Finnish heavy metal outfit Battle Beast are set to make another new change as vocalist Noora Louhimo has decided to call it quits. The singer, who joined in 2012 and contributed to six records, is now leaving thirteen years later, with Steelbound, released in October, being her final record with the band (read our review here). While the group continues to tackle their sense of style, from lineup changes before Noora’s arrival to developing a powerful 80s-meets-pop-meets-power-metal sound, the band made more substantial enhancements with Noora’s vocals. It didn’t matter where things stood musically; Noora’s powerful and unique voice set the tempo, which made it work, including on their most experimental record, 2019’s No More Hollywood Endings. This decision appears to have been an amicable and supportive split, which is refreshing to see.
Earlier today (15th), the band shared a video along with the following message:
“Battle Beast and Noora Louhimo Part Ways After 13 Years
After six albums and 13 incredible years together, we announce that Noora Louhimo is leaving Battle Beast to focus on her solo career. While we are saddened by her departure, we fully support her decision to pursue new creative paths—something she hasn’t been able to explore wholeheartedly with the demanding schedule of Battle Beast.
Noora shares:
“For 13 years I got to grow, learn, develop and explore with Battle Beast who I am as a musician and as a person. And now my heart desires more adventures, and flying with my own wings towards my dreams that I can only pursue if I give them my full attention. Life is full of different eras and now it is time for a new one. I am forever grateful and love Battle Beast and our fans. This is not the end, this is a beginning of a new adventure for both of us. See you soon Little Beasts!”
We are deeply thankful for the music, the tours, and the magic we created together. These memories will never be tarnished nor forgotten, and we wish Noora nothing but success and happiness on her path forward.
We know you—our fans—will miss Noora as much as we do. But rest assured: the flight of Battle Beast continues, and so does Noora’s, now simply on a different trajectory.
A new era begins. We will announce the new voice of Battle Beast tomorrow on December 16th.
With gratitude and love,
Noora, Janne, Eero, Juuso, Joona & Pyry”
After getting well acquainted with the new direction, most notably hearing Noora’s vocals mixed with the band’s continued evolution, we hope their next step will be positive and perhaps set a more refined tone for their next chapter. As for Noora, we wish her the best and look forward to what she can accomplish in her solo career, whether it’s a continuation of the Noora Louhimo Experience or more work with Laurenne/Louhimo (which you should check out the new album, Falling Through Stars, released earlier this year). We will soon find out.
