Finnish metal veterans BATTLE BEAST have made headlines recently with the addition of new vocalist Marina La Torraca, following the departure of longtime frontwoman Noora Louhimo in December 2025.

Louhimo had been part of the band since 2012 and was known for her powerful vocals and energetic stage presence.

In an interview with Australia's Metal Mal, BATTLE BEAST bassist Eero Sipilä spoke about the circumstances surrounding Louhimo's departure, stating that she exited the group to focus on her solo career.

The band had been "excited" to work with La Torraca, who is also known for her work with modern metal band PHANTOM ELITE and symphonic metal project EXIT EDEN.

When asked about his initial reaction to Louhimo's departure, Sipilä expressed shock and sadness, but also a sense of determination.

"Yeah, first reaction was absolute shock...

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?" he said.

La Torraca's addition to the band was announced in December 2025, and she has spoken about her excitement to join BATTLE BEAST.

"I'm incredibly honored to be part of this new chapter," she stated.

"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." The band has been on tour since March 2026, with a string of shows in Japan, Australia, and China.

Despite the challenges of La Torraca's rapid addition to the band without extensive rehearsal time, BATTLE BEAST is embracing the new energy and creativity she brings.

BATTLE BEAST's seventh studio album, "Steelbound", was released via Nuclear Blast in October 2025, and the band has been on a roll since then.

Their most recent European tour kicked off with a bang on October 17, 2025 at Hamburg's Inselpark Arena, and they have been on the road until mid-December 2025.

Video footage of BATTLE BEAST's June 7 performance at the Metalfest Open Air 2026 festival in Pilsen, Czech Republic can be seen below.