BABYMETAL – METAL FORTH

      **Globetrotting metal party anthems...**

      It’s been some time since I last wrote about BABYMETAL, but I eagerly took the opportunity to review their upcoming fifth album, ‘METAL FORTH’. Why? Because subtlety is nonexistent in the vibrant, kawaiicore realm that these three Japanese musicians inhabit. Their sound is like outfitting a unicorn in iron armor and launching it into battle, wielding a trident. It's a bold and refreshing escape from the sea of introspective bedroom ballads.

      In contrast to the slightly toned-down opener of 2023’s ‘THE OTHER ONE’, the lead single ‘from me to u’ captures attention immediately. It grips the listener intensely and unleashes a precise barrage of double-kick drums and pinched harmonics. Featuring android-turned-rock-icon Poppy, this track presents an exhilarating fusion of cybernetic nu metal and chorus-driven sing-along moments. In terms of composition, it closely resembles a ferocious Slipknot performance—an explosive beginning.

      So, what follows? Of course, a synth-metal collaboration with German electronicore group Electric Callboy. On paper, it may seem like a wild mess. It transitions between genres with frenetic energy, yet the sheer enthusiasm and catchy pop hooks manage to unify it all. Do I enjoy it? Not particularly. Am I involuntarily headbanging? Definitely. The track embodies that euphoric mix of teenage optimism and rebellion, evoking a nostalgic rush amidst the chaos.

      Though they never shy away from risks, the band continues with a collaboration featuring New Delhi metal fusion artists Bloodywood. Yes, it's Bollywood blended with breakdowns. ‘Kon! Kon!’ is an absolute blast, driving ‘METAL FORTH’ to wonderfully chaotic new levels. Imagine Coal Chamber’s late ‘90s hit ‘Loco’ reimagined with an Indian twist.

      Things cool down momentarily on ‘Sunset Kiss’, where airy City Pop influences blend with the familiar barrage of guitars and singable choruses. It still conveys the sensation of spiraling through a kaleidoscopic wormhole—but with a summery vibe. On the superbly titled ‘METAL!!!’, the legendary Tom Morello joins in, contributing his unmistakable riffs and soaring solos. After nearly thirty minutes of genre-hopping madness, the album culminates with the triumphant power metal of ‘White Flame’. If you’re not pumped by the end, it might be time for some serious self-reflection.

      BABYMETAL’s first release with Capitol is as relentlessly maximalist as fans could wish for—an audacious whirlwind of worldwide collaborations, glossy chaos, and uncontainable enthusiasm. Now fifteen years into their innovative career, with significant dates planned for London’s O2 and Zénith Paris, the enduring appeal of their J-Pop-meets-heavy-metal spectacle is undeniable. Amidst the tough exteriors and dark-clad imagery, if metalheads can agree on anything, it’s this: a dash of theatricality—especially when paired with fireworks and a scream—always resonates perfectly. 7/10

      Words: Sam Walker-Smart

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