And now, in a complete change of pace. Question: ‘What would happen if you mixed Jpop and Heavy Metal? And the answer is: BabyMetal.
BabyMetal are a Japanese ‘kawaii metal’ band. The band consists of Suzuka Nakamoto as “Su-metal” (Vocal and Dance) Moa Kikuchi as “Moametal” (Scream and Dance)and Yui Mizuno as “Yuimetal” (Scream and Dance) Yui has since left the band due to poor health and been replaced by a rotating trio of backup dangers . Their vocals are backed by heavy metal instrumentation, performed by a group of session musicians known as the “Kami Band” at performances.
Here they are playing their first big hit ‘Gimme Chocolate’ at the Sonisphere Festival in 2014
BabyMetal are credited for creating the kawaii metal (“cute metal” in English) genre, which combines elements from J-pop and heavy metal. This genre has introduced metal to new audiences, and many new kawaii metal bands have formed since Babymetal’s debut. Furthermore, the reach of Babymetal’s influence has stretched far beyond Japan. In 2016 Babymetal became the highest-charting Japanese band ever in UK history with the release of their album Metal Resistance. In the US, Metal Resistance was the first Japanese album to chart in the Billboard Top 40 in over 50 years, where it reached #39 in its first week. In 2019 Babymetal became the first Asian act to top the Billboard Rock Albums chart with the release of their third studio album Metal Galaxy.
Here is their follow up single to ‘Gimme Chocolate’, it is entitled Megitsune (“me”+”kitsune” = female+fox = vixen). This version come live from the famous Budokan arena. Bob Dylan brought the venue to the world’s attention by performing there in 1979. He subsequenly released a live album of the concert.
As you can see, they are very impressive live and there are a number of their concerts on You Tube should you wish to hear more – you mad fools!
