- - Heavy Metal Band Reveals New Vocalist Before 2026 Tour

Liz LindainDecember 19, 2025 at 3:23 AM

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Fans were shocked when Finnish heavy metal rock band Battle Beast announced on Monday that their lead singer, Noora Louhimo, was leaving the band after 13 years to pursue a solo career.

"For 13 years I got to grow, learn, develop and explore with Battle Beast who I am as a musician and as a person," Louhimo wrote in a statement published to Facebook. "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."

Not even 24 hours later, Battle Beast posted to Facebook on Tuesday and announced their new lead singer, Marina La Torraca.

Vocalist Noora Louhimo of Battle Beast performs at City National Civic on May 4, 2018 in San Jose, California.

Previously, La Toracca sang with other bands such as Phantom Elite and Exit Eden, and was featured in various other vocal projects. The Brazilian singer also occasionally posts covers to YouTube, most recently, "Golden" and "TAKEDOWN" from Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters.

"When I first saw an email 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," La Torraca wrote. "I’m incredibly honored to be part of this new chapter and deeply grateful for the trust and support from the band."

In addition, Battle Beast revealed their upcoming tour dates for their The Far East & Down Under Tour 2026, which takes place in March 2026 around Japan and Australia. La Torraca will be the lead vocalist for these shows.

With this upcoming change, La Torraca has some big shoes to fill. When Louhimo joined the band back in 2012, she shaped the voice and direction of Battle Beast to what it is now.

"Is it a little terrifying to follow in the wake of a vocal legend like Noora? You bet! Is it also very exciting? Absolutely," she wrote on Facebook. "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."

Though some fans are shocked and a little disappointed about the change, many fans have embraced La Torraca with open arms and wish Louhimo the best in her upcoming endeavors.

"Wow this is unbelievable! Noora is a legend. And to be honest, Battle Beast is just another metal band without her. So when I saw the announcement of her leaving, to me it was the same as announcing the end of the band. But if Marina La Torraca is going to be the vocalist then I’m definitely giving it a chance," a fan commented. "This is an excellent choice. I can’t wait to hear."

"The two most disappointing moments in rock/metal this year were the Phantom Elite breakup and yesterday's news about Noora leaving," another wrote. "What wonderful serendipity! Looking forward to seeing what comes out of this!"

"That's great news that there is a new singer already lined up. And, it shows that there was probably time and discussion within Battle Beast to get things taken care of," a fan said.

Another expressed, "I'm sad that Noora left, but I'm going to give Marina a decent chance. She has very large shoes to fill, and it can take time (for all of them) to find their new style. But I'm open minded. This could be interesting change."

"Just had a quick listen to some of her previous work," a fan wrote. "I’m really intrigued to see how she will approach the songs. Lots of potential for interesting stuff! Catch you at Stonedead next year!"

"Sad Noora is leaving😪 but every one has one life to live and have the right to make her/ his own choices, oh [explicit] what a voice she has❤️," a fan said. "But no worry, the Battle Beast band is one [explicit] of a band, tough, strong and incredible hardworking persons, they survive. I just heard a few songs on youtube from Marina La Torraca, wow her voice is also good and i'm sure she fits in the band as herself, life is a journey🙏."

Guitarist Joona Bjorkroth and bassist Eero Sipila of Battle Beast perform at City National Civic on May 4, 2018 in San Jose, California.

Battle Beast was formed in 2008 by Anton Kabanen, Juuso Soinio and Pyry Vikki. Before signing with a record label with Hybe Records in 2010, the metal band won two competitions: Wacken Metal Battle and Radio Rock Starba. They released their first studio album, Steel, in 2011, and have released six more records since. Their most recent album was put out in October, titled Steelbound. Battle Beast's current lineup now includes La Torraca, Jaane and Joona Björkroth, Vikki, Soinio and Eero Sipilä.

Fans can purchase tickets to their upcoming The Far East & Down Under Tour 2026 on Battle Beast's official website.

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This story was originally published by Parade on Dec 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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