Hailing from Tokyo, Japan, BABYMETAL are the originators of Kawaii Metal, a unique blend of Heavy Metal and J-Pop music also known as Kawaiicore. With Producer Kobametal (Key Kobayashi) at the band’s inception, he is credited with the fusion that has resulted in BABYMETAL, where he brought together three teen J-Pop idol vocalists and The Kami band. Initially creating a buzz with their 2014 self-titled debut album, they have built a significant international fan base with follow-up albums, including 2016’s Metal Resistance, 2019’s Metal Galaxy, and 2023’s The Other One, which have all topped charts worldwide. With a unique approach and sustained charisma, BABYMETAL has returned to Earth in 2025 bearing gifts in the form of the new album Metal Forth.
The latest chapter in the story of BABYMETAL, Metal Forth, was released on August 8, 2025. Their first release via Capitol Records, after their previous four albums were on various labels, Metal Forth also has the distinction of being the first record to feature the newest member of the band, Momometal (Momoko Okazaki). Adding something new to the equation, she is joined by Moametal (Moa Kikuchi) and Su-metal (Suzuka Nakamoto) on vocals, bringing back the earlier formation of three lead vocalists. A three-headed attack, King Ghidorah style, the arrival of Momometal has been foretold in earlier BABYMETAL lore.
Looking back, in 2021, the band celebrated its tenth anniversary with a cryptic announcement that it would disappear from sight, sealed from the world. They did just that and returned in 2022 with the announcement of a new album, which was released in 2023 under the title The Other One, following a year-long hiatus. A concept album chronicling the band’s journey through other worlds and alternate realities, as they searched for a part of themselves they did not know existed, this marked a signal of a coming evolution for the band.
Now ready to take on the universal again, Metal Forth is powerful in its diversity, both in terms of genre and approach, as the guest artists are featured prominently on their tracks. They are different styles that are celebrated and blended with that of BABYMETAL. For example, Jordan Fish of Bring Me the Horizon plays guitar on “from me to u” (featuring Poppy on vocals), before “RATATATA,” with Electric Callboy. Other featured tracks include “Kon! Kon!” featuring Bloodywood, “Sunset Kiss” with Polyphia, “My Queen” with members of Spiritbox, and “Metalii” with Tom Morello, Drew Fulk, and Zakk Cervini.
A wide range of talented musicians and producers contributed to this project, resulting in a unique listening experience. Blending elements of J-Pop idol vocal stylings, heavy guitar, bass, and drums, electronic synth, and industrial sensibilities, this album works effectively. You can really feel the guest artist’s presence. They are not just relegated to the background of BABYMETAL songs, though, because the different styles are featured and performed seamlessly by the Kami band and special guests.
Overall, BABYMETAL has proven itself to be musically versatile, flowing like water between styles, genres, and feels. With a lot to look out for with Metal Forth, bold points include the aforementioned “from me to u” “Kon! Kon!,” as well as “Song 3” where Slaughter to Prevail join in. What sets Metal Forth apart are the collaborations, and BABYMETAL made sure that all who appeared on their album were celebrated and given the spotlight. Surely a challenge for The Kami Band, it is one they embraced completely with brutal success. For all these reasons, Cryptic Rock gives Metal Forth 4 out of 5 stars.
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