BABYMETAL – Metal Forth

RELEASE YEAR: 2025
BAND URL: https://babymetal.com

Origins and Evolution

Formed in 2010 as a genre-defying blend of idol pop and heavy metal, BABYMETAL quickly became a global phenomenon with their theatrical performances, intricate choreography, and innovative “kawaii metal” sound. Anchored by the core trio of Su-metal, Moametal, and new member Momometal, they have evolved from viral curiosities into respected pioneers, bridging cultures and genres while touring alongside some of the biggest names in metal. Metal Forth arrives as both a celebration of their 15-year journey and a bold leap into uncharted territory. Announced during a busy touring schedule, delayed multiple times, and released under their new label Capitol Records, it is one of their most anticipated albums to date.

A Collaborative Kaleidoscope

The most striking shift lies in its heavy reliance on collaborations. Out of ten tracks, seven feature guest artists such as Poppy, Electric Callboy, Spiritbox, Bloodywood, Polyphia, Slaughter to Prevail, and Tom Morello. These are not background features, they actively reshape the album’s sound. Instead of a straight BABYMETAL showcase, the record becomes a kaleidoscope of styles, refracting their kawaii-metal origins through the distinct voices and instruments of each collaborator.

Highlights and Guest Chemistry

On tracks like “from me to u” (feat. Poppy) and “RATATATA” (feat. Electric Callboy), the chemistry feels genuine, with both sides amplifying each other’s energy. “Song 3” shifts gears entirely, offering a slower, moodier atmosphere layered with harmonies and subtle instrumental textures before Alex Terrible of Slaughter to Prevail crashes in with crushing deathcore brutality. “Kon! Kon!” with Bloodywood is an electrifying cultural collision, marrying Eastern theatricality to South Asian rhythmic grit.

Drawbacks of Over Collaboration

Yet this flood of features has its drawbacks. “My Queen” (feat. Spiritbox) and “Sunset Kiss” (feat. Polyphia) sound more like the guest artists’ tracks with BABYMETAL vocals added on top, rather than true stylistic blends. They are far from bad songs, but they miss the distinct hybrid spark the band is known for. At times, it feels like BABYMETAL are passengers rather than pilots on their own record.

Core Strengths Shining Through

The moments without guests prove how powerful the trio remains on their own. “KxAxWxAxIxI” is a burst of playful chaos and razor-edged groove, its unpredictable structure giving it a wild charm. “Algorism” channels pure adrenaline, thundering drums, pulsing synths, and Su-metal’s commanding vocals driving a relentless pace that feels both rooted in their past and refreshingly sharp. Even “METALI” with Tom Morello, despite being a collaboration, feels much more like a BABYMETAL track at its core, tight, driving riffs, punchy rhythms, and an adventurous solo that complements rather than overshadows the band’s energy. “White Flame” follows as a true return to form, igniting with fast-paced, power-metal ferocity. Its soaring guitar leads, galloping rhythm, and triumphant melodies channel the spirit of BABYMETAL’s early years, reminding listeners why their unique blend of speed, precision, and infectious energy made them impossible to ignore in the first place. For me, it’s a return to the sound that made me fall in love with the band.

Verdict:

Metal Forth is a strong yet uneven release, ambitious in scope, exhilarating at its peaks, and bold in its collaborative choices. At its best, it’s a daring, borderless celebration of metal’s many forms, fusing cultures, genres, and personalities into something thrillingly unpredictable. At its weakest, it risks letting its guests overshadow its hosts, blurring the distinct identity that made BABYMETAL so magnetic in their early years. Still, the record commands attention from start to finish, delivering moments of pure, unmistakable BABYMETAL brilliance, especially in tracks like “White Flame”, and leaves you eager to see where their restless creativity will take them next. A strong 5/6.