Evolution is an important part of any artist’s journey and with Metal Forth– Babymetal’s fifth record and Capital Records debut- that’s exactly what we get from the Japanese metal trio.
The record features multiple guest collaborations in Spiritbox, Slaughter to Prevail, Poppy, Tom Morrello, Bloodywood, Polyphia and Electric Callboy- each one uniquely combining the signature Babymetal sound with staying true to specific elements of each guest’s identities as well.
You could almost split the record up into two chapters- songs 1-4 are strictly guest collaboration songs, followed by “KxAxWxAxIxI,” which shows the band venturing into a dark-vibing metal-fied hip-hop experimental avenue, and it works beautifully.
This is followed up by “Sunset Kiss,” which is a polar 180 turn, and the happiest song in all of metal this year. It makes you smile while you dance and you can’t help but have fun while you listen to it while “White Flame” ends the record in a unified chanting and singing anthem that you can close your eyes and envision a sold-out stadium of fans singing at the top of their lungs.
In the end, Babymetal have evolved and grown more on Metal Forth than ever before and, as always, aren’t afraid to push the envelope and boundaries.
With one of the most dedicated fanbases in all of music, Metal Forth sees Babymetal utilizing bands with other fanbases, guaranteeing to make their fans happy while bringing new those new fans who may have never given Babymetal a chance before and creating new fans in the process.
In Metal Forth, Babymetal have put together one of the best albums of the year.
Rating: 9.5/10
-Reggie Edwards