In a recent Metal Pilgrim backstage interview at the Rock Imperium festival, Japanese heavy metal sensation Lovebites shared insights into their music, inspirations, and future aspirations. The all-female band, currently on their first world tour titled "The Thin Line Between Love and Hate," opened up about the philosophy behind their tour name and their upcoming projects.
When asked about the meaning of their tour title, one band member explained, "It means, you know, some fans are so enthusiastic, yeah, but sometimes it's close to that line. Once it's close to the line, it will be going to be hate, but all those haters can be our lovers, you know, enthusiastic fans. So that's the thin line between love and hate."
The ambitious world tour, which kicked off in June 2024, is scheduled to run until September. It includes high-profile appearances at major European festivals such as the Rock Imperium Festival and Resurrection Fest in Spain, and Hellfest in France. Notably, the tour will also mark Lovebites' American debut at the ProgPower USA festival in Atlanta, Georgia, followed by their first American tour in September.
In exciting news for fans, the band announced the upcoming release of their fourth EP. "Actually it's a new EP," they revealed, before confirming the release date: "August... August... August when? 28? August 28!" This new EP, titled "Lovebites EP II," is set to drop on August 28, 2024, right in the midst of their world tour.
The band members also shared their musical heroes. One of the guitarists revealed, "My Guitar Hero is Kiko Loureiro from ex-Megadeth and Nuno Bettencourt from Extreme." The vocalist, when asked about her favorite singers, simply stated, "Lzzy Hale from Halestorm."
Lovebites' respect for traditional heavy metal shines through in their approach to music. When discussing their appeal to new generations of metal fans, they said, "Yeah, I believe so! And we respect all those authentic heavy metal, so yeah, things are going new but keep something the core, yeah, lives forever, and we respect for that core, yeah, so yeah."
When asked about their dream collaboration, the band's enthusiasm was palpable. "Oh... Judas Priest?! Judas Priest! Judas Priest it is! Painkiller!" they exclaimed, showcasing their reverence for metal legends.
As Lovebites continues to gain momentum on the global stage, they're proving that the spirit of classic heavy metal is alive and well, with a fresh Japanese twist. With their unique blend of respect for metal traditions and forward-thinking approach, Lovebites is poised to continue their ascent in the metal world, turning potential "haters" into devoted fans along the way. Their ongoing world tour and upcoming EP release are sure to further cement their place in the global metal scene.