BABY METAL
Review
BABYMETAL BRING METAL FORTH TOUR TO AUS
Hordern Pavilion, Sydney -19.03.26
Words: Hannah Lewis-Dalby
Is there really a world where cute, J-pop and metal can co-exist and thrive? Unsurprisingly, this can be quite the divisive question. When Babymetal come to town there is always a buzz of excitement and curiosity. And yes, there are those who refuse to accept them as metal. The purists just aren’t sure why bands like Slaughter to Prevail and Bring me the Horizon collaborated with them. Not to mention Electric Callboy, Bloodywood, Tom Morello.. and then playing live with Judas Preist’s Rob Halford.. No, no.. that’s not metal.. is it??..
So, who do you see at the gigs? The pure novelty seekers who need the merch. They are usually the ones you see a little later having a go at the dance moves after a couple of beers. Then there are those with a look of pure joy on their faces. They are usually tiny, wearing tutus and huge ear defenders, sat on the shoulders of a parent. The rest, whether in battle vests or twinsets, Doc Martens or Crocs are here for a good time and that is exactly what’s delivered.
For the uninitiated
Opening the set with ‘BABYMETAL DEATH’, the uninitiated may wonder if the evening will be TikTok style dancing only. The One (aka Babymetal fans) know this is merely the opener and introduction to Su-metal, Moametal, Momometal and Kami band.
Kami band? Yes, the band who wear masks to shield their identities but never their talent. These are ‘guns for hire’ and absolutely a reason why you wouldn’t accuse Babymetal of not being metal if you met them in a dark alley!
From here the set is a ride through metal moments and J-pop jingles. First, you’re dancing to ‘Doki Doki Morning’ like you’re at a Wiggles concert, next moshing to ‘Song 3’ with StP’s Alex the Terrible peering back at you from the giant screen at the back of the stage. It’s a ride!
It would be remiss not to say that there is more to this group than meets the eye. This isn’t all sugar puff and sparkles. The lyrics, sung mainly in their native Japanese are about rising above adversity, embracing strength and self-empowerment. There are also powerful messages to be found in songs like ‘Gimme Chocolate’ about the societal pressures on women. Lyrics with purpose and a punch. Still think this isn’t metal?
The Su-metal growl
Babymetal don’t verbally interact too much with the crowd. When they do it’s with big smiles and high-pitched words. Until Su-metal turns on the growl. And that makes everyone pay attention, “What the?! Haha!!” Bringing collaborations to the party through video clips, the crowd got to experience IRL the ‘Kon! Kon!’ collab with special guests Bloodywood. During ‘Metal!!!’ Kami band showcased short but oh so sweet solos, proving not only they are real but also real musicians.
As the lights faded to signal the end of the show, the usual shouts of “one more song” began to cry out. These were quickly swapped to “Heyyyyy, heyyyy baby! Ooo! Ah! I wanna know…. Will you be my girl!” Before too long, everyone had joined in, including the engineers booth who quickly synced the lights to match.
Coming back to the stage with encores ‘Headbangeeeeerrrrr’ and ‘Road to Resistance’, Babymetal expelled any last energy spinning, jumping and bringing the crowd, now fans, with them. Leaving with smiles on their faces, groups chatted on the way out, doing a little fancy foot work to get a last laugh and popping their new t-shirts on.
So, back to the question! Is there really a world where cute J-pop and metal co-exist? Tell your friends it’s actually kawaii, not cute, and damn straight it does!
Bloodywood Australian debut
Babymetal was supported by New Delhi’s, folk-metal, nu-metal band Bloodywood. If there is one thing cooler than a band performing in a language different to your native tongue, it’s TWO bands!
Recognising the power of metal and the traditional sounds of Bhangra, this is the fusion to beat. Actually, not beat, to join. If there was one thing that was very clear about this band, they are grateful and grounded. They aren’t hiding from the hard truths though – the band tackles topics like bullying, breaking cycles, facing fear and activism “the world is on fire right now. It’s not about bad and good, it’s about can and should”.
A social media love story
The band’s origin story is straight from the social media field of dreams – if you post it, they will follow. From performing solo parody metal covers of Bollywood songs online, founding member Karan Katiyar met vocalist then Talent Manager, Jayant Bhadula at a local gig. Initially continuing the now revered cover work shared virally on socials, the band now with rapper Raoul Kerr, slowly moved to writing their own material. From here it was a quick ascension to the big leagues and an invitation to play at Wacken Open Air alongside metal greats. Shortly after and never forgetting their sense of humour and creativity, the band announced their own tour ‘Raj against the Machine’.
Crediting Australia with creating a lot of buzz for them online, rapper Kerr thanked the crowd for their on-going support. This was their first visit to Australia, and you could tell they were as excited to be here as the crowd was to hear them. Kicking off the set with ‘Gaddar’, from there the music just flowed. Singing in Hindi, Punjabi, and English, it’s pure metal with growling vocals. These are mixed with distinctive Bhangra rhythms and dance and the use of the dhol (traditional double headed drum) and the flute.
Safe to say this won’t be the last we see of this crew, here’s to a return trip with a headlining tour of their own.
