Ha ha ha! You got me David! After what you first said about the song, I was expecting a score of about 7.0 or there about. When you said 9.5, I almost fell off of my chair! Well played! This is one of my favorite LBs songs. I'm a big fan of classical piano music, and this was written by Miyako as a tribute to Beethoven. In fact, she wrote it in the structural form of a Beethoven sonata - an opening, three movements, and a coda (ending). The first and third movements were based on the third movement of Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" - in fact some of it is the same note for note. Most people are familiar with the first movement, but not as familiar with the third movement. The first movement expresses Beethoven's sadness about losing his hearing, but the third movement expresses the pure rage that he felt about it. Miyako obviously wanted to express rage and not sadness or she would have chosen the more familiar first movement. Beethoven often used dissonance in his second movements, and Miyako's second movement (the guitar solos) were some of the most dissonant notes I've ever heard LBs play. And that ending would have fit in just about any classical composition. This song could only have been written by someone who is very familiar with Beethoven's music, and someone who has a very thorough knowledge of music theory. I do disagree about the song being pretentious, I think that when a person understands that it's a tribute, they'll understand it better. Take care and peace!
Miyako used Beethoven's piano sonata no. 8. According to Midori this song is about Beethoven's sorrow, about overcoming his hearing loss. Midori stated that this was the first time she played this kind of progressive metal. From the EP Glory, Glory To The World Lyrics: Asami Music: Miyako Arrangement: Miyako/Mao/Lovebites
David, you actually gave a 9.5 score to another Lovebites song - "Soldier Stands Solitarily" (SSS). "Dystopia Symphony" was actually my fav Lovebites song until SSS came along. This track is an indication that the band might be beginning to move in a direction that contains more prog with neoclassical metal elements seamlessly integrated, whilst still maintaining the very high tempo (which makes Lovebites' sound even more unique). The "Judgement Day" LP reinforces that notion to a certain extent.
This is one of my favourite Lovebites songs, so any time anyone else gets to hear it, I'm happy. You mention that Miyako is a very good pianist - I'm sure someone must have suggested it by now, but there's an official music video for her piano interpretation of Eagle Fly Free which you should definitely check out.
Great reaction, David! Now we have two Lovebites songs with the highest score. Soldier Stands Solitarily didnt make the cut for this EP probably because Miyako cooking up this song wholeheartedly. All the piano and keyboards played by Miyako except the keys during the chorus, stylistically sounds like Mao playing it. The style is similar with keys in Under the Red Sky. It's also the only song composed by Miyako that include Mao's arrangement. Oh, and you didn't notice Miho doing some interesting runs before the guitar solos?
One of my favorite Lovebites songs. Thanks for your comments, in fact it seemed strange to me that you would give it 9.5 after saying what you said hahaha. It would be great if you react one day to their songs Paranoia and No Time To Hesitate, so that you complete all their songs from the EP Glory, Glory to the World, which for me is their best album along with the most recent Judgment Day
"Dystopia" Symphony is the song's clear definition of its own dystopia, hence the genius of its composition and arrangement. David, I think you'll agree that your review was also dystopian! :)
For sure….”very complex” “didn’t sound bad” “pompous”, full of itself” it’s a 9.5. I sort of understand, because you don’t have to love a song to recognise the genius behind its composition. Miyako scores her second 9.5 in a row.
Ha! You really had me going David, up until the score, at which point I was so surprised I dropped my pitchfork! 😅 Before then I was thinking, uh oh, this is not going to end well, he doesn't realise that he's about to mark down Beethoven. That complexity you mentioned is reflected in Miyako's tribute to the great composer; there are many elements that mirror the embellishments that were the hallmark of his music. First time listeners to a Beethoven Symphony often don't know where it's going next either, so you're not alone. I would love to hear this played live, with Miyako on piano. I think Ludwig van would approve.
Great reaction. Another one of Miyako’s masterpieces. Had to listen several times to this song to get in to it. Like it a lot but “glory to the world” and “winds of Transylvania” from this EP i like more. The same score as “soldier stands solitarily”. Thanks for this reaction.
LYRICS by Asami & Miyako: Like it's an end of world Making me fall apart Pushing me to the edge of the darkness Taking my breath away, and now it's taking away my emotion Why was I the one He chosen Hear me cry when I'm running away from the storm It's almost right behind me The shade of moon above, wandering high in sky Following everywhere in a silence The shower of the light melting into the sleeping deep night Lost in maze, it's all I hear now Echo in my mind from far away Wish to hold it in my heart to feel the love Sadness, madness, edginess, and sense of loss Breaking through tragedy, somewhere There is much more to see beyond I stand to face bravely God, Heavenly light Shining in deep beneath Bringing a life to crystal bloom Heavenly bless Lay me in peace with this melody Like it's an end of world Making me fall apart Pushing me to the edge of the darkness Taking my breath away, and now it's taking away my emotion Why was I the one He chosen Hear me cry when I'm running away from the storm It's almost right behind me Sadness, madness, edginess, and sense of loss Breaking through tragedy, somewhere There is much more to see beyond I stand to face bravely God, heavenly light Shining in deep beneath Bringing a life to crystal bloom Heavenly bless Lay me in peace with this melody Heavenly light Shining in deep beneath Bringing a life to crystal bloom Heavenly bless Lay me in peace with this melody
Honestly glory glory to the world was my favorite album from them The musically on this album is the most complex and complicated that Lovebites ever made. It is crazy how Lovebites is almost goes to Dream Theater territory
Might be an EP, but with Winds of Transylvania included, I too see it as the best Lovebites release. I think I rate ALL songs 5/5. All other releases have 4:s or 3:s too.
@@morganolsson1993 yes i was think glory glory to the world is an album because they included Winds of Transylvania into it, but sorry if i'm wrong 😁 I'm agree with you glory glory to the world is perfect i love all of it
Even with Winds of Transylvania, Glory Glory To The World is less than 30 minutes so should still be considered an EP, especially considering the length of the four Lovebites albums. If GGTTW is an EP, I consider it to be their second best EP. Battle Against Damnation is their best EP in my opinion and I doubt there was a better EP released in 2018.
@1978Area This song was indeed played LIVE once at Nanba Hatch, Osaka back in April 2021. Let's hope they'll play it again LIVE as part of the "Judgement Day" tour in August & September.
HArdeR loUder aNd fAster 🥁⭐️🏆 One of the most impressive performances from her ever topped only by SSS to my ear. PAINKILLER cover and NAMELESS WARRIOR also high on that list. Saw it mentioned that her calfs have the muscle mass comparable to a male's. 🤘🐺🤘
As always, a great REACTION & REVIEW! For everyone here in the comments. Should you like Asterism?? They were in the US. They had a show in Santa Ana, Ca... Here's a video of it th-cam.com/video/sohaQKE7xq4/w-d-xo.html
This song with so much Miyako’s work. It’s a complex composition and, like somebody commented, it’s necessary to be knowledgeable in music theory in order to compose this song.
Dystopia Symphony and Soldier Stands Solitarily are in a class of its own on the LB discography, pure genius compositions. My favorite will always be Shadowmaker who to me has the best Midori solo section of Lovebites.
Considering the way you introduced your score, it seems like the unpredictability of the song inspired you to make your score about as unpredictable! ;) Though thinking of your reaction to The Gathering's "Travel", in which you gave the song an 8.5 in spite of not liking it at all, I could have been warned. Since I have already heard and enjoyed much more unpredictable songs way back in the late eighties (by Watchtower, Sieges Even and Voivod), I don't mind this aspect of the song at all, rather the opposite, but personal tastes happen to be different. Even though "Dystopia Symphony" might only make it into the top 10 of my favourite Lovebites-songs, yet not the top 5, I still might give it a 10, which is not to be misunderstood as pitchfork- and torch-raising against your 9.5-score, but just shows how dense the quality of Lovebites' songs is (in my book).
As always, you're basicallly spot on with your comments. I'd just like to add that Haruna's way of accenting just impresses me more and more every time I hear songs like this. I'm thinking of songs like this one when non-metal people tell me metal is simple music...there is nothing simple about this song, they just make it seem as effortless as always. I would love to see this song live, though.
Lmao it's hilarious that anyone would imply that metal is simple. Sure, there is rather simple metal out there, but there is also ridiculously complex music in metal.
This is an amazing piece and yes very different from some of their NWOBHM type songs. I'm a big fan of classical and metal but can relate to your dilemma because impressive as it is I just don't get Jazz. Have been a Haruna fanboy since day one. First song I heard was When Destinies Align and felt she was the biggest master of her instrument of the 5 and nothing since has changed that view.
Every score over 7 on my requests is for me always okay...but I dont say no to a 9,5 also...but, what I'm more interested in is your personal opinion or liking. And yes, I enjoyed the show, man. ;) Sadly there is no Live Footage.
Hamish, thank you for the requests. Looks like you did request highest score songs twice! SSS has a contender now. I'm guessing you also requested Nameless Warrior? Let see if it levels with SSS and Dystopia 🐺
They actually played this song LIVE once in April 2021 at Nanba Hatch, Osaka. It was the 8th track on the setlist. There's no known LIVE footage of that concert.
@@Hamish_Whitehaven looks like he reacted to Dystopia first, then SSS. Are you planning on requesting Dissonance? Paired it up with Paranoia! That would blow David's mind 😂
@@dino.mozardien I have some older songs on the list, but not before October, and for the other new ones like Dissonance, I hoped for live footage, but I don't know if they make videos from the upcoming concerts either; i really thought they would make the new DVD from the autumn concerts and not from the first concert in this year, where they only played 2 songs from the new Album.
Two of my favorite songs from them have now gotten super high scores!! 🤘 These speed metal type symphony songs are super up my alley, i love them, but i can totally understand it can be too much for most people! This is infused with Miyako's classical music background, i believe it's Beethoven in this case! This song was released mid-pandemic and has only been played Live once, and im hoping they will play it again in the future!! Thanks for the honest review David!! 🤘🤘 edit: i volunteer absolutely, Haruna pick me!! 😁
As a devoted LOVEBITES fan that doesn't wield a pitchfork I hope you don't tar us all with the same brush. In fact I totally agree with you on this one. I like and appreciate it but I don't love it and like you I'd rather listen to other songs of theirs. Mind you that might change if they ever do it live. 🤘🤘
David - WTH?? 🤣 Actually, I agree with you. I know a LOT of LB fans went nuts over this song when it appeared on the EP. I also agree that it is fun to listen to. Once. When you first reviewed “Holy War”, I also became an instant fan, and I did actually go out and buy everything they had put out. They have since overtaken my “Favorite Band” title (from 1. Zeppelin, 2. Rush, and 3. Triumph). This song resonated with me, and brought the movie “Amadeus” to mind - When Mozart was critiqued by Salieri for including “too many notes”. YES, DS is great. YES, DS is impressive. YES, DS is brilliantly performed. This, for me, actually falls into the category of “too much of a good thing”. Normally, I would’ve guessed (my favorite game in your reviews) you would have given this an 8.5-8.6. Then you started explaining, and that dropped to an 8.1-8.2. Then you come up with 9.5?!?!?! You crack me up! At least you’re fair and consistent. Like I said, this is a really fun listen. Once. Though I don’t skip it when it does come on up my playlists. Thanks Dude!!
I personally like it when they do a complex song. Everyone is different. I personally don't like "Stand and Deliver" which everyone seems to love. Does not mean I do not understand it's an extremely good song and I would score it high. You did the same with this one.
For me, "Dystopia Symphony" was a shocking song for the evaluation of LOVEBITES. A lot of emotions came up when I heard this song released in March 2021. for example··· Until then, I knew that Miyako was an excellent musician. However, I realized that my understanding to that extent was an underestimation of her ability. Her talent is much higher. I also felt how much Miyako trusted Haruna when composing this song. In my sense, I feel that this song became the point of musical change (evolution) of the "LOVEBITES sound" that will lead to Judgment Day later. *I also hope that the band's musical changes were unrelated to Miho's departure. ---------- from Nippon *It is a sentence using Google translation. I hope I conveyed my intentions correctly.
As some kind of "compensation" 😉, I recommend to watch the new live version of "The Hammer of Wrath", which was released today on Lovebites' official channel. It's the first song from their upcoming live-DVD which is also the first one to feature Fami as their new bassist live in front of an (enthusiastic) audience. You can tell by the smiles on their faces that they all had a blast - especially their new bassist Fami, who was absolutely slaphappy! (Double entendre intended, as she actually did slap a few parts in this Thrash Metal song, but it didn't sound wrong in any way, at least not to my ears.) Since you have already reacted to a live version of this song before, I don't know if you think it's worth to save the new version for a reaction video. If you don't, just watch and enjoy (when time allows): th-cam.com/video/pHrWRT0Jeac/w-d-xo.html
Going off-script is fine by me. 🙂I like the symphonic touches in this song (fitting the title). I definitely perked up at that 5/4 section, though what actually stood out more was the feel change.
I think you put into words, what I feel about this song, too. I absolutely like it and I'm absolutely in awe about it's complexity and technicality. But despite that, there's that tiny little thing missing that would make it an absolute favorite for me and I also think it's because it seems a little bit too much sometimes. Nevertheless, great song and a great score from you.
The truth is that it's not an easy song.....but because it's prog you have to listen to it several times to get used to it.....and musically structurally and playing it's for 9.5....
9.5 is a great score considering you're not a huge fan of the song. Personally, love this song...I'm all about speed and complexities! 🙂 As always, appreciate your honesty and reaction. Looking forward to the next one! 🤘
Agree/disagree 9.5 might be deserved from a musical critique but not real appealing unless that is your personal taste. In a previous reaction to My Orion after initially agreeing with the 7.6 score I changed my mind. Far too low for such a commercially appealing song. Understandable as you are more of a metal head than myself with my cover band background. Too much K.I.S.S. in my taste? That being said I am a huge LB fan.
My second favorite song by them, and my first favorite is "glory to the world". To be honest, this EP is the only record I felt thrilled by among several records Lovebites have ever released. I expected their new album to be similar with this EP, but it was disappointing for me.
This reaction deserves 9.5 score! David could really amazed us. Nothing could be predicted till the score setting. But unfortunately he cannot always get nines for his reactions. The Judgement Day reaction went right to 6.8 and that was the final score, I am pretty sure about that. Let me tell you why...
I kind of felt like this one was forced a bit, as it seemed to be a predominantly Miyako composition and to me, the blend of classical to metal didn't work that well though I understand the title. It's interesting to me that LB continues to claim being Heavy Metal yet they keep moving in a more symphonic direction. (yes, I know the latest album seems more "thrashy"). There are several LB songs I'm not a fan of, and this one fits into that category, it just won't make my car playlist. Whether it's a tribute to Beethoven or not is of little interest to me, kind of like "The Old Man and the Sea" is a tribute to Hemingway. I'd never read it except it was mandatory in school.
So for you, a band with 50 songs should have 50 songs that all sound the same ? Maybe that's the problem, that this bands doesn't go big. This is not forced, this is one of the few personal projects of Myiako as a composer in LB. If you look at every Album of LB they had on any of them all different Genres from Power to trash to Symph Metal and also other subgenres like Prog and Rock-Metal.
@@Hamish_Whitehaven I don't believe I wrote anything about LB songs sounding the same as obviously they have a mix. It seems to me they started out more as a heavy metal band, then moved more into symphonic music, especially with several songs off of Glory to the World. Then their latest album moved back towards I guess Rock-Metal/Thrash (genres are often pretty hard to define). Miyako has stated she tries to incorporate her classical background into their songs, but I just feel that sometimes she attempts to push the envelope a bit far. As always, we each have different tastes in music. I can appreciate that this was written with a Beethoven slant, but I also suspect if you asked 100 regular non-musician fans, probably only 1 or 2 would have any idea about it, so in the long run over many fans, the entire purpose of the song is probably lost. In that case, then those fans are only listening to a song, not a dedication, so the song needs to stand by itself.
For me, Lovebites have a few tracks that I find have an 'over produced and over paced' feel. Having heard this track several times, I still have the same view, that it would benefit from being played at a slower pace. An analogy I use is when a boogie woogie piano player plays too fast and you miss the playing styles and techniques, they get lost in a muddy blur. I more or less agree with your points. This track reminds me of some of the progressive 'mega bands' of the 1970's who could add an entire classical section played on guitars, keyboards and bass into a song. Miyako, certainly displays her classical roots, in this song. I am surprised at your score, I feel all the skill and ability to play the song is lost by the frantic pace. and would have scored it a whole point lower. Like modern classical music, just because classical instruments and the human voice do have incredible ranges that modern composer's seem to employ in their compositions, doesn't mean you should use them, at every opportunity. I enjoy the 5/4 section. I remember my father explaining to me that an Emerson Lake & Palmer track I listened to, way too many times was in 5/4. It really has an uncomfortable rhythm but strangely still enjoyable. An important reminder, all the above are my views.
We are truly blessed to live in the same time that Lovebites exist!
Ha ha ha! You got me David! After what you first said about the song, I was expecting a score of about 7.0 or there about. When you said 9.5, I almost fell off of my chair! Well played! This is one of my favorite LBs songs. I'm a big fan of classical piano music, and this was written by Miyako as a tribute to Beethoven. In fact, she wrote it in the structural form of a Beethoven sonata - an opening, three movements, and a coda (ending). The first and third movements were based on the third movement of Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" - in fact some of it is the same note for note. Most people are familiar with the first movement, but not as familiar with the third movement. The first movement expresses Beethoven's sadness about losing his hearing, but the third movement expresses the pure rage that he felt about it. Miyako obviously wanted to express rage and not sadness or she would have chosen the more familiar first movement. Beethoven often used dissonance in his second movements, and Miyako's second movement (the guitar solos) were some of the most dissonant notes I've ever heard LBs play. And that ending would have fit in just about any classical composition. This song could only have been written by someone who is very familiar with Beethoven's music, and someone who has a very thorough knowledge of music theory. I do disagree about the song being pretentious, I think that when a person understands that it's a tribute, they'll understand it better. Take care and peace!
Well said !
Miyako used Beethoven's piano sonata no. 8. According to Midori this song is about Beethoven's sorrow, about overcoming his hearing loss. Midori stated that this was the first time she played this kind of progressive metal.
From the EP Glory, Glory To The World
Lyrics: Asami
Music: Miyako
Arrangement: Miyako/Mao/Lovebites
My farvoite Beethoven's sonata, and I guess that is the reason why I like this song. I really enjoyed playing Piano Sonata No.8 when I was a teenager.
The best track ! Wow. I love the speed and refrain...
This reaction had everything; riots, VPNs, Haruna leg massages, and a contradictingly high score. Love it! 😄
I absolutely love this song. One of my favorite Lovebites songs. Miyako is brilliant. No shame in sharing your opinion that the song’s not your style.
David, you actually gave a 9.5 score to another Lovebites song - "Soldier Stands Solitarily" (SSS). "Dystopia Symphony" was actually my fav Lovebites song until SSS came along. This track is an indication that the band might be beginning to move in a direction that contains more prog with neoclassical metal elements seamlessly integrated, whilst still maintaining the very high tempo (which makes Lovebites' sound even more unique). The "Judgement Day" LP reinforces that notion to a certain extent.
Judgement Day has a bit of everything TBH.
This is one of my favourite Lovebites songs, so any time anyone else gets to hear it, I'm happy. You mention that Miyako is a very good pianist - I'm sure someone must have suggested it by now, but there's an official music video for her piano interpretation of Eagle Fly Free which you should definitely check out.
Great reaction, David! Now we have two Lovebites songs with the highest score. Soldier Stands Solitarily didnt make the cut for this EP probably because Miyako cooking up this song wholeheartedly. All the piano and keyboards played by Miyako except the keys during the chorus, stylistically sounds like Mao playing it. The style is similar with keys in Under the Red Sky. It's also the only song composed by Miyako that include Mao's arrangement.
Oh, and you didn't notice Miho doing some interesting runs before the guitar solos?
One of my favorite Lovebites songs. Thanks for your comments, in fact it seemed strange to me that you would give it 9.5 after saying what you said hahaha. It would be great if you react one day to their songs Paranoia and No Time To Hesitate, so that you complete all their songs from the EP Glory, Glory to the World, which for me is their best album along with the most recent Judgment Day
"Dystopia" Symphony is the song's clear definition of its own dystopia, hence the genius of its composition and arrangement. David, I think you'll agree that your review was also dystopian! :)
For sure….”very complex” “didn’t sound bad” “pompous”, full of itself” it’s a 9.5. I sort of understand, because you don’t have to love a song to recognise the genius behind its composition. Miyako scores her second 9.5 in a row.
Ha! You really had me going David, up until the score, at which point I was so surprised I dropped my pitchfork! 😅
Before then I was thinking, uh oh, this is not going to end well, he doesn't realise that he's about to mark down Beethoven. That complexity you mentioned is reflected in Miyako's tribute to the great composer; there are many elements that mirror the embellishments that were the hallmark of his music. First time listeners to a Beethoven Symphony often don't know where it's going next either, so you're not alone.
I would love to hear this played live, with Miyako on piano. I think Ludwig van would approve.
Great reaction. Another one of Miyako’s masterpieces. Had to listen several times to this song to get in to it. Like it a lot but “glory to the world” and “winds of Transylvania” from this EP i like more. The same score as “soldier stands solitarily”. Thanks for this reaction.
LYRICS by Asami & Miyako:
Like it's an end of world
Making me fall apart
Pushing me to the edge of the darkness
Taking my breath away, and now it's taking away my emotion
Why was I the one He chosen
Hear me cry when I'm running away from the storm
It's almost right behind me
The shade of moon above, wandering high in sky
Following everywhere in a silence
The shower of the light melting into the sleeping deep night
Lost in maze, it's all I hear now
Echo in my mind from far away
Wish to hold it in my heart to feel the love
Sadness, madness, edginess, and sense of loss
Breaking through tragedy, somewhere
There is much more to see beyond
I stand to face bravely
God, Heavenly light
Shining in deep beneath
Bringing a life to crystal bloom
Heavenly bless
Lay me in peace with this melody
Like it's an end of world
Making me fall apart
Pushing me to the edge of the darkness
Taking my breath away, and now it's taking away my emotion
Why was I the one He chosen
Hear me cry when I'm running away from the storm
It's almost right behind me
Sadness, madness, edginess, and sense of loss
Breaking through tragedy, somewhere
There is much more to see beyond
I stand to face bravely
God, heavenly light
Shining in deep beneath
Bringing a life to crystal bloom
Heavenly bless
Lay me in peace with this melody
Heavenly light
Shining in deep beneath
Bringing a life to crystal bloom
Heavenly bless
Lay me in peace with this melody
Honestly glory glory to the world was my favorite album from them
The musically on this album is the most complex and complicated that Lovebites ever made.
It is crazy how Lovebites is almost goes to Dream Theater territory
"EP"
@@GabePhenex sorry if i'm wrong
Might be an EP, but with Winds of Transylvania included, I too see it as the best Lovebites release. I think I rate ALL songs 5/5. All other releases have 4:s or 3:s too.
@@morganolsson1993 yes i was think glory glory to the world is an album because they included Winds of Transylvania into it, but sorry if i'm wrong 😁
I'm agree with you glory glory to the world is perfect i love all of it
Even with Winds of Transylvania, Glory Glory To The World is less than 30 minutes so should still be considered an EP, especially considering the length of the four Lovebites albums. If GGTTW is an EP, I consider it to be their second best EP. Battle Against Damnation is their best EP in my opinion and I doubt there was a better EP released in 2018.
This song was played live in Osaka in 2021 with Beethoven's piano sonata no.8 played live by Miyako before the song!
@1978Area It was played in Osaka show 21 April 2021 replacing "Spellbound"
@1978Area Yes, it was performed live in Osaka, and Miyako played sonata no.8 as intro, it's on youtube!
@1978Area This song was indeed played LIVE once at Nanba Hatch, Osaka back in April 2021. Let's hope they'll play it again LIVE as part of the "Judgement Day" tour in August & September.
@@obud3777 I can't find it on YT. Do you have the link ?
@@boyzyu No, i have not found the link
🤘🐺♠👸🤘Composed and performed by virtuosos...🤯
LOVEBITES & Miyako's musical inspirations range from the baroque period to thrash metal🎼🎹🎸🥁🔥🤘
Master piece🤘🐺🔥
HArdeR loUder aNd fAster 🥁⭐️🏆 One of the most impressive performances from her ever topped only by SSS to my ear. PAINKILLER cover and NAMELESS WARRIOR also high on that list. Saw it mentioned that her calfs have the muscle mass comparable to a male's. 🤘🐺🤘
Check out Victim of Time for a more impressive Haruna performance.
@jamesgreen5431 Yeah man, that one is way up there too. 👍
As always, a great REACTION & REVIEW! For everyone here in the comments. Should you like Asterism?? They were in the US. They had a show in Santa Ana, Ca... Here's a video of it th-cam.com/video/sohaQKE7xq4/w-d-xo.html
This song with so much Miyako’s work. It’s a complex composition and, like somebody commented, it’s necessary to be knowledgeable in music theory in order to compose this song.
Dystopia Symphony and Soldier Stands Solitarily are in a class of its own on the LB discography, pure genius compositions. My favorite will always be Shadowmaker who to me has the best Midori solo section of Lovebites.
Considering the way you introduced your score, it seems like the unpredictability of the song inspired you to make your score about as unpredictable! ;) Though thinking of your reaction to The Gathering's "Travel", in which you gave the song an 8.5 in spite of not liking it at all, I could have been warned. Since I have already heard and enjoyed much more unpredictable songs way back in the late eighties (by Watchtower, Sieges Even and Voivod), I don't mind this aspect of the song at all, rather the opposite, but personal tastes happen to be different. Even though "Dystopia Symphony" might only make it into the top 10 of my favourite Lovebites-songs, yet not the top 5, I still might give it a 10, which is not to be misunderstood as pitchfork- and torch-raising against your 9.5-score, but just shows how dense the quality of Lovebites' songs is (in my book).
I'd put lovebites vs any metal band, they seriously are very good. I got the album and a shirt.
As always, you're basicallly spot on with your comments. I'd just like to add that Haruna's way of accenting just impresses me more and more every time I hear songs like this. I'm thinking of songs like this one when non-metal people tell me metal is simple music...there is nothing simple about this song, they just make it seem as effortless as always. I would love to see this song live, though.
Lmao it's hilarious that anyone would imply that metal is simple. Sure, there is rather simple metal out there, but there is also ridiculously complex music in metal.
This is an amazing piece and yes very different from some of their NWOBHM type songs. I'm a big fan of classical and metal but can relate to your dilemma because impressive as it is I just don't get Jazz. Have been a Haruna fanboy since day one. First song I heard was When Destinies Align and felt she was the biggest master of her instrument of the 5 and nothing since has changed that view.
Every score over 7 on my requests is for me always okay...but I dont say no to a 9,5 also...but, what I'm more interested in is your personal opinion or liking.
And yes, I enjoyed the show, man. ;)
Sadly there is no Live Footage.
Hamish, thank you for the requests. Looks like you did request highest score songs twice! SSS has a contender now. I'm guessing you also requested Nameless Warrior? Let see if it levels with SSS and Dystopia 🐺
@@dino.mozardien I just wonder why he dont remember he gave SSS also a 9.5 :)
They actually played this song LIVE once in April 2021 at Nanba Hatch, Osaka. It was the 8th track on the setlist. There's no known LIVE footage of that concert.
@@Hamish_Whitehaven looks like he reacted to Dystopia first, then SSS.
Are you planning on requesting Dissonance? Paired it up with Paranoia! That would blow David's mind 😂
@@dino.mozardien I have some older songs on the list, but not before October, and for the other new ones like Dissonance, I hoped for live footage, but I don't know if they make videos from the upcoming concerts either; i really thought they would make the new DVD from the autumn concerts and not from the first concert in this year, where they only played 2 songs from the new Album.
Two of my favorite songs from them have now gotten super high scores!! 🤘
These speed metal type symphony songs are super up my alley, i love them, but i can totally understand it can be too much for most people!
This is infused with Miyako's classical music background, i believe it's Beethoven in this case!
This song was released mid-pandemic and has only been played Live once, and im hoping they will play it again in the future!! Thanks for the honest review David!! 🤘🤘
edit: i volunteer absolutely, Haruna pick me!! 😁
More than a few of us in that line 🤘😁🤘
@@waterwalker9600 it's a long line 😅
@@JFrancoDrums Where's CM and BD at 🤣
@@waterwalker9600 the less people on the line the better 😄
As a devoted LOVEBITES fan that doesn't wield a pitchfork I hope you don't tar us all with the same brush. In fact I totally agree with you on this one. I like and appreciate it but I don't love it and like you I'd rather listen to other songs of theirs. Mind you that might change if they ever do it live. 🤘🤘
David - WTH?? 🤣 Actually, I agree with you. I know a LOT of LB fans went nuts over this song when it appeared on the EP. I also agree that it is fun to listen to. Once.
When you first reviewed “Holy War”, I also became an instant fan, and I did actually go out and buy everything they had put out. They have since overtaken my “Favorite Band” title (from 1. Zeppelin, 2. Rush, and 3. Triumph). This song resonated with me, and brought the movie “Amadeus” to mind - When Mozart was critiqued by Salieri for including “too many notes”. YES, DS is great. YES, DS is impressive. YES, DS is brilliantly performed. This, for me, actually falls into the category of “too much of a good thing”. Normally, I would’ve guessed (my favorite game in your reviews) you would have given this an 8.5-8.6. Then you started explaining, and that dropped to an 8.1-8.2.
Then you come up with 9.5?!?!?! You crack me up! At least you’re fair and consistent. Like I said, this is a really fun listen. Once. Though I don’t skip it when it does come on up my playlists. Thanks Dude!!
I personally like it when they do a complex song. Everyone is different. I personally don't like "Stand and Deliver" which everyone seems to love. Does not mean I do not understand it's an extremely good song and I would score it high. You did the same with this one.
Yeah, I don't like Stand and Deliver all that much either. Not that it's bad, but it's relatively simple.
Excellent
For me, "Dystopia Symphony" was a shocking song for the evaluation of LOVEBITES. A lot of emotions came up when I heard this song released in March 2021. for example···
Until then, I knew that Miyako was an excellent musician. However, I realized that my understanding to that extent was an underestimation of her ability. Her talent is much higher. I also felt how much Miyako trusted Haruna when composing this song.
In my sense, I feel that this song became the point of musical change (evolution) of the "LOVEBITES sound" that will lead to Judgment Day later.
*I also hope that the band's musical changes were unrelated to Miho's departure.
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from Nippon
*It is a sentence using Google translation. I hope I conveyed my intentions correctly.
This song is a one off 10 best Songs yes D Yes D
Kiss over the ocean for you a wife a cat
🔥🤘🏻🔥🤘🏻🔥🤘🏻
This is a fan favourite for a reason. It's very complex. It's certainly giving Dream Theater vibes.
I agree,this is my favorite song by LB so far, it's different but in a good way 😄, should becoming music video or single at least for LB.
As some kind of "compensation" 😉, I recommend to watch the new live version of "The Hammer of Wrath", which was released today on Lovebites' official channel. It's the first song from their upcoming live-DVD which is also the first one to feature Fami as their new bassist live in front of an (enthusiastic) audience. You can tell by the smiles on their faces that they all had a blast - especially their new bassist Fami, who was absolutely slaphappy! (Double entendre intended, as she actually did slap a few parts in this Thrash Metal song, but it didn't sound wrong in any way, at least not to my ears.) Since you have already reacted to a live version of this song before, I don't know if you think it's worth to save the new version for a reaction video. If you don't, just watch and enjoy (when time allows): th-cam.com/video/pHrWRT0Jeac/w-d-xo.html
beethoven's moonlight sonata wow
Going off-script is fine by me. 🙂I like the symphonic touches in this song (fitting the title). I definitely perked up at that 5/4 section, though what actually stood out more was the feel change.
very good note
🤘
Great reaction. Your reviews always make sense. Very reasonable, very well analyzed. You gave 9.6 to Holy War.
Why keep people saying this?Holy War got a 9.3..
I'd be careful around Haruna's nuclear powered legs. She might lay in a sustained 180 bpm rear kicking on the offender.
I think you put into words, what I feel about this song, too. I absolutely like it and I'm absolutely in awe about it's complexity and technicality. But despite that, there's that tiny little thing missing that would make it an absolute favorite for me and I also think it's because it seems a little bit too much sometimes.
Nevertheless, great song and a great score from you.
The truth is that it's not an easy song.....but because it's prog you have to listen to it several times to get used to it.....and musically structurally and playing it's for 9.5....
Very Symphony X Dream Theatre like
9.5 is a great score considering you're not a huge fan of the song. Personally, love this song...I'm all about speed and complexities! 🙂 As always, appreciate your honesty and reaction. Looking forward to the next one! 🤘
If you would've just called this a prog metal song then the complexity is magically easier to get into, I guarantee 😉
Agree/disagree 9.5 might be deserved from a musical critique but not real appealing unless that is your personal taste. In a previous reaction to My Orion after initially agreeing with the 7.6 score I changed my mind. Far too low for such a commercially appealing song.
Understandable as you are more of a metal head than myself with my cover band background. Too much K.I.S.S. in my taste? That being said I am a huge LB fan.
My second favorite song by them, and my first favorite is "glory to the world". To be honest, this EP is the only record I felt thrilled by among several records Lovebites have ever released. I expected their new album to be similar with this EP, but it was disappointing for me.
This reaction deserves 9.5 score! David could really amazed us. Nothing could be predicted till the score setting. But unfortunately he cannot always get nines for his reactions. The Judgement Day reaction went right to 6.8 and that was the final score, I am pretty sure about that. Let me tell you why...
I kind of felt like this one was forced a bit, as it seemed to be a predominantly Miyako composition and to me, the blend of classical to metal didn't work that well though I understand the title. It's interesting to me that LB continues to claim being Heavy Metal yet they keep moving in a more symphonic direction. (yes, I know the latest album seems more "thrashy"). There are several LB songs I'm not a fan of, and this one fits into that category, it just won't make my car playlist. Whether it's a tribute to Beethoven or not is of little interest to me, kind of like "The Old Man and the Sea" is a tribute to Hemingway. I'd never read it except it was mandatory in school.
So for you, a band with 50 songs should have 50 songs that all sound the same ? Maybe that's the problem, that this bands doesn't go big. This is not forced, this is one of the few personal projects of Myiako as a composer in LB.
If you look at every Album of LB they had on any of them all different Genres from Power to trash to Symph Metal and also other subgenres like Prog and Rock-Metal.
@@Hamish_Whitehaven I don't believe I wrote anything about LB songs sounding the same as obviously they have a mix. It seems to me they started out more as a heavy metal band, then moved more into symphonic music, especially with several songs off of Glory to the World. Then their latest album moved back towards I guess Rock-Metal/Thrash (genres are often pretty hard to define). Miyako has stated she tries to incorporate her classical background into their songs, but I just feel that sometimes she attempts to push the envelope a bit far. As always, we each have different tastes in music. I can appreciate that this was written with a Beethoven slant, but I also suspect if you asked 100 regular non-musician fans, probably only 1 or 2 would have any idea about it, so in the long run over many fans, the entire purpose of the song is probably lost. In that case, then those fans are only listening to a song, not a dedication, so the song needs to stand by itself.
For me, Lovebites have a few tracks that I find have an 'over produced and over paced' feel. Having heard this track several times, I still have the same view, that it would benefit from being played at a slower pace. An analogy I use is when a boogie woogie piano player plays too fast and you miss the playing styles and techniques, they get lost in a muddy blur.
I more or less agree with your points. This track reminds me of some of the progressive 'mega bands' of the 1970's who could add an entire classical section played on guitars, keyboards and bass into a song. Miyako, certainly displays her classical roots, in this song.
I am surprised at your score, I feel all the skill and ability to play the song is lost by the frantic pace. and would have scored it a whole point lower. Like modern classical music, just because classical instruments and the human voice do have incredible ranges that modern composer's seem to employ in their compositions, doesn't mean you should use them, at every opportunity.
I enjoy the 5/4 section. I remember my father explaining to me that an Emerson Lake & Palmer track I listened to, way too many times was in 5/4. It really has an uncomfortable rhythm but strangely still enjoyable.
An important reminder, all the above are my views.