BABYMETAL: Everything You Need to Know About the Japanese Metal Phenomenon
From idol group origins to global metal stardom, discover the band that created kawaii metal and revolutionized heavy music with their unique fusion of J-pop and crushing riffs.
Key Takeaway: BABYMETAL is a Japanese kawaii metal band that fuses J-pop melodies with heavy metal, created in 2010 as a sub-unit of idol group Sakura Gakuin. Currently consisting of SU-METAL and MOAMETAL (with new member MOMOMETAL added in 2023), they've released four studio albums and are set to release METAL FORTH in August 2025 via Capitol Records, featuring collaborations with major metal artists including Tom Morello, Poppy, and Spiritbox.
Quick Navigation
- What is kawaii metal?
- Who are the current members?
- What is the Kami Band?
- BABYMETAL's discography
- Latest news and tour dates
Key Terms & Definitions
Kawaii Metal: A music genre combining cute J-pop elements with heavy metal instrumentation.
Fox God (Kitsune-sama): The mystical entity in BABYMETAL's mythology who guides their destiny.
The One: What BABYMETAL fans call themselves, referencing their unified fanbase.
Kami Band: The rotating collective of skilled session musicians who provide BABYMETAL's metal instrumentation.
Metal Resistance: BABYMETAL's conceptual theme representing their fight against musical conformity.
What is BABYMETAL?
BABYMETAL is a Japanese metal band that creates "kawaii metal" by blending J-pop melodies with heavy metal music. The band combines powerful vocals, synchronized choreography, and crushing metal instrumentation to create a unique sound that has captivated audiences worldwide since 2010.
The band exists as more than just a musical act. BABYMETAL operates within an elaborate mythology centered around the Fox God, creating an immersive experience for fans through conceptual albums and theatrical live performances.
How was BABYMETAL formed?
BABYMETAL was formed in 2010 as a sub-unit of the female idol group Sakura Gakuin by producer Key Kobayashi (KOBAMETAL). His vision was to fuse the innocent aesthetic of J-pop idols with extreme heavy metal sounds.
The original lineup consisted of three members: Suzuka Nakamoto (SU-METAL) as lead vocalist, and Yui Mizuno (YUIMETAL) and Moa Kikuchi (MOAMETAL) as screamers and dancers. This trio became the face of the band during their meteoric rise to global fame.
What is kawaii metal?
Kawaii metal is BABYMETAL's signature genre that merges contrasting musical elements. The style features clear, high-pitched J-pop vocals over aggressive metal instrumentation including thrash, death, power, industrial, and symphonic metal elements.
The genre creates a deliberate contrast between the melodic, often angelic vocal delivery and brutal guitar riffs. This is enhanced by precise choreographed movements that add theatrical dimension to live performances.
Who are the current members?
The current BABYMETAL lineup consists of:
SU-METAL (Suzuka Nakamoto): Lead vocalist and primary member since 2010. She delivers the powerful vocals that define BABYMETAL's sound.
MOAMETAL (Moa Kikuchi): Screamer, dancer, and core member since 2010. She provides vocal support and executes the intricate choreography.
MOMOMETAL (Momoko Okazaki): Added as the third official member in April 2023. She was previously part of the "Avengers" support dancers before joining as a full member.
Previous member: YUIMETAL (Yui Mizuno) left the band in October 2018 due to health reasons after being part of the original trio.
What is the Kami Band?
The Kami Band consists of rotating session musicians who provide BABYMETAL's metal instrumentation. These virtuoso players often appear in skeletal or corpse-painted costumes, maintaining anonymity to reinforce the Fox God mythology.
The Kami Band members deliver crushing riffs, thunderous drums, and soaring guitar solos with exceptional technical skill. Their precision and intensity have earned respect from the wider metal community and ensure the metal elements are executed with utmost quality.
BABYMETAL's Discography
BABYMETAL (2014)
Their self-titled debut album introduced kawaii metal to the world. "Gimme Chocolate!!" became a viral sensation, while "Megitsune" and "Headbangeeeeerrrrr!!!!!" showcased their genre-bending approach.
Metal Resistance (2016)
This album demonstrated growth with tracks like "KARATE" showing more mature vocal delivery. Released simultaneously worldwide, it became their highest-charting album in several Western countries.
Metal Galaxy (2019)
A conceptual journey through different musical styles, featuring collaborations with artists including Joakim Brodén of Sabaton and Alissa White-Gluz of Arch Enemy.
The Other One (2023)
Released as a concept album, The Other One presented ten distinct songs exploring unique concepts and sonic landscapes, representing a "restoration project" for BABYMETAL.
METAL FORTH (2025)
BABYMETAL's upcoming fourth studio album METAL FORTH is scheduled for release on August 8, 2025, via Capitol Records. The title means "beyond metal" and features collaborations with Poppy, Electric Callboy, Slaughter to Prevail, Bloodywood, Polyphia, Spiritbox, and Tom Morello.
Latest News and Tour Dates
BABYMETAL World Tour 2025
BABYMETAL is currently on their eighth worldwide tour, with major arena shows across Europe, North America, and Asia. On May 30, 2025, they performed at London's O2 Arena, becoming the first Japanese group to headline this iconic venue.
Their upcoming shows include a special arena performance at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles on November 1, 2025, making them the first Japanese group to hold a one-act show at this venue.
New Album Release
The METAL FORTH album release was initially scheduled for June 13, 2025, then postponed to June 27, and finally moved to August 8, 2025. The album represents BABYMETAL's signing with Capitol Records and marks their 15th anniversary as a band.
Recent Collaborations
Recent notable collaborations include "RATATATA" with Electric Callboy, which has generated hundreds of millions of streams, and "from me to u" featuring Poppy. In 2023, BABYMETAL also surprised fans with their feature on Lil Uzi Vert's track "The End" from his album Pink Tape, demonstrating their crossover appeal beyond traditional metal audiences.
How to buy BABYMETAL merch
BABYMETAL offers official merchandise through multiple channels, including exclusive items available on Complex. Current merchandise includes vinyl records, CDs, trading cards, and special collector's editions.
Available on Complex
METAL FORTH WHITE NOISE STATIC VINYL - COMPLEX EXCLUSIVE (WITH SIGNED ART CARD): Limited edition vinyl pressing of their upcoming album with exclusive artwork and signed art card.
BABYMETAL x GAS 4-Trading Cards Set: Collectible trading card set featuring band imagery and artwork.
Metal Forth Boxset: Comprehensive collector's edition containing multiple formats and exclusive content.
METAL FORTH Standard Vinyl: Standard pressing of their latest album on vinyl format.
METAL FORTH Standard CD: CD version of their upcoming album release.
Official merchandise is also available through the band's website and concert venues. Limited edition items often sell out quickly due to high demand from collectors and fans worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did BABYMETAL disband?
BABYMETAL has not disbanded. The band continues to evolve and adapt, currently consisting of SU-METAL, MOAMETAL, and MOMOMETAL, with active touring and new music releases planned.
How old are the BABYMETAL members?
The original members were very young when the band formed in 2010 (SU-METAL was 12, MOAMETAL and YUIMETAL were 11). They are now adult women with over a decade of global touring experience.
What does kawaii metal mean?
Kawaii metal means "cute metal" in Japanese. It describes BABYMETAL's genre that combines the innocent, cheerful aesthetic of J-pop with heavy metal instrumentation.
Who writes BABYMETAL's music?
BABYMETAL's music is primarily created by producer KOBAMETAL (Key Kobayashi) along with various collaborators and the featured artists on their tracks.
Are BABYMETAL concerts suitable for all ages?
Yes, BABYMETAL concerts typically welcome all ages, though specific venue policies may vary. Their performances blend family-friendly choreography with metal music.
How can I buy BABYMETAL tickets?
Tickets for BABYMETAL shows are available through official sources like Ticketmaster, Live Nation, and the band's official website. Due to high demand, purchasing tickets as soon as they go on sale is recommended.
What should I expect at a BABYMETAL concert?
Expect high-energy performances combining synchronized choreography, powerful vocals, crushing metal instrumentation, elaborate stage production, and an enthusiastic audience participation experience.
What makes BABYMETAL different from other metal bands?
BABYMETAL combines several unique elements: their kawaii metal genre successfully merges J-pop and heavy metal, their theatrical presentation includes meticulously planned choreography and visual production, their Fox God mythology provides a narrative framework, and both vocal performances and Kami Band instrumentation maintain professional standards that earn industry respect.
Why is BABYMETAL important to music?
BABYMETAL represents artistic ambition and cultural fusion in modern music. They've consistently defied expectations, rejected easy categorization, and demonstrated that compelling artistic vision can transcend linguistic and cultural divides. Their success has inspired other artists to explore genre crossovers and contributed to increasing openness to musical hybridization.
What is BABYMETAL's global impact?
BABYMETAL has broken down cultural and genre barriers, introducing Japanese idol concepts to global metal audiences. They've opened for major acts including Lady Gaga, Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Avenged Sevenfold. Their fanbase, known as "The One," represents a global community that actively participates in the BABYMETAL narrative, eagerly anticipating new releases and tour announcements.
Where can I listen to BABYMETAL's music?
BABYMETAL's music is available on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and for purchase through digital and physical retailers, including Complex.
