record is about: speed, melody, and power metal punch.
“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. For longtime listeners, it’s the kind of opener that feels tailor-made for festival stages — all forward motion and sharp hooks.
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”.
From arena-ready choruses to heavier, sharper moments, the album sounds like a band expanding without losing the core of what makes them lethal.
With Outstanding Power launching digitally now and physical copies coming in 2026, Lovebites are clearly gearing up for their biggest international era yet. Signing with Napalm Records only adds fuel to the fire.
