Battle Beast‘s June 7 performance at Metalfest Open Air 2026 in Pilsen, Czech Republic can be viewed in newly available fan-filmed footage. The concert featured the band’s new vocalist, Marina La Torraca, who made her live debut with Battle Beast on March 6 at WWWX in Tokyo, Japan.
Battle Beast founding member Eero Sipilä recently revealed that he was completely blindsided by longtime vocalist Noora Louhimo‘s decision to leave the band late last year. Speaking with Australia’s “Metal Mal,” the bassist explained that there were no warning signs before Louhimo announced her departure in December to pursue a solo career.
“Well, first reaction was absolute shock, because it totally came out of the blue, completely random to me,” he said.
“I don’t remember the exact date, but, yeah, she announced that she wanted to leave, and then we really tried to talk her over to do these shows [in Japan, Australia and China] that had been already set [and] arranged [for March 2026]. But, eventually it just didn’t turn out [like that]. And here we are now. That’s life, I guess.”
“But, yeah, after that, slowly over time, I just kind of started thinking that this band has been around before [Noora], so why couldn’t it be afterwards? I’ve been in this band for 17 years. I’m gonna keep going. And that was the common mood.”
The search for a replacement was swift, leading them to Brazilian vocalist Marina La Torraca, known for her work with Phantom Elite and Exit Eden.
“And then we just really started actively searching for new singers. And, yeah, Marina‘s name came on top of our list. We called her. She was interested. We flew her over to Finland. Stuff worked out. And now we have a new singer. That’s how it kind of went down, in a nutshell.”
La Torraca previously shared her excitement about the role in a statement released when the news broke in December:
“When I first saw an e-mail with both Battle Beast and my name in the subject line, I honestly thought it had to be a mistake. But once I opened it, I couldn’t have been happier. I’m incredibly honored to be part of this new chapter and deeply grateful for the trust and support from the band.”
“Is it a little terrifying to follow in the wake of a vocal legend like Noora? You bet! Is it also very exciting? Absolutely. Battle Beast is one of the hardest-working and most genuinely talented bands out there, and I’m proud to be here to help them keep growing and spreading joy. Buckle up — this is going to be fun.”
Louhimo‘s farewell statement expressed her desire for new adventures after more than a decade with the band:
“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!”
