Album Review
4 Stars Pure, instinctive exploration.
Reviewer: Isabella Ambrosio
Released: August 8, 2025
Label: Capitol
BABYMETAL’s fifth album showcases their exploration of the diverse facets of the metal genre over recent years, merging seemingly unrelated styles through a range of collaborations, from well-known artists (Tom Morello, Poppy, the quickly-evolving Spiritbox) to those whose fame is still on the rise (New Delhi’s Bloodywood shining on ‘Kon! Kon!’). In instances where it’s just the band playing, such as on ‘KxAxWxAxIxI’ and ‘Algorism,’ they still present their unique flair: the former intriguingly features a hip-hop melody, while the latter delivers an all-out face-melter. The collaboration with Electric Callboy on ‘RATATATA’ is lively, enjoyable, and carries a hint of nostalgia, while Slaughter To Prevail’s contribution on ‘Song 3’ merges precise deathcore with technical metal. Most remarkable is the band's ability to weave numerous identities and styles of metal into one cohesive record that maintains a sense of harmony and balance. Though years in the industry impart valuable lessons, ‘Metal Forth’ feels like an unrestrained exploration.
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