Loud Society has released a video offering insight into Japan's punk and metal communities, where the typically reserved nature of daily life gives way to intense, energetic live performances. The video examines how these bands have integrated international influences to develop a distinctive underground scene, emphasizing the importance of intimate venues such as metal bars for fostering connection and creative freedom.
In related news, the Japanese power metal group Lovebites is set to release their fifth studio album, Outstanding Power, on February 18, 2026. This album marks the first time that all band members contributed to the songwriting process. Production began in August 2025 and was completed shortly before the band toured the United States.
The album's sound was shaped by Finnish engineers Mikko Karmila and Mika Jussila, known for their mastering and mixing expertise. The cover artwork, created by Spanish team Easy Rabbit Creation, features a powerful symbolic image of a white wolf navigating turbulent seas, reflecting the album’s themes of resilience and strength.
Multiple deluxe versions of Outstanding Power will be available, including the Heaven Edition featuring footage from a 2025 Tokyo live show, and the Hell Edition containing a set from Hellfest 2024 in France. Super deluxe versions with live audio CDs will be sold exclusively through the Victor Online Store for official fan club members, alongside bundle packages that include exclusive merchandise.