Power Metal Heroines LOVEBITES Go All Out With Thrillingly Passionate Outstanding Power

LOVEBITES showcase their unmatched force on their aptly named Napalm Records debut, Outstanding Power. Coming May 8, 2026, the Japanese power metal quintet is ready to expand their reach with a new heavy-hitting partner by their side for their tenth anniversary as a band. Founded in 2016, LOVEBITES have rocket-launched themselves all the way to the top of the metal scene in their home country-including their debut at the legendary Budokan in Tokyo in March of 2026. Additionally, they have made a name for themselves abroad, gaining early recognition at Metal Hammer UK’s Golden Gods Awards and playing major stages across Europe, from Wacken Open Air, Hellfest, and Graspop Metal Meeting to Download Festival and Bloodstock Open Air. 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. 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 ....

Power Metal Heroines LOVEBITES Go All Out With Thrillingly Passionate Outstanding Power

LOVEBITES showcase their unmatched force on their aptly named Napalm Records debut, Outstanding Power. Coming May 8, 2026, the Japanese power metal quintet is ready to expand their reach with a new heavy-hitting partner by their side for their tenth anniversary as a band. Founded in 2016, LOVEBITES have rocket-launched themselves all the way to the top of the metal scene in their home country-including their debut at the legendary Budokan in Tokyo in March of 2026. Additionally, they have made a name for themselves abroad, gaining early recognition at Metal Hammer UK’s Golden Gods Awards and playing major stages across Europe, from Wacken Open Air, Hellfest, and Graspop Metal Meeting to Download Festival and Bloodstock Open Air. 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. 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 ....

Thrash Metal Veterans HEATHEN Sign With Napalm Records!

Bay Area thrash metal veterans HEATHEN have begun a new era, joining forces with Napalm Records. With a new album in the works as well, the San Francisco icons kick off the new partnership with a special treat for their loyal fans. Digging deep into their musical past, the band recorded two rather obscure tracks from other bands the members were involved with. Up first is “Never a God”, title track of Laughing Dead’s first demo. The band was fronted by HEATHEN vocalist David White in the early 90s -the classic song will now shine once again in HEATHEN’s powerful style.

HEATHEN about the signing: “We’re very proud to announce that HEATHEN has officially signed with Napalm Records! Joining forces with a team who shares our vision, our drive, and our passion for metal music. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for the band. We’re fired up for what’s coming and can’t wait to complete work on the new HEATHEN album!”

Napalm Records Senior A&R Sebastian Muench about the signing: “We are incredibly proud and excited to welcome the legendary Californian thrash metal band HEATHEN to the Napalm Records family. HEATHEN are true icons of the genre, and working with them is an absolute honor. We strongly believe in this partnership and are thrilled to take the next chapter of HEATHEN’s legacy to new heights together.”

PRO-PAIN Mark Their First Release In 11 Years With An Impressive Demonstration Of Power

Legendary New York hardcore juggernauts PRO-PAIN make their debut on Napalm Records with their sixteenth studio album, Stone Cold Anger, out on May 15, 2026. Their first release in eleven years showcases the band’s explosive energy in its purest form: Stone Cold Anger unfolds heavy, angry, and ready as ever—proving PRO-PAIN haven’t lost even an ounce of strength. An exceptionally catchy offering, the new album fortifies its groovy melodies and stirring guitar riffs with furious and inciting, anthemic vocals, turning the ten new songs into worthy follow-ups to their 3.5M-stream hit “Voice Of Rebellion” (2015). The long-awaited album (which features the return of former guitarist Eric Klinger) opens up with the punishing “Oceans Of Blood”, an energetic and captivating track which confirms once again that the scene luminaries have not lost a step in their 35-year campaign of carnage. The title track abruptly commences with soaring melodic guitars acting as sirens around frontman and bassist Gary Meskil’s commanding barks. Aptly named “March Of The Giants” is just that, a show of brute force layered upon an ever-so-heavy groove-laden foundation. “Uncle Sam Wants You!” displays a more rock ’n’ roll attitude, complete with a

TWILIGHT FORCE has become both a staple and a guiding light in symphonic power metal.

TWILIGHT FORCE has become both a staple and a guiding light in symphonic power metal; revitalizing the genre and pushing it to new, cinematic heights with their signature blend of fantasy storytelling and virtuosic performances. The legend of TWILIGHT FORCE began to form in the year 2007 of the Human Era. It was the result of a yearning to bring back the golden age of epic symphonic power metal. But TWILIGHT FORCE soon became an entity of its own, evolving and elevating the genre to new heights and sounds. By fusing majestic and memorable melodies with rich orchestral arrangements and swift performances, TWILIGHT FORCE creates an intense and immersive experience, transporting the listener to a magic realm filled with wonder, heroic tales, and mesmerising tales from the mythical world known as The Twilight Kingdoms.

TABERNIS Conjure An Enigmatic Ritual: Join the Dark Hive!

Hear the call: TABERNIS summon the shadows for their debut album, Seasons of the Dark Hive, coming April 24, 2026 via Napalm Records. Born out of a passion for history, the enigmatic folk duo created an immersive sound, with bagpipes and davul bringing medieval times to life. TABERNIS intertwine ancient tradition and dark mysticism, their haunting harmonies gifting melodies to the delicate art of beekeeping. Already having performed at major festivals like Wacken and Summer Breeze Open Air off of their debut EP, Seasons of the Dark Hive will divulge more of the band’s secrets to an ever-growing following.

Expanding their apiary with fifteen tracks, TABERNIS weave pervasive compositions in sacred tradition. Setting the mood as the first call to the eternal dance is “Sanctus”, a summoning of voices, a rhythmic reminder of the strength in many. Following, the duo offers an array of moody instrumentals, some buoyantly buzzing (“Tenebrae”, “Sylvanot”), some pensively droning (“Noctilis”)—all of them mesmerizing. With “Mel Obscurum (Palästinalied)”, TABERNIS devote themselves to one of the most famous surviving medieval songs. Their rendition of celebrated German poet Walther von der Vogelweide’s 13th-century “Palestine Song” bestows a special historicism upon Seasons of the Dark Hive. “Hive Dance (Bransle du maître de la maison)” stands with similar history, originating from a late medieval French dance tune. The melodies, mainly conducted by only two instruments, are enriched by the subtle presence of a Dark Monk on strings and, on rare occasions, distorted whispers and the soothing humming of bustling bees, consistently conjuring a unique atmosphere. Seasons of the Dark Hive is an apicultural ritual, and TABERNIS take the lead.