I need to know more about where the themes and lore in the LOVEBITES lyrics comes from. Is it from Christianity, as I recognize a lot of the symbolism, or is it Japanes or more general? Would love if you could explain this to me.
(ttbomk) I would credit a variety of things, primarily empathy in a general pervasive sense. Not Christian, but 2 members have sung in 'gospel choirs' (Asami & Midori) and appreciate the 'vibe'. cultural/history: they have 2 songs about the atomic bombings which lyrically reflect self-examination, personal responsibility & overcoming catastrophe. Not really religious, but making use of various religions' symbolism(s). Consistent themes are self-empowerment, perseverance, integrity, dignity, personal-responsibility, unity/community & empathy. LOVE. "Rising" LIVE 2020 [cc] lyrics: ua-cam.com/video/6nci8KtXJPk/v-deo.html There is a newer LIVE on their official channel, but it lacks the [cc]. Both performances are equally 'flawless'. Their most "Christian" (seeming) MV (confusing many) is "Glory To The World" written & released in the midst of c0v!d with specific intent to uplift & encourage all of humanity, but in contrast to the video's character experiencing stigmata the chorus says "Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all" and even the title is not 'glory to god' of any form, but is consistent with the qualities I mentioned above in resolving to "Time will come where we feel the love and the reason to be ME!" (emphasis added), which is distinctly not Christian, imo. I have said and written many times, it is their lyrics, 'message' that takes them from "a great band" to "a meaningful experience" and they continue to validate that perspective for me. Another song that 'sums up' (imo), the only song so far with words & music from drummer Haruna is "Bravehearted" (embedded English lyrics, [cc] Spanish & will auto-translate via ⚙): ua-cam.com/video/_66Ug5c3aJo/v-deo.html from their first EP, their only song ever released in Japanese, re-recorded in English for first full album, closing many early concerts & chosen to introduce their new "5th Element" bassist, Fami (linked version). This song includes the line, "It's up to you to be your God" while closing with "If you swear to God, you must see it through, The power is in YOUR hands." (emphasis added) I am convinced they are comfortable with personal interpretations that individuals find personally supportive. I will not be surprised or offended if others provide alternatives to this explanation/information. 🐺 dreg👁
Official "Glory To The World" MV [cc] lyrics: ua-cam.com/video/-wJtD2XEXH4/v-deo.html Currently their most viewed video. You will find a variety of 'interpretations' in the comments. My own, of stigmata in this context, is self-obsession bringing it on, worrying intently to an extreme. Notice the stigmata dissipates following the 2 'individual' guitar solos, as the guitarists 'come together' in harmony, the character rises from seated at the fence & proceeds to the 'chapel' where LOVEBITES are performing. A further note, the building filmed in is a 'western' Wedding Chapel, not a church, no priest/pastor or congregation, an a-religious venue for weddings where numerous bands have filmed music videos.
I don't think the lovebites are linked to religious issues. They simply use sometimes fantasy -type narrative elements , as is typical of power metal aesthetic
@@dregeye Thank you for your thoughts about this and ALL THAT information!! You guys are just an endless well of knowledge about the band. I'll be sure to put these videos on my viewing list.
LOVEBITES - Soul Defender lyrics: The horses running fast Through the battlefields It is much faster than light The forces going fast With the metal shields Keep going, ride into the night
Never to be broken Justice Justice Overcome your greatest Crisis Crisis Don't be afraid to be someone who defends yourself HERO! Remember Defender Fighting back for your soul inside Remember Forever You are the one Remember Defender Beating down enemies within Remember Forever Stand Up and Shout Forging your sword and shield Live as Soul Defender Riding on the path with a wounded soul Keep going, ride into the night Don't give in to a nasty master Master Defeat your cold-blooded monster Monster Be afraid to be someone else who deceives yourself EVIL! Surrender Deceiver Living somewhere dark inside Surrender Forever You were the damned Surrender Deceiver Turning into a dust within Surrender Forever You're Purified Forging your sword and shield Live as Soul Defender
Twin Solo: midori & miyako Never to be broken Justice Justice Overcome your greatest Crisis Crisis Don't be afraid to be someone who defends yourself HERO! Remember Defender Fighting back for your soul inside Remember Forever You are the one Remember Defender Beating down enemies within Remember Forever Stand Up and Shout Forging your sword and shield Live as Soul Defender ----- lyrics: asami music: asami & Mao arrangement: LOVEBITES album: LOVEBITES EP II 08/28/2024 --------
Most Japanese people respect religions and cultures other than their own, and I don't think they have any reservations or discomfort about using topics, legends, and stories from various religions as material for song lyrics.
I'm not Christian myself and I don't feel they use the topics wrong in any way. Like I said, I'm not Christian, but I don't feel they should feel this is disrespectful use. If anything, I think they do it in a good way, with a great message in the song.
@evilvolts I've done a reaction to that one, and it will be out in just a couple of hours. Sadly, I'm still ill, so I'm not too impressed with my own reaction, but the song was great!
Frank, firstly, LOVEBITES is very unusual among Japanese bands in choosing to sing in almost exclusively in English - which is a daunting task for native Japanese speakers. In a short 2018 interview on Japanese TV, they touched on this subject: ua-cam.com/video/7F3A3QKYNvI/v-deo.html. Lyrically, the band's cofounder and bassist Miho, who left the band in August 2021, generally wrote lyrics with darker themes. On the contrary Asami, their premier lyricist who also studied in the USA with influences from R&B and soul, consistently touches on themes that resonate globally with Western audiences. Having said, if you look at the names of their songs and albums - these are consistenly non-Japanese in both their titles and references, which are overwhelmingly Western, and for the discerning, often deeply spiritual - which begs the question ... Why? The answer, beyond speculation, is that I don't know.
I'll be sure to check out that video. Not many bands chose to sing in English, so it will be interesting to hear their own thoughts about it. I didn't know Asami studies in America, that's interesting. And as you said, she will take the influences from there with her. And 100% true, if they haven't said anything, only the band knows the true meanings behind the lyrics. And also, it opens up for people to fill the songs with their own interpretations, which I think is good. I really appreciate your input on this.
@@boyzyu Yeah, I love how they have positive messages in their music. There's too much negativity in the world, so I cheer for everyone trying to bring some positivity and brighten the world we live in.
Asami's lyrics and certain videos reflect the Christian narrative for sure, but they also espouse Shinto, Buddhism, Hinduism, and a smattering of Judaism. Her lyrics are testimony to the human spirit and not some Idolic god. I'm glad you made that comment. Very few reactors do, yet it is a big part of Lovebites as people and musicians.
Thank you for this clarification! From what I've seen, so far, they take imagery and themes from religions, but the songs aren't necessarily religious. As you say, it's about the human spirit, which is a universal thing. And one of the reasons I started doing these reactions is because for the longest time I didn't really care about the lyrics. But lyrics have gotten more important to me. And also some bands put a lot of effort in the, and I feel LOVEBITES is one of those bands, so it would just be rude of me to not pay attention to it. That's one of the reasons why I've started to check out the lyrics before I react to a song now. I think it has the potential for me to give better commentary, and since I don't watch the video or listen to the song, it should still be a first reaction.
@evilvolts I haven't really checked out any covers of them yet. I should probably do that. And Swan Song with the Chopin intro is on my list, since many of you have requested that.
@@FranksReactions I like Midori a lot, she's my favorite, before she and Miho, I like all lovebites songs, they don't have bad songs, but I don't consider myself a wolfpack member, it's because I only like one member of the band
Miyako likened the "Dean Icon USA" to the older sister and the "Dean V USA" to the younger sister, and had a signature guitar made that incorporates some of the specifications common to both guitars. I have attached the material of Miyako's magic modified DEAN guitar. 🎸[V Select Flame Maple Floyd PG Trans Red MYK] Miyako's DEAN Signatur Guitar (red V-shaped guitar) replaced with Fishman Fluence Modern Humbucker Set Gold pickups and a custom pickguard. Its custom pickguard is slightly different in shape and size from those for general sale use. Handmade by artisans. 🎸[Dean Icon USA Flame Top -Faded Denim] USA Icon is a passive pickup converted to an active pickup. Miyako's DEAN Guitar replaced with Fishman Fluence Modern Humbucker Set Nickel pickups. The rear pickup has been replaced with an Ovaltone ROSSO-鵺-NUE DEVICE (red) and the front pickup with an Ovaltone NERO-鵺-NUE DEVICE (black) condenser. Midori(G) 🎸[ESP E-II Horizon FR QM Reindeer Blue]. The above guitar has been used mainly in past live performances and music videos (such as "Glory to the World"). The original pickups were replaced with silver humbuckers, which were replaced with gold humbuckers a few years ago. Other metal parts were also replaced with gold, Midori's favorite color. Pickups are Seymour Duncan, with an SH-1n in the front and an SH-15 in the rear. 🎸[ESP E-II Horizon FR QM Purple]. Midori's guitar looks "purple" in the live video. Original color not in the catalog. The quilted maple grain is beautifully visible through the purple see-through paint. Pickups were replaced with gold humbuckers. Pickups are Seymour Duncan, SH-1n '59 model in the front and SH-15 Alternative 8 in the rear. Other metal parts were also changed to gold. 🎸[ESP E-II Horizon FR Black]. This guitar is mainly used for recording. Sometimes used for live performance depending on the song. For Drop D tuning, used in "Bravehearted," "Stand And Deliver (Shoot 'em Down)," "Shadowmaker," "Break The Wall," "Judgement Day," and "Glory To The World". Black HORIZON used in "Bravehearted", "Stand And Deliver (Shoot 'em Down)", "Break The Wall", "Judgement Day", "Glory To The World", etc. It has almost the same specs as the above purple model, but a different front pickup (Seymour Duncan Sentient) was selected. Pickups are Seymour Duncan, Sentient in the front and SH-15 in the rear.
Oh, man! So much thanks for all this info. I can't play guitar if you threatened me, but I'm still interested in them. Cause they are pretty. Can fully understand the need of a separate guitar for drop-tunings. Tuning back and forth would be a pain, and as I understand it, might not be good for the guitar or strings either.
I suggst and recommend you the recent live video release "Soldier stands solitarily". It's one of the best songs and performances of Lovebites so far...
![LOVEBITES - Soul Defender [Official Music Video] (Reaction)](/img/n.gif)
I need to know more about where the themes and lore in the LOVEBITES lyrics comes from. Is it from Christianity, as I recognize a lot of the symbolism, or is it Japanes or more general?
Would love if you could explain this to me.
(ttbomk) I would credit a variety of things, primarily empathy in a general pervasive sense. Not Christian, but 2 members have sung in 'gospel choirs' (Asami & Midori) and appreciate the 'vibe'. cultural/history: they have 2 songs about the atomic bombings which lyrically reflect self-examination, personal responsibility & overcoming catastrophe. Not really religious, but making use of various religions' symbolism(s). Consistent themes are self-empowerment, perseverance, integrity, dignity, personal-responsibility, unity/community & empathy. LOVE.
"Rising" LIVE 2020 [cc] lyrics: ua-cam.com/video/6nci8KtXJPk/v-deo.html
There is a newer LIVE on their official channel, but it lacks the [cc]. Both performances are equally 'flawless'.
Their most "Christian" (seeming) MV (confusing many) is "Glory To The World" written & released in the midst of c0v!d with specific intent to uplift & encourage all of humanity, but in contrast to the video's character experiencing stigmata the chorus says "Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all" and even the title is not 'glory to god' of any form, but is consistent with the qualities I mentioned above in resolving to "Time will come where we feel the love and the reason to be ME!" (emphasis added), which is distinctly not Christian, imo.
I have said and written many times, it is their lyrics, 'message' that takes them from "a great band" to "a meaningful experience" and they continue to validate that perspective for me.
Another song that 'sums up' (imo), the only song so far with words & music from drummer Haruna is
"Bravehearted" (embedded English lyrics, [cc] Spanish & will auto-translate via ⚙): ua-cam.com/video/_66Ug5c3aJo/v-deo.html
from their first EP, their only song ever released in Japanese, re-recorded in English for first full album, closing many early concerts & chosen to introduce their new "5th Element" bassist, Fami (linked version).
This song includes the line, "It's up to you to be your God" while closing with
"If you swear to God, you must see it through, The power is in YOUR hands." (emphasis added)
I am convinced they are comfortable with personal interpretations that individuals find personally supportive.
I will not be surprised or offended if others provide alternatives to this explanation/information.
🐺 dreg👁
Official "Glory To The World" MV [cc] lyrics: ua-cam.com/video/-wJtD2XEXH4/v-deo.html
Currently their most viewed video. You will find a variety of 'interpretations' in the comments.
My own, of stigmata in this context, is self-obsession bringing it on, worrying intently to an extreme.
Notice the stigmata dissipates following the 2 'individual' guitar solos, as the guitarists 'come together' in harmony, the character rises from seated at the fence & proceeds to the 'chapel' where LOVEBITES are performing.
A further note, the building filmed in is a 'western' Wedding Chapel, not a church, no priest/pastor or congregation, an a-religious venue for weddings where numerous bands have filmed music videos.
I don't think the lovebites are linked to religious issues. They simply use sometimes fantasy -type narrative elements , as is typical of power metal aesthetic
@@aldomattera2043 Yes, that might be it. They might just be using fantasy themes, pretty common in heavy metal.
@@dregeye Thank you for your thoughts about this and ALL THAT information!! You guys are just an endless well of knowledge about the band.
I'll be sure to put these videos on my viewing list.
LOVEBITES - Soul Defender lyrics:
The horses running fast
Through the battlefields
It is much faster than light
The forces going fast
With the metal shields
Keep going, ride into the night
Never to be broken Justice
Justice
Overcome your greatest Crisis
Crisis
Don't be afraid to be someone who defends yourself
HERO!
Remember Defender
Fighting back for your soul inside
Remember Forever
You are the one
Remember Defender
Beating down enemies within
Remember Forever
Stand Up and Shout
Forging your sword and shield
Live as Soul Defender
Riding on the path
with a wounded soul
Keep going, ride into the night
Don't give in to a nasty master
Master
Defeat your cold-blooded monster
Monster
Be afraid to be someone else who deceives yourself
EVIL!
Surrender Deceiver
Living somewhere dark inside
Surrender Forever
You were the damned
Surrender Deceiver
Turning into a dust within
Surrender Forever
You're Purified
Forging your sword and shield
Live as Soul Defender
Twin Solo: midori & miyako
Never to be broken Justice
Justice
Overcome your greatest Crisis
Crisis
Don't be afraid to be someone who defends yourself
HERO!
Remember Defender
Fighting back for your soul inside
Remember Forever
You are the one
Remember Defender
Beating down enemies within
Remember Forever
Stand Up and Shout
Forging your sword and shield
Live as Soul Defender
-----
lyrics: asami
music: asami & Mao
arrangement: LOVEBITES
album: LOVEBITES EP II 08/28/2024
--------
Thank you!
@@FranksReactions 🐺
Most Japanese people respect religions and cultures other than their own, and I don't think they have any reservations or discomfort about using topics, legends, and stories from various religions as material for song lyrics.
I'm not Christian myself and I don't feel they use the topics wrong in any way. Like I said, I'm not Christian, but I don't feel they should feel this is disrespectful use. If anything, I think they do it in a good way, with a great message in the song.
@@FranksReactions
I'm glad you understand that.🤗
日本人の殆どは宗教感は有りませんが尊重はしていますね、今回のアサミさんの作詞は魂の叫びを表現したかったのではと感じます。
@@メタルジジー
返信ありがとうございます🤗
＜雑誌インタビューより＞
(asami)
「これは己のことを歌っている曲です。自分の内にある弱い部分に打ち勝つぞっていう内容になってますね。自分と戦って、前を向いて進んでいくぞっていう。」
追伸
葬儀だけ宗教感はありませんか？
多くの日本人がそれぞれの宗旨（神道、仏教、キリスト教など）の宗教的感情を感じる唯一の機会は葬儀ではないでしょうか？🤔
日本の仏教では、本人の意思に関わらず、家族内で各宗派を子孫が無意識に継承することが一般的の様に思います。🤗
@@メタルジジー Yeah, that's the feeling I also got. That you have to be your own hero and fight for your life, wellbeing and sould.
LOVEBITES - SOLDIER STANDS SOLITARILY LIVE
You can't go through life without seeing this.
I've gotten several requests for this song, so I guess I have to obey. :)
Is there any special version I should check out?
@evilvolts I've done a reaction to that one, and it will be out in just a couple of hours.
Sadly, I'm still ill, so I'm not too impressed with my own reaction, but the song was great!
Frank, firstly, LOVEBITES is very unusual among Japanese bands in choosing to sing in almost exclusively in English - which is a daunting task for native Japanese speakers. In a short 2018 interview on Japanese TV, they touched on this subject: ua-cam.com/video/7F3A3QKYNvI/v-deo.html. Lyrically, the band's cofounder and bassist Miho, who left the band in August 2021, generally wrote lyrics with darker themes. On the contrary Asami, their premier lyricist who also studied in the USA with influences from R&B and soul, consistently touches on themes that resonate globally with Western audiences. Having said, if you look at the names of their songs and albums - these are consistenly non-Japanese in both their titles and references, which are overwhelmingly Western, and for the discerning, often deeply spiritual - which begs the question ... Why? The answer, beyond speculation, is that I don't know.
I'll be sure to check out that video. Not many bands chose to sing in English, so it will be interesting to hear their own thoughts about it. I didn't know Asami studies in America, that's interesting. And as you said, she will take the influences from there with her.
And 100% true, if they haven't said anything, only the band knows the true meanings behind the lyrics. And also, it opens up for people to fill the songs with their own interpretations, which I think is good.
I really appreciate your input on this.
An awesome speed-power/thrash track ! A lot of the band's symbolisms and the contexts of the songs' lyrics are metaphorical and designed to uplift.
@@boyzyu Yeah, I love how they have positive messages in their music.
There's too much negativity in the world, so I cheer for everyone trying to bring some positivity and brighten the world we live in.
Asami's lyrics and certain videos reflect the Christian narrative for sure, but they also espouse Shinto, Buddhism, Hinduism, and a smattering of Judaism. Her lyrics are testimony to the human spirit and not some Idolic god. I'm glad you made that comment. Very few reactors do, yet it is a big part of Lovebites as people and musicians.
Thank you for this clarification!
From what I've seen, so far, they take imagery and themes from religions, but the songs aren't necessarily religious. As you say, it's about the human spirit, which is a universal thing.
And one of the reasons I started doing these reactions is because for the longest time I didn't really care about the lyrics. But lyrics have gotten more important to me. And also some bands put a lot of effort in the, and I feel LOVEBITES is one of those bands, so it would just be rude of me to not pay attention to it.
That's one of the reasons why I've started to check out the lyrics before I react to a song now. I think it has the potential for me to give better commentary, and since I don't watch the video or listen to the song, it should still be a first reaction.
@evilvolts I haven't really checked out any covers of them yet. I should probably do that.
And Swan Song with the Chopin intro is on my list, since many of you have requested that.
⚔️🤟🏻🛡️🐺🛡️🤘🏻⚔️
🔥TEMAZO‼️
Yeah, I really liked this song and the video! Glad I got to watch the premiere.🤘🐺🤘
Midori💚💚💚💚💚
I don't like to have favourites in a band, but... I don't disagree with you. 😜😜
@@FranksReactions I like Midori a lot, she's my favorite, before she and Miho, I like all lovebites songs, they don't have bad songs, but I don't consider myself a wolfpack member, it's because I only like one member of the band
Miyako likened the "Dean Icon USA" to the older sister and the "Dean V USA" to the younger sister, and had a signature guitar made that incorporates some of the specifications common to both guitars.
I have attached the material of Miyako's magic modified DEAN guitar.
🎸[V Select Flame Maple Floyd PG Trans Red MYK]
Miyako's DEAN Signatur Guitar (red V-shaped guitar) replaced with Fishman Fluence Modern Humbucker Set Gold pickups and a custom pickguard.
Its custom pickguard is slightly different in shape and size from those for general sale use.
Handmade by artisans.
🎸[Dean Icon USA Flame Top -Faded Denim]
USA Icon is a passive pickup converted to an active pickup.
Miyako's DEAN Guitar replaced with Fishman Fluence Modern Humbucker Set Nickel pickups.
The rear pickup has been replaced with an Ovaltone ROSSO-鵺-NUE DEVICE (red) and the front pickup with an Ovaltone NERO-鵺-NUE DEVICE (black) condenser.
Midori(G)
🎸[ESP E-II Horizon FR QM Reindeer Blue].
The above guitar has been used mainly in past live performances and music videos (such as "Glory to the World").
The original pickups were replaced with silver humbuckers, which were replaced with gold humbuckers a few years ago.
Other metal parts were also replaced with gold, Midori's favorite color.
Pickups are Seymour Duncan, with an SH-1n in the front and an SH-15 in the rear.
🎸[ESP E-II Horizon FR QM Purple].
Midori's guitar looks "purple" in the live video.
Original color not in the catalog.
The quilted maple grain is beautifully visible through the purple see-through paint.
Pickups were replaced with gold humbuckers.
Pickups are Seymour Duncan, SH-1n '59 model in the front and SH-15 Alternative 8 in the rear.
Other metal parts were also changed to gold.
🎸[ESP E-II Horizon FR Black].
This guitar is mainly used for recording.
Sometimes used for live performance depending on the song.
For Drop D tuning, used in "Bravehearted," "Stand And Deliver (Shoot 'em Down)," "Shadowmaker," "Break The Wall," "Judgement Day," and "Glory To The World". Black HORIZON used in "Bravehearted", "Stand And Deliver (Shoot 'em Down)", "Break The Wall", "Judgement Day", "Glory To The World", etc.
It has almost the same specs as the above purple model, but a different front pickup (Seymour Duncan Sentient) was selected.
Pickups are Seymour Duncan, Sentient in the front and SH-15 in the rear.
Oh, man! So much thanks for all this info. I can't play guitar if you threatened me, but I'm still interested in them. Cause they are pretty.
Can fully understand the need of a separate guitar for drop-tunings. Tuning back and forth would be a pain, and as I understand it, might not be good for the guitar or strings either.
I suggst and recommend you the recent live video release "Soldier stands solitarily". It's one of the best songs and performances of Lovebites so far...
Thank you for the tip!
It will certainly go on my list and a reaction should end up on a YT-channel near you very soon. :D
On-point opinion 👍Thanks, cheers and sub from Poland 🇵🇱🇳🇴🤗🤘🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🤘
@@Marber72 Thank you for the feedback. I'm fairly new to this, so always nice to get some feedback.
🤘🐺🤘
STMLTのバンドも調べてみてください❗
I've never heard about them before, and I will be sure to check them out. Is there some special songs or videos you recommend?
@@FranksReactions最近、新しいメンバーに変わり、Antimentalという曲が配信されとても新しく重い曲です！
@@ちょくちょく-w6j Well, then that will be my first video I see with them. And again, thanks for giving me tips on new bands and songs!
Frank, are you a Swede?
@@kent-oveprestberg3578 No, but not far away. I'm Norwegian.
@@FranksReactions. Råddjer datt 😀👍
@@kent-oveprestberg3578 Råddjer, råddjer! 😂
🤘🐺🤘