“Long ago, in a HEAVY METAL galaxy far, far away…
After 15 years together with the fellow METAL HEROES they met during their journey through the METAL RESISTANCE, they will usher in a new era of HEAVY METAL.
METAL FORTH: Whether this encounter was by coincidence or by fate, there’s no way anyone would know.
Only the FOX GOD knows.
Are you ready to Headbang? Now is the time for METAL FORTH, with BABYMETAL.”
Projected on the screens above the stadium stands, this intro ushered in a symphony, a swelling of light and sound — an excitement that bared its teeth, waiting for the music to flood in. Supplemented by a guitarist and drummer, the pre-show beat mingled with the clamor of the crowd, in the dimly lit ether, and in between the shadows on the walls.
Something else was present here, red and bleeding, pure, as heroes are when you dream of them. As the screens displayed a kaleidoscope of mirrors, opening all roads to anywhere, desperately, the sea of swaying hands and heads began to herald a new METAL RESISTANCE…
These were the words running through my head on a chilly Saturday night after leaving Intuit Dome on Nov. 1 after a tumultuous heavy metal concert experience. A few hours earlier, while most people were recovering from a busy Halloween, a dedicated group of fans queued up for Japanese kawaii metal group BABYMETAL’s seventh world tour.
The night was nothing short of electrifying, featuring 90 minutes of 15 non-stop high-energy performances. Formed in 2010, this year marks the group’s 15th year of showcasing its unique blend of hardcore metal and idol pop. Despite what seems to be a strange blend of genres, the group’s experiment has proven to be successful. BABYMETAL’s music has been featured in the new opening theme of “One-Punch Man,” “Get No Satisfied!” and legendary American guitarist Tom Morello in their song “METALI!!”
Selling out Intuit Dome, their largest show in the U.S. to date, the group has revealed its international popularity outside of Japan.
Another uniquely charming twist to BABYMETAL is the band’s lore, which melds visual and auditory art on screens that flash above the artists’ heads as they perform. When the show began at 9:00 p.m., guests were captivated by a flashing abstract display and soft, anticipatory music to usher the artists in.
This initial gentle melody was quickly shattered, melting into a bold magenta-red as BABYMETAL walked to the platform with lights flickering like the beat of a heart. Steps deliberate and thundering, chants rhythmic and echoing, something visceral and alive was created, otherworldly in its passing.
To start the show, Su-metal (Suzuka Nakamoto), Moametal (Moa Kikuchi) and Momometal (Momoko Okazaki), dressed in their signature “kawaii punk” outfits (cute layered skirts but coupled with armor-like decoration and spiky hair accessories), crossed their arms to signal their iconic opening song —“BABYMETAL DEATH.”
“BABYMETAL DEATH” lays out the foundation for the rest of the night: sound-barrier-breaking guitar, impeccable vocals, hyped fans and a rising beat that’s all about celebrating metal, defeating musical norms and crossing the borders of labels and music.
As the songs rushed on from one to the next, the instrumentals and screen illustrations continued to chronicle the epic battles BABYMETAL undertakes for METAL RESISTANCE, symbolizing the band’s dedication to fighting back against conventional musical norms.
From “PA PA YA!!” (which had fans jumping out of their seats amidst on-stage flames) to METALI!! (blending a Japanese festival beat with Tom Morella’s guitar, encouraging listeners to let loose together) and viral song “Gimme Chocolate,” the night was full of bangers (figuratively and literally, as the crowd joined the artists in headbanging and getting lost in the music).
It’s clear BABYMETAL have become metal veterans. They’re a visual, musical wonder that’s both a delight to new and old fans. In their last song, “Road of Resistance,” Su-metal sings, “Resistance! Stand up and shout! Justice forever! 君が信じるなら進め！(If you believe, then go forward)” as if reminding listeners that this is only just the beginning. It’s only up from here.