There’s a lot to say about the magnificence of Babymetal, the kawaii metal-pop powerhouse that has redefined genre boundaries. Since their formation in 2010 and the explosive impact of debut single “Gimme Chocolate!!”, the band has carved a unique and lasting space within the global metal scene. Their sound is a relentless fusion of thunderous riffs, infectious melodies, and soaring choruses, a combination few others pull off so seamlessly. Fifteen years on, and any accusations of Babymetal being a mere novelty act have long faded. They’ve proven themselves to be a band with an unwavering commitment to innovation and performance. And now, with their latest release Metal Forth, they show no signs of slowing down. Whether you’re headbanging, screaming along, or admiring the sheer musical tightness, Babymetal continues to deliver on every level.
The sheer swagger of opening track “From Me to You” (featuring Poppy) is enough to send chills down your spine. Its driving riffs and pulsating electronica come out swinging, and just as you recover, the chorus hits like a sledgehammer. It’s easily one of the catchiest hooks you’ll hear all year. Poppy’s piercing screams counterbalance Su-Metal’s soothing, melodic vocals in a way that feels both chaotic and perfectly controlled. The result is a thrilling sonic collision that recalls the early, anarchic days of Enter Shikari, pure, beautiful chaos.
The swagger rolls on with “RATATATA”, a brilliant collaboration with the ever-entertaining
Electric Callboy. Rarely do two bands mesh so effortlessly, both are unapologetically unique,
and this track feels like the inevitable collision of their wildest impulses. It’s a song that demands
a sing-along, burrows deep into your brain, and refuses to leave. Equal parts absurd and
anthemic, it’s so spectacularly poptastic that resisting the urge to smile and headbang is
completely futile. This is joy in sonic form.
Brutality abounds on “Song 3” and “Kon! Kon!”. The former sees Alex Terrible of Slaughter to Prevail deliver a ferocious guest spot, leaving a lasting, guttural imprint on the album. Jayant Bhadula (Bloodywood) also lends his unmistakable energy, making for a truly global metal collaboration. “Song 3” channels pure 2001-era Slipknot, all discordant guitars, relentless percussion, and raw aggression. It’s unflinchingly heavy, yet still unmistakably Babymetal.
Then there’s “Kon! Kon!”, a thunderous track that blends Bloodywood flair with crushing metal, that absolutely destroys. With a driving riff that evokes early Sepultura, it’s a pounding, relentless standout that’s as cinematic as it is savage. The guest appearances keep coming, with “Sunset Kiss” showcasing the intricate, mind- bending guitar wizardry of Polyphia, while “METALI!!” brings in none other than Rage Against The Machine’s legend Tom Morello. Both tracks are excellent in their own right, innovative,
genre-pushing, and distinctly Babymetal. However, their placement is somewhat unfortunate, as they surround the undeniable standout of the album: “My Queen”, featuring Spiritbox’s queen of scream, Courtney LaPlante.
From the first crushing riff, “My Queen” sets a darker, more ominous tone. Gone are the cheerleader-style chants and bubblegum energy, in their place are sorrowful yet powerful vocals, anchored by an unrelenting instrumental backdrop. LaPlante’s ferocious scream lands squarely in the heart of the breakdown, while the soaring crescendo of the bridge delivers pure catharsis. This is pure, undiluted metal, wrapped neatly in a pop-structured, three-and-a-half- minute package, and it’s nothing short of epic. “White Flame” brings the album to a close with a Final Fantasy-esque flourish, a flighty blast of speed metal laced with the kind of expansive, technical twists you’d expect from Dream Theater. It’s a reminder that while Su-Metal, Moametal, and Momometal may be the faces of the band, the musicians behind them are nothing short of masterful. This finale feels like their moment, a curtain call of sorts. As if to say: “We’re here. Don’t forget about us. We are phenomenal at what we do, and we are every bit as metal as the rest.” And my god, are they ever. 9/10.
