Babymetal

{{Short description|Japanese kawaii metal band}} {{About|the Japanese band|the album|Babymetal (album)|the genre pioneered by the band|Kawaii metal}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2021}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Babymetal | image = Babymetal performing at AFAS Live in Amsterdam 13 May 2025.jpg | image_size = | landscape = yes | alt = Three women wearing similar costumes consisting of a metallic top and dark skirt, performing on stage | caption = Babymetal performing in May 2025; ({{abbr|L–R|Left to right}}): Momometal, {{nowrap|Su-metal}}, and Moametal | alias = | origin = Tokyo, Japan | genre = {{flatlist| * Kawaii metal * J-pop * {{nowrap|power metal}} * alternative metal }} | years_active = 2010–present | label = {{flatlist| * BMD Fox * {{nowrap|Toy's Factory}} * Cooking Vinyl * earMUSIC * Sony Music * Babymetal * Capitol }} | website = {{URL|babymetal.com}} | current_members = * Su-metal * Moametal * Momometal | past_members = Yuimetal | spinoff_of = Sakura Gakuin }}

{{Nihongo|'''Babymetal'''|ベビーメタル|Bebīmetaru|lead=yes}}, stylized in all caps, is a Japanese kawaii metal band formed in Tokyo in 2010. It consists of Suzuka Nakamoto as "Su-metal" (lead vocals, dancing), Moa Kikuchi as "Moametal" (backing vocals, dancing), and Momoko Okazaki as "Momometal" (backing vocals, dancing). The band is produced by Kobametal from the talent agency Amuse Inc. Their vocals are backed by instrumentation performed by a group of session musicians known as the "Kami Band".

Babymetal was created with the concept of fusing the heavy metal and Japanese idol genres. Initially a sub-unit of the Japanese idol group Sakura Gakuin, which features school-aged members who leave upon graduation, the band became an independent act in 2013 following Nakamoto's graduation from Sakura Gakuin. The band originally consisted of Su-metal, Moametal, and Yui Mizuno as "Yuimetal". In 2018, after Mizuno had been absent from live performances for almost a year, Babymetal announced she had left the band due to health issues. During her absence, the band performed with one or more backup dancers; Okazaki, a former member of Sakura Gakuin who had served as one of those backup dancers, officially joined as the third member in 2023.

Babymetal have embarked on several tours, of which a majority have taken place in Europe and the Americas, and have released five studio albums: ''Babymetal'' (2014), ''Metal Resistance'' (2016), ''Metal Galaxy'' (2019), ''The Other One'' (2023), and ''Metal Forth'' (2025), though they consider ''The Other One'' to be a separate concept album and not their fourth studio album. ''Metal Forth'' was released in August 2025, and was the first album to feature Okazaki; it signaled a new approach for the band, with seven of its ten tracks being collaborations with artists from various countries, such as Bring Me the Horizon, Electric Callboy, and Tom Morello.

==History== === 2010–2012: Early career === In 2009, the band's producer and heavy metal enthusiast Kobametal started planning the launch of a "metal dance unit" that would fuse the heavy metal and Japanese idol genres. Impressed by the performance of Suzuka Nakamoto (who was then around 11 or 12 years old) with her previous group Karen Girl's, he believed she would be suitable as the lead vocalist for the new group.<ref name="nikkeibp">{{Cite web|url=http://trendy.nikkeibp.co.jp/article/pickup/20121026/1044961/|script-title=ja:異色メタルアイドル「ベビーメタル」はなぜ人気？ "仕掛け人"を直撃！ - 日経トレンディネット|date=October 31, 2012|website=Nikkei Trendy Net|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024130201/http://trendy.nikkeibp.co.jp/article/pickup/20121026/1044961/?bpnet|archive-date=October 24, 2017|access-date=May 5, 2018|language=ja |author1=日経トレンディネット }}</ref> The band was formed in 2010 in Tokyo, Japan<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=2016 |title=Sōryoku tokushū BABYMETAL Metal Resistance Episode IV totsunyū! Member 15000-ji Interview!!. |magazine=Kadokawa Direct |language=ja |location=Tōkyō |publisher=Kadokawa |volume=4 |page=76 |isbn=9784048955812|oclc=946289587 }}</ref> serving as the {{Nihongo|heavy music club|重音部|Jūonbu}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sakuragakuin.jp/club/jyuon.html|title=さくら学院 - 部活動紹介 - 重音部 BABYMETAL|website=sakuragakuin.jp|access-date=November 28, 2017}}</ref> (sub-unit) of the female idol group Sakura Gakuin, which was also formed that year.<ref name="barks-biography">{{cite web |url=http://www.en.barks.jp/artist/?id=1000003197&m=bio |title=BABYMETAL – Biography – Artist |website=Barks.jp |access-date=August 20, 2014 |archive-date=June 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613062553/http://www.en.barks.jp/artist/?id=1000003197&m=bio |url-status=dead }}</ref> The band's name is a combination of {{Nihongo|"baby"|ベビー|bebī}} and {{Nihongo|"heavy metal"|ヘビーメタル|hebī metaru}}, and the Japanese pronunciation rhymes with "heavy metal".<ref name="hwidz">{{cite interview|interviewer= Noboru Yamamoto|title=BABYMETAL|work=Hot Wave|publisher=Television Saitama|location=Saitama Prefecture|date=February 13, 2013}}</ref> "Baby" here refers to "the birth of a new genre of music".<ref name="Yahoo Entertainment">{{cite web |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/babymetal-unveil-tracklist-guest-musicians-140831554.html |title=BABYMETAL unveil tracklist and guest musicians for Metal Galaxy |date=August 9, 2019 |access-date=May 27, 2023 |language=en |website=yahoo.com}}</ref> According to Kobametal, Yui Mizuno and Moa Kikuchi were added to the band to complement Nakamoto's "unique stage presence" with their smaller statures, dancing around her "like angels".<ref name="nikkeibp" /> None of the three members were familiar with metal music before the inception of the band.<ref name="razortv684979">{{cite web |title=BABYMETAL: 'Cutest Headbangers On The Planet' |url=http://www.razor.tv/video/684979/babymetal-cutest-headbangers-on-the-planet |website=Razor TV |access-date=January 18, 2014 |location=Singapore |language=ja, en |date=December 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326113148/http://www.razor.tv/video/684979/babymetal-cutest-headbangers-on-the-planet |archive-date=March 26, 2014}}</ref> Mikiko was put in charge of creating the choreography the three would perform.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 20, 2016 |title=ベビーメタル世界ツアー千秋楽、22公演で45万人 - 音楽 |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/1712991.html |access-date=October 30, 2024 |website=Nikkan Sports |language=ja}}</ref>

Babymetal's first live appearance was on November 28, 2010, at Sakura Gakuin's first solo concert, Sakura Gakuin Festival ☆ 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ameblo.jp/sakuragakuin/entry-10719087116.html|script-title=ja:クラブ活動の秘密情報★☆ |website=Sakura Gakuin's official blog |date=November 26, 2010 |access-date=August 24, 2014 |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://artist.amuse.co.jp/artist/sakuragakuin/ |title=Sakura Gakuin – Amuse Official Website (Live Events > 2010年11月28日「さくら学院祭☆2010」) |access-date=August 24, 2014 |language=ja}}</ref> In July 2011, Babymetal premiered the song "Ijime, Dame, Zettai" ("No More Bullying") at a Sakura Gakuin concert, but the song was not released commercially until 2013.<ref name="MTV Iggy report" /> The band's first single, "Doki Doki Morning", originally appeared on Sakura Gakuin's debut album ''Sakura Gakuin 2010 Nendo: Message'', released on April 27, 2011. A music video for the song was uploaded to Toy's Factory's YouTube channel on October 12, 2011,<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 12, 2011 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QbAXXXOJF8 | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211103/4QbAXXXOJF8| archive-date=2021-11-03 | url-status=live|title=Doki Doki☆Morning (Edit ver.) |author=Toy's Factory |website=YouTube |access-date=January 1, 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and was released as a DVD single in late 2011, under the independent Toy's Factory sublabel Juonbu Records.<ref name="sakuragakuin-news20120209" /> The music video totaled over 1 million views by the end of 2012.<ref name="jcast201112-16116731">{{cite web|url=http://www.j-cast.com/2011/12/16116731.html |title=12～13歳女の子の「ヘビメタアイドル」「さくら学院 BABYMETAL」に世界が大注目 |trans-title=12 to 13 Year Old Girls World's Hottest "Heavy Metal Idols" – Sakura Gakuin's BABYMETAL |language=ja |website=J-CAST |date=December 16, 2011 |access-date=April 18, 2013}}</ref><ref name="hmv20121228">{{cite web |url=http://www.hmv.co.jp/news/article/1210080004/ |title=BABYMETAL 動画コメント掲載DEATH!!|website=HMV Japan |date=December 28, 2012 |access-date=August 20, 2014 |language=ja}}</ref>

Babymetal's first CD single was a collaboration with the band Kiba of Akiba, titled "Babymetal / Kiba of Akiba". Released in March 2012 by Juonbu Records,<ref name="sakuragakuin-news20120209">{{cite web |url=https://www.sakuragakuin.jp/news/single.php?id=175 |title=重音部 BABYMETAL 『BABYMETAL × キバオブアキ』情報（2012.02.09） |date=February 9, 2012 |access-date=August 20, 2014 |language=ja |website=Sakura Gakuin's official website}}</ref> the single ranked at number three on the Oricon weekly indie chart and number one in the Tower Records Shibuya weekly indie ranking.<ref name="deview20120427">{{cite web |url=http://deview.co.jp/News?am_article_id=2010827 |title=女の子3人組のメタルダンスユニット"BABYMETAL"、初の単独シングル発売決定|trans-title=Three-girl metal dance unit "BABYMETAL" releases first indie single |language=ja |website=De View |publisher=Oricon |date=April 27, 2012 |access-date=April 18, 2013}}</ref> In the summer of 2012, the band released a music video for their next single, "Headbangeeeeerrrrr!!!!!",<ref name="deview20120427" /> directed by Hidenobu Tanabe.<ref name="headbangya-director">{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GErGfHjHQ0 | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211103/0GErGfHjHQ0| archive-date=2021-11-03 | url-status=live|title=BABYMETAL – ヘドバンギャー！！[Headbangeeeeerrrrr!!!!!] (Full ver.) |author=Toy's Factory |website=YouTube| date=June 20, 2012|author-link=Toy's Factory }}{{cbignore}} {{cite web |url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/71503 |title=BABYMETAL「ヘドバンギャー!!」でSU-METALに神降臨 |website=Natalie |date=June 21, 2012}} {{cite web |url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/86595 |title=スペシャ「MVA」大賞はきゃりー、サカナ、ワンオク |website=Natalie |date=March 13, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kawaii-girl.jp/feature/20118?lang=en |title=BABYMETAL is going to release first solo CD "Headbangeeeeerrrrr!!!!!" on July 4. In this movie you might witness the legendary corset!? |website=Kawaii Girl Japan |date=June 27, 2012 |access-date=August 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009213926/http://www.kawaii-girl.jp/feature/20118?lang=en |archive-date=October 9, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In August 2012, Babymetal performed at Japan's Summer Sonic Festival,<ref name="hmv20121228" /><ref name="musicman-net20120820">{{cite web |url=http://www.musicman-net.com/artist/19430.html |title=BABYMETAL サマソニ史上最年少&初出場でロックファンを魅了、海外公演も決定 |website=Musicman-Net |date=August 20, 2012 |access-date=August 20, 2014 |language=ja}}</ref> becoming the youngest act ever to perform at the festival.<ref name="sozo20131207"/> The same year, Babymetal performed outside of Japan for the first time at the 2012 Anime Festival Asia in Singapore.<ref>{{cite web |title=Babymetal at AFA 2012 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7rv3gkiiDo | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211103/p7rv3gkiiDo| archive-date=2021-11-03 | url-status=live|website=YouTube| date=November 11, 2012 }}{{cbignore}}</ref>

===2013–2015: Major label debut and ''Babymetal''=== {{Main|Babymetal (album)}}

On January 9, 2013, the band debuted on a major record label with "Ijime, Dame, Zettai". Released under the main Toy's Factory label and Juonbu Records,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.toysfactory.co.jp/artist/babymetal |title=BABYMETAL |website=Toy's Factory |access-date=April 2, 2016 |language=ja}}</ref> it sold 19,000 copies in its first week and debuted at number six in the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.<ref name="oricon20130121">{{cite web |url=http://biz-m.oricon.co.jp/news/data/991.shtml |title=TOP10入りデビューするライブ重視の個性派アイドル～Cheeky Parade、BABYMETAL|language=ja |website=ORICON BiZ online |publisher=Oricon |date=January 21, 2013 |access-date=April 18, 2013}}</ref> In the spring of 2013, Nakamoto graduated from junior high school and therefore had to "graduate" from Sakura Gakuin (a group of elementary and junior high school girls). However, their management decided Babymetal would not dissolve and would continue its activities as a band.<ref name="kawaiigirljapan20120214">{{cite web |url=http://www.kawaii-girl.jp/feature/34913?lang=en |title=The end was the beginning of the new story of BABYMETAL |website=Kawaii Girl Japan |date=February 14, 2013 |access-date=November 15, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203003334/http://www.kawaii-girl.jp/feature/34913?lang=en |archive-date=December 3, 2013}}</ref> The group released its next single, "Megitsune", on June 19, 2013,<ref name="japanverse20130416">{{cite web |url=http://japanverse.com/2013/04/babymetal-to-release-megitsune-on-june-19th/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130619223220/http://japanverse.com/2013/04/babymetal-to-release-megitsune-on-june-19th/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 19, 2013 |title=BABYMETAL To Release "Megitsune" on 19 June |website=Japanverse |date=April 16, 2013 }}</ref> under Toy's Factory and the band's new sublabel BMD Fox Records.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tower.jp/article/series/2013/06/19/b1072 |title=BABYMETAL 『メギツネ』 |website=Tower Records Online |date=July 3, 2013 |access-date=August 20, 2014 |language=ja}}</ref> The single also included the song "Onedari Daisakusen" (おねだり大作戦, "Begging Operation") performed by Yuimetal and Moametal under the stage name of Black Babymetal.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000090162|title=【Kawaii girl Japan】BABYMETAL、"祭りメタル"「メギツネ」の最新アートワーク、CD詳細解禁|newspaper=Barks|publisher=Japan Music Network, Inc.|date=2013-05-10|accessdate=2016-01-11|language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Shiba |first=Tomonori |date=April 1, 2016 |title=Babymetal Talk World Tour, New 'Metal Resistance' Album & Meeting Ariana Grande |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/babymetal-world-tour-metal-resistance-album-ariana-grande-interview-7318798/ |access-date=October 30, 2024 |magazine=Billboard |language=}}</ref>

On August 10 and 11, 2013, Babymetal again took part in the Summer Sonic Festival, performing both in Chiba and Osaka, Japan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mantan-web.jp/2013/05/18/20130518dog00m200024000c.html |title=BABYMETAL ： 2度目のサマソニ参戦が決定今年は大阪にも降臨！|trans-title=BABYMETAL announces they will attend Summer Sonic in Osaka for a second time this year|language=ja |website=Mantan-Web |date=May 18, 2013}}</ref> Later, in October, Babymetal also became the youngest artists ever to perform at the heavy metal music festival Loud Park at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama City, Japan.<ref name="sozo20131207">{{cite web |url=http://www.sozo.sg/babymetal/ |title=BABYMETAL Live in Singapore 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212120258/http://www.sozo.sg/babymetal/ |archive-date=December 12, 2013 |access-date=September 6, 2015 |website=SOZO Pte Ltd}}</ref> In November, Babymetal released a promo video for the Japanese premiere of Metallica's movie ''Through the Never'',<ref>{{cite web|last1=Lemke|first1=Markus |title=Metal-Wahnsinn in Japan: Babymetal werben für Metallica |url=http://www.metal-hammer.de/news/meldungen/article501896/metal-wahnsinn-in-japan-babymetal-werben-fuer-metallica.html |website=Metal Hammer.de |access-date=June 19, 2014 |language=de|date=November 20, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=November 16, 2013|title=BABYMETAL promotes new Metallica film in Japan|url=https://j-generation.com/2013/11/babymetal-promotes-new-metallica-film-in-japan/|access-date=February 8, 2022|website=J-Generation|language=en-US}}</ref> and released its first live music video ''Live: Legend I, D, Z Apocalypse'', which debuted at seventh place in the weekly Oricon Blu-ray Disc charts, and at second place among music Blu-rays.<ref name="oricon20131127">{{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2031323/full/ |title=【オリコン】BABYMETAL、初ライブBDがTOP10入り|trans-title=【Oricon】 BABYMETAL's first live Blu-ray enters top 10 |website=Oricon Style |date=November 27, 2013 |access-date=December 7, 2013 |language=ja}}</ref> In December, Babymetal performed at Anime Festival Asia Indonesia 2013<ref>{{cite web |title=Babymetal AFAID 2013 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hF19wvAH6AQ | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211103/hF19wvAH6AQ| archive-date=2021-11-03 | url-status=live|author=Kapanlagi.com |website=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and performed for a second time in Singapore.

right|thumb|Babymetal performing in London, November 2014; from left to right; Moametal, Su-metal and Yuimetal On February 26, 2014, Babymetal released their first, eponymous album. It contained thirteen tracks and was also available in a limited edition that included a DVD with music videos and live footage.<ref name=albumnews>{{cite web |url=http://www.babymetal.jp/news/0/12357/ |title=1st Album 「BABYMETAL」発売決定DEATH！！ |date=January 24, 2014 |website=BABYMETAL.jp |language=ja |trans-title=1st Album "BABYMETAL" set for release |access-date=January 31, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201195232/http://www.babymetal.jp/news/0/12357/ |archive-date=February 1, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=2dayconcert>{{cite web |url=http://www.babymetal.jp/news/0/11770/ |title=日本武道館2DAYS決定！！オフィシャルHP先行がスタートDEATH！！12月24日（火）23時59分まで！！ |date=December 21, 2013 |website=BABYMETAL.jp |language=ja |access-date=January 31, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201195229/http://www.babymetal.jp/news/0/11770/ |archive-date=February 1, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The album was well received by music critics<ref name="rollingstone-review">{{cite magazine |first=Kazumi |last=Namba |date=February 10, 2014 |url=http://www.rollingstonejapan.com/reviews/archive/babymetal/ |title=BABYMETAL |magazine=Rolling Stone Japan Edition |issue=March 2014 |page=103 |access-date=May 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924091951/http://www.rollingstonejapan.com/reviews/archive/babymetal/ |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> as well as the public, selling over 37,000 copies in Japan its first week, debuting at number four on the Oricon Weekly Album Chart,<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305115150/http://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/ja/w/2014-03-10/|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/ja/w/2014-03-10/ |archive-date=March 5, 2014 |website=Oricon |title=2014年02月24日〜2014年03月02日のCDアルバム週間ランキング（2014年03月10日付） |access-date=May 14, 2014}}</ref> and number two in ''Billboard Japan''.<ref name="BillboardJapan20140310">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=top_albums&year=2014&month=03&day=10 |title=Billboard Japan Top Albums |magazine=Billboard Japan |access-date=March 6, 2014}} {{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard-japan.com/d_news/detail/18448 |title=週間アルバムチャートでうたプリ1位に、武道館実現のBABYMETALも善戦|magazine=Billboard Japan |access-date=March 6, 2014}}</ref> It also topped iTunes Metal charts in Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States, and reached number 187 on the US ''Billboard'' 200 chart on March 22.<ref name=bb200>{{cite magazine |title=The Billboard 200 |magazine=Billboard |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200?page=9 |date=March 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140404040936/http://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200?page=9 |archive-date=April 4, 2014 |access-date=May 20, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.en.barks.jp/news/?id=1000004591 |title=BABYMETAL to perform at a British rock festival for the first time with the likes of Metallica and Iron Maiden |website=Barks |date=April 16, 2014 |access-date=May 20, 2014 |archive-date=May 15, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140515032233/http://www.en.barks.jp/news/?id=1000004591 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Their album also made it into the Heatseekers chart at number four.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://loudwire.com/babymetal-to-open-for-lady-gaga-on-u-s-tour/ |title=Babymetal to open for Lady Gaga on US Tour |access-date=May 27, 2014 |website=Loudwire}}</ref> On March 1 and 2, 2014, the band played two concerts at the Budokan. With an average age of 14.6 years, they became youngest-ever female act to perform a show there.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-02-21 |title=BABYMETAL To Become Youngest Artists To Ever Perform At Tokyo's Nippon Budokan |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/babymetal-to-become-youngest-artists-to-perform-at-tokyos-nippon-budokan/ |access-date=2023-06-18 |website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET |language=en}}</ref> The two concerts were attended by 20,000 people.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.en.barks.jp/news/?id=1000004373 |title=[Concert Report] BABYMETAL's Does Legendary Performance at Budokan, Announces Europe Tour |website=Barks |date=March 16, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2034651/full/ |title=BABYMETAL、武道館単独公演で史上最年少記録 |website=Oricon |date=April 3, 2014 |access-date=May 14, 2014}}</ref> On April 3, 2014, an episode of the Fine Brothers' ''YouTubers React'' show was uploaded to YouTube,<ref>{{cite news |date=April 20, 2014 |work=NBC News |title=Hard Rock, Pop Sweetness Combine in Teen Band Babymetal |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/music/hard-rock-pop-sweetness-combine-teen-band-babymetal-n84276}}</ref> covering the band and the music videos of "Doki Doki Morning", "Iine!", and "Gimme Chocolate!!";<ref>{{cite news |author=Tooru |date=April 8, 2014 |work=Kai-You |title=BABYMETALを見た海外のプロYouTuberの反応がおかしい |trans-title=The Strange Reactions of Overseas YouTubers after Watching Babymetal |url=https://kai-you.net/article/4495 |language=Japanese}}</ref> the band members' own reaction to the video would later be released in 2016.<ref>{{cite news |work=Laut.de |date=May 2, 2016 |title=Metal-Gören reagieren auf Youtuber |trans-title=Metal Girls react to YouTubers |language=German |url=https://www.laut.de/News/Babymetal-Metal-Goeren-reagieren-auf-Youtuber-02-05-2016-12499}}</ref>

At the end of their concert on March 2, Babymetal also announced their first world tour, the Babymetal World Tour 2014, initially performing in Paris, France and Cologne, Germany.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hartmann |first=Graham |title=BabyMetal Play 'Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction|url=http://loudwire.com/babymetal-wikipedia-fact-or-fiction/|website=Loudwire|publisher=Loudwire.com|date=June 24, 2015|access-date=September 30, 2017}}</ref><ref name=budokan>{{Cite web |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/111338 |title=Babymetal武道館で第1章完結、海外武者修行の旅へ - 音楽ナタリー |date=March 6, 2014 |website=音楽ナタリー |language=ja |access-date=March 1, 2018}}</ref> The Sonisphere Festival 2014 at the Knebworth House, England was added to the tour after the band were formally invited to play there following a successful fan campaign called "Babymetal For Sonisphere UK 2014",<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/babymetalSonisphere/ |title=Babymetal For Sonisphere UK 2014 |website=Facebook }}</ref> which Sonisphere later acknowledged on its website.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sonisphere.co.uk/news/uk-brace-for-babymetal/ |title=UK BRACE FOR BABYMETAL! |website=Sonisphere.co.uk (archived) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130065022/http://sonisphere.co.uk/news/uk-brace-for-babymetal/ |archive-date=January 30, 2016 }}</ref> After the UK leg of the tour, the band went on to make their debut appearance in the United States on July 27 with a headlining show at The Fonda Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/babymetal-plays-first-ever-u-s-show-at-sold-out-fonda-theatre-in-los-angeles-video-photos-available/ |title=BABYMETAL Plays First-Ever U.S. Show At Sold-Out Fonda Theatre In Los Angeles; Video, Photos Available |date=July 28, 2014 |website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET |language=en-US |access-date=September 6, 2018}}</ref> They played at the Heavy Montréal in Montreal, Canada on August 9, 2014 alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax; and performed at the Summer Sonic 2014 in Chiba and Osaka, Japan on the Mountain Stage with bands such as Avenged Sevenfold and Megadeth.<ref name="babymetal.jp-about">{{cite web |url=http://babymetal.com/about/ |title=BABYMETAL » About |website=Babymetal's official website |access-date=August 20, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812144053/http://babymetal.com/about/ |archive-date=August 12, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metalinjection.net/metal-up-your-ass/when-babymetal-met-unlocking-the-truth |title=When BABYMETAL Met Unlocking The Truth |first=Robert |last=Pasbani |website=Metal Injection |date=August 11, 2014 |access-date=August 11, 2014}}</ref> Babymetal was also the opening act to five of Lady Gaga's concerts in her ArtRave: The Artpop Ball 2014 tour in August along the Western United States.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard-japan.com/d_news/detail/20622 |title=BABYMETAL レディー・ガガの米ツアーに大抜擢、LAワンマンも |website=Billboard JAPAN |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kdramastars.com/articles/25403/20140618/lady-gaga-artrave-tour-2014-babymetal-confirmed-opening-act-japanese.htm |title=Lady Gaga Artrave US Tour 2014: Babymetal Confirmed As Opening Act |author= |date=June 18, 2014 |website=KDramaStars.com |access-date=June 18, 2014}}</ref> Babymetal also released their second live album ''Live: Legend 1999 & 1997 Apocalypse'' on October 19, 2014, featuring their live performances at both the NHK Hall in Shibuya, Tokyo and at the Makuhari Messe Event Hall in Chiba, Japan from 2013.<ref name="second live dvd">{{cite web|last1=Barkan|first1=Jonathan |title=Babymetal Announce Live DVD/Blu-Ray|url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/news/3312540/babymetal-announce-live-dvdblu-ray/ |website=Bloody Disgusting |access-date=September 15, 2014|date=September 12, 2014 }}</ref> [[File:Babymetal at 2015 GQ Men of the Year ceremony.jpg|thumb|left|Babymetal at the GQ Men of the Year 2015 ceremony in Tokyo; they won the Special Prize "Discovery of the Year" award.]] In August 2014, it was announced the band would play another show at the O2 Academy Brixton in London, England on November 8, 2014,<ref name="London November 8">{{cite web |first=Emily |last=Carter |title=Babymetal bring their world tour to the UK |url=http://www.kerrang.com/21639/babymetal-bring-world-tour-uk/ |website=Kerrang! |access-date=August 18, 2014}}</ref> their final European show of the year as part of the group's "Babymetal Apocalypse" phase. It was later announced the band would also return to New York City, which they had visited earlier in the year without giving an actual performance, performing at the Hammerstein Ballroom on November 4.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metalinjection.net/tour-dates/babymetal-announce-nyc-london-shows |title=BABYMETAL Announce NYC & London Shows |website=MetalInjection.net |access-date=September 9, 2014|date=September 3, 2014 }}</ref> At their Brixton performance, the band debuted a new song titled "Road of Resistance."<ref name=blabberRoR>{{cite web |title=Babymetal's New Song 'Road Of Resistance' Featuring DragonForce Members: Audio Preview|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/babymetals-new-song-road-of-resistance-featuring-dragonforce-members-audio-preview/ |website=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=January 5, 2015 |date=January 5, 2015}}</ref> Later revealed to be a collaboration with Sam Totman and Herman Li of British power metal band DragonForce,<ref name=blabberRoR/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metalinjection.net/video/babymetal-the-one-live-new-song-in-the-uk |title=BABYMETAL "The One" Live NEW SONG In The UK |website=MetalInjection.net |date=November 10, 2014 |access-date=November 22, 2014}}</ref> the song was subsequently released as a bonus track of their first live album ''Live at Budokan: Red Night'', released simultaneously along with the band's third live video album ''Live at Budokan: Red Night & Black Night Apocalypse'' on January 7, 2015, and later released as a digital single.<ref name="budokan-lors">{{cite web |url=http://landofrisingsound.com/babymetal-announce-live-at-budokan-dvdblu-ray-and-live-cd/ |title=BABYMETAL announce "Live at Budokan" DVD/Blu-Ray and Live CD |website=Land of Rising Sound |date=November 10, 2014 |access-date=January 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109153517/http://landofrisingsound.com/babymetal-announce-live-at-budokan-dvdblu-ray-and-live-cd/ |archive-date=January 9, 2015 |url-status=usurped }}</ref> In 2015, they re-released their eponymous album via earMusic and RAL/Sony Music Entertainment.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kerrang.com/30218/babymetal-release-self-titled-debut-uk/ |title=BABYMETAL To Release Self-Titled Debut In UK |website=Kerrang! |date=April 13, 2015 |access-date=April 17, 2015}}</ref> Ahead of their performance at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards on June 15, the trio made a surprise appearance during DragonForce's set at Download Festival at the Donington Park in Leicestershire, England performing "Gimme Chocolate!!", despite event organizer Andy Copping stating he would never book the band.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.asianjunkie.com/2015/06/babymetal-crashes-music-festival-whose-promoter-hates-them-cause-fuck-it/ |title=BABYMETAL crashes the music festival of a promoter who hates them ... cause fuck it |website=AsianJunkie |date=June 14, 2015 |access-date=June 15, 2015}}</ref>

===2016–2017: Touring and ''Metal Resistance''=== {{Main|Metal Resistance}} [[File:Babymetal performing at Wembley Arena, London (26201667231).jpg|right|thumbnail|Babymetal performing at the Wembley Arena in London, April 2015]]

During the band's headlining shows in December 2015 at the Yokohama Arena in Yokohama, Japan, they announced a second studio album to be released on April 1, 2016, as well as a world tour starting at the Wembley Arena in London, England and concluding in Tokyo, Japan with a debut at the Tokyo Dome.<ref name="ro69151214">{{cite magazine |url=http://ro69.jp/news/detail/135677 |title=BABYMETAL、宙を舞う！新曲連打、大発表続々で燃えた横浜アリーナ公演レポート！|magazine=Rockin'On Japan |publisher=株式会社ロッキング・オン |author=高橋智樹 |date=December 14, 2015 |access-date=December 21, 2015 |language=ja}}</ref> On January 15, 2016, the album's title was revealed to be ''Metal Resistance''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2065364/full/?ref_cd=tw |title=BABYMETAL、新作名は『METALRESISTANCE』 4・1に"お告げ"も |date=January 15, 2016 |website=Oricon Style}}</ref>

Their second album had shown differences from their debut album. Yuimetal stated that "compared to the first album and definitely the second album they challenged themselves to a lot of new, different types of genres of music, even more than before".<ref name="auto1">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/babymetal-afraid-metal-resistance-interview-7356870/|title=Once Upon a Time, Babymetal's Members Admit They Were 'Afraid' of Metal|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 30, 2019}}</ref> Another difference was more use of positive lyrics than ever before. The band made a point to provide a wide variety of styles to attract a wider audience and performed a full song in English.<ref name="auto1"/>

The band came up with the album title ''Metal Resistance'' because they believed it represents who they are and what they do as Babymetal. Su-metal said, "It's about them exploring new, different aspects of what they can do."<ref name="auto1"/> On March 13, the band's producer, Kobametal, received an Excellence Award from the Association of Media in Digital (AMD) in Japan for his success in promoting the band internationally.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://amd.or.jp/award/22/works/22_award_09.html|title=第22回 AMD Award 優秀賞{{pipe}}BABYMETAL 一般社団法人デジタルメディア協会|website=amd.or.jp|language=ja|access-date=April 30, 2018|archive-date=May 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501004535/https://amd.or.jp/award/22/works/22_award_09.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> On April 2, one day after the release of ''Metal Resistance'', Babymetal became the first Japanese act to headline Wembley Arena,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://teamrock.com/feature/2016-04-04/6-things-we-learned-at-babymetal-s-wembley-arena-show |title=6 things we learned at Babymetal's Wembley arena show |date=April 4, 2016 |first=Eleanor |last=Goodman |website=teamrock.com}}</ref> with the largest sale of merchandise for a single day event in the venue's history,<ref name="Babymetal break 2 UK records">{{cite web |url=http://teamrock.com/news/2016-04-05/babymetal-break-2-uk-records-metal-resistance-midweek-chart-wembley-sales |title=Babymetal break 2 UK records |website=Metal Hammer|date=April 5, 2016 }}</ref> coinciding with the highest ever entry for an album in the UK charts for a Japanese act.<ref name="Babymetal break 2 UK records" /> ''The Guardian'' gave their Wembley performance a rating of five out of five stars.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/apr/03/babymetal-review-j-pop-teen-metallers-wembley |title=Babymetal review – J-pop teen metallers come of age |newspaper=The Guardian |date=April 3, 2016}}</ref> On April 5, Babymetal made their U.S. television debut, performing "Gimme Chocolate!!" on ''The Late Show with Stephen Colbert''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Babymetal confuses but wows U.S. audiences on 'Colbert' |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/04/06/babymetal-confuses-but-wows-us-audiences-colbert/82697162/ |access-date=2023-06-19 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref> Babymetal were added as a character skin in the Wii U video game ''Super Mario Maker'' in 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://loudwire.com/babymetal-appear-super-mario-maker-video-game/ |title=Babymetal to Appear in 'Super Mario Maker' Video Game |first=Chad |last=Bowar |date=April 27, 2016 |website=Loudwire |access-date=September 8, 2017}}</ref>

On May 26, 2016, WWE's Triple H announced on Twitter that Babymetal's song "Karate", along with A Day to Remember's "Paranoia", would be used as official theme songs of NXT TakeOver: The End.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hochi.co.jp/entertainment/20160526-OHT1T50110.html |title=BABYMETAL、米プロレス団体WWEの大会テーマソングに採用 |trans-title=BABYMETAL, adopted as the theme song of WWE rally pro wrestling organization |date=May 26, 2016 |website=hochi.co.jp |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407134355/http://www.hochi.co.jp/entertainment/20160526-OHT1T50110.html |archive-date=April 7, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet |author=Triple H |user=TripleH |number=735561431400251392 |date=May 25, 2016 |title=#NXTTakeOver will feature the kick-ass sound of #NXTLoud artists @WhereisADTR & @BABYMETAL_JAPAN. #WeAreNXTpic |access-date=September 8, 2017}}</ref> On July 18, the band made a special appearance at the Alternative Press Music Awards where they performed "Karate" before being joined onstage by Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford. Halford, along with Nakamoto and the Kami Band, performed an abridged version of "Painkiller", followed by a performance of "Breaking the Law" where they were rejoined by Mizuno and Kikuchi on guitars.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/watch-rob-halford-cover-judas-priest-with-babymetal-w429794 |title=Watch Rob Halford Cover Judas Priest Classics With Babymetal |first=Kory |last=Grow |date=July 19, 2016 |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=September 8, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://loudwire.com/babymetal-judas-priest-rob-halford-alternative-press-music-awards/ |title=Watch Babymetal Perform With Judas Priest's Rob Halford |first=Graham |last=Hartmann |date=July 19, 2016 |website=Loudwire |access-date=September 8, 2017}}</ref> On July 27, ''Metal Hammer'' readers voted Babymetal's debut album as the best album of the 21st century.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://teamrock.com/feature/2016-07-27/metal-hammer-readers-vote-babymetal-the-best-album-of-the-21st-century |title=Metal Hammer readers vote Babymetal as the best album of the 21st century |date=July 27, 2016 |website=Teamrock.com |access-date=September 8, 2017}}</ref> In September 2016, Warner Bros. announced that a hybrid live action-animation fantasy-adventure short form series featuring the members of the band was under development. The series would be developed by Blue Ribbon Content in collaboration with Amuse Group USA (an Amuse Inc. subsidiary based in the United States). The band's producer, Kobametal, is also involved with production of the series.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.warnerbros.com/studio/news/blue-ribbon-content-and-amuse-group-usa-collaborating-new-shortform-animated-adventure |title=Blue Ribbon Content and Amuse Group USA Collaborating on a New Shortform Animated Adventure Series Featuring Japanese Pop-Metal Sensation BABYMETAL |date=September 28, 2016 |website=Warner Bros. |access-date=September 8, 2017 |archive-date=September 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909004716/https://www.warnerbros.com/studio/news/blue-ribbon-content-and-amuse-group-usa-collaborating-new-shortform-animated-adventure |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On September 19 (Red Night) and September 20, 2016 (Black Night), Babymetal ended their Babymetal World Tour 2016: Legend Metal Resistance by performing at the Tokyo Dome, with both nights sold out and approximately 55,000 people attending each night.<ref>{{cite web |title=Interview: Babymetal – 'I guess the British audience accepted us for being refreshing and interesting' {{!}} News & Features - The List |url=https://list.co.uk/news/8804/interview-babymetal-i-guess-the-british-audience-accepted-us-for-being-refreshing-and-interesting |access-date=2023-06-19 |website=list.co.uk |language=en}}</ref> These included fans from Japan and many others from around the world. Yuimetal admitted she was "still in shock" that she was playing at the venue. Moametal felt the same, calling it "a big challenge for young girls of our age to stand on that stage". Su-metal explained that "in Japan we have played many big venues like Budokan and others, but Tokyo Dome was always a place that I have been dreaming of performing at."<ref name=kerrangt>{{cite magazine |date=October 1, 2016 |title=In the House of the Fox God |url=https://www.magzter.com/GB/Seymour-Distribution-Ltd/Kerrang!/Music/187385 |magazine=Kerrang! |publisher=Seymour Distribution Ltd |pages=36–39}}</ref> In December 2016, Babymetal supported the Red Hot Chili Peppers during their The Getaway World Tour at The O2 Arena in London, England.<ref>{{cite web |last=Trendell |first=Andrew |date=2016-12-06 |title=Red Hot Chili Peppers kick off UK tour with BABYMETAL at The O2 Arena, London |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/red-hot-chili-peppers-kick-off-uk-tour-babymetal-o2-arena-london-1895744 |access-date=2023-06-19 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}</ref> During their final show on the tour, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith joined Babymetal onstage to perform their covers of Judas Priest's songs "Painkiller" and "Breaking the Law". After the performance, Smith thanked Babymetal for being on tour with them and led the audience in singing "Happy Birthday" to Su-metal.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nme-jp.com/news/31185/ |title=レッド・ホット・チリ・ペッパーズのチャド、BABYMETALのステージに白装束で飛び入り |date=December 19, 2016 |website=NME Japan |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Moore |first=Sam |date=2016-12-19 |title=Watch Red Hot Chili Peppers' Chad Smith join Babymetal on stage in London |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/red-hot-chili-peppers-drummer-babymetal-1918309 |access-date=2023-06-19 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}</ref>

In January 2017, Babymetal supported Metallica for their WorldWired Tour at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/what-happened-when-babymetal-went-head-to-head-with-metallica-in-seoul |title=What happened when Babymetal went head-to-head with Metallica in Seoul |last=Goodman |first=Eleanor |website=Metal Hammer Magazine |date=February 16, 2017 |language=en |access-date=March 15, 2019}}</ref> and also appeared in Japan's performance of the Guns N' Roses' Not in This Lifetime... Tour as the opening act.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Levine |first=Nick |date=2016-12-01 |title=BABYMETAL to support Guns N' Roses on Japanese tour |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/babymetal-support-guns-n-roses-japanese-tour-1885065 |access-date=2023-06-19 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}</ref> In April 2017, Babymetal supported the Red Hot Chili Peppers during The Getaway World Tour in the US.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2017/01/babymetal-to-support-red-hot-chili-peppers-us-tour|title= BABYMETAL to support Red Hot Chili Peppers' U.S. tour|date=January 6, 2017|access-date=January 14, 2021|work= tokyohive|publisher= 6Theory Media, LLC.}}</ref> In June 2017, Babymetal performed at the KISW Pain in the Grass music event in Auburn, Washington.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kiswpaininthegrass.com/lineupexpanded |title=Lineup |website=KISW Pain In The Grass 2017 |access-date=September 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519200057/http://kiswpaininthegrass.com/lineupexpanded |archive-date=May 19, 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> During the summer of 2017, they supported Korn on their Serenity of Summer Tour.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sfsonic.com/concerts/korn-fires-up-shoreline/ |title=Korn Fires Up Shoreline |first=Raymond |last=Ahner |date=June 30, 2017 |website=sfsonic.com |access-date=September 8, 2017 |archive-date=February 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209135808/https://sfsonic.com/concerts/korn-fires-up-shoreline/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Afterwards, they commenced their The Five Fox Festival in Japan tour.<ref name="loudwire">{{Cite web |url=http://loudwire.com/babymetal-five-fox-festival-shows/ |title=Babymetal Reveal Age-Restricted + Dress Code Festival Shows |last=Hartmann |first=Graham |date=April 14, 2017 |website=Loudwire |language=en |access-date=February 28, 2018}}</ref>

In October 2017, Babymetal were officially revealed as the performers of the "Unikitty Theme" for the ''Unikitty!'' TV series.<ref>{{Cite tweet | first=Matthew | last=Ashton | user=matthew__ashton | number=888363075778342912| date=July 21, 2017|title=@BABYMETAL_JAPAN the band behind the upcoming #Unikitty TV Show theme song!}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | first=Luke Y | last=Thompson | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/lukethompson/2018/08/28/lego-unikitty-movie-sparkle-party-dvd-cartoon-network-tara-strong-allison-brie/#203986094bb8 | title=DVD Review: Everything's Still Awesome For LEGO's 'Unikitty!' | work=Forbes | date=August 28, 2018 | access-date=March 16, 2019}}</ref> On December 2 and 3, 2017, Babymetal performed at the Hiroshima Green Arena, with the shows billed Legend "S" Baptism XX.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.babymetal.com/news/detail.php?id=127|title=LEGEND - S - BAPTISM XX – Confirmed!!|date=October 15, 2017|website=BABYMETAL|language=en-EN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171017194905/http://www.babymetal.com/news/detail.php?id=127|archive-date=October 17, 2017|url-status=dead|access-date=December 3, 2017}}</ref> It was the first time the group performed in Su-metal's hometown of Hiroshima, and it was an early coming of age celebration for her, since December 20, 2017 was her 20th birthday (as hinted in the show title), the age of majority in Japan; the lyrics to "Headbangeeeeerrrrr!!!!", about a girl's fifteenth birthday, were even modified for the occasion.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/259377|title=【ライブレポート】BABYMETAL、新たな時代の幕開け飾ったSU-METAL凱旋公演2DAYS（写真10枚） - 音楽ナタリー |access-date=December 4, 2017|language=ja}}</ref> It was also Babymetal's first performance without all three members, as Yuimetal was unable to perform due to illness.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.babymetal.com/news/detail.php?id=133|title=Important Notice about the Hiroshima Performance LEGEND – S – BAPTISM XX –|website=BABYMETAL|language=en-EN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203224530/http://www.babymetal.com/news/detail.php?id=133|archive-date=December 3, 2017|url-status=dead|access-date=December 3, 2017}}</ref>

On December 30, 2017, Kami Band guitarist Mikio Fujioka fell from an observation deck; he died from his injuries on January 5, 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-01-09 |title=BABYMETAL's Kami Band Member Mikio Fujioka Has Died Aged 36 |url=https://www.kerrang.com/babymetal-kami-band-member-mikio-fujioka-has-died-aged-36/ |access-date=2023-06-19 |website=Kerrang! |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Squires |first=John |date=2018-01-09 |title=R.I.P. Babymetal Guitarist Mikio Fujioka Dies After Tragic Fall |url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/music/3477570/r-p-babymetal-guitarist-mikio-fujioka-dies-tragic-fall/ |access-date=2023-06-19 |website=Bloody Disgusting! |language=en-US}}</ref> Babymetal released a eulogy on Twitter on January 9, commemorating his work with the band.<ref>{{cite news |date=January 10, 2018 |work=NME Japan |title=BABYMETAL、36歳で亡くなったギタリストの藤岡幹大に追悼の意を表明 |trans-title=Babymetal Express Condolences to Guitarist Mikio Fujioka, Who Died Age 36 |url=https://nme-jp.com/news/48441/}}</ref>

=== 2018–2020: The Chosen Seven era, departure of Yuimetal, ''Metal Galaxy''=== {{Main|Metal Galaxy}} [[File:Babymetal - 2018152162914 2018-06-01 Rock am Ring - 1D X MK II - 0655 - AK8I2524.jpg|thumb|Babymetal performing at Rock am Ring in 2018]]

On April 1, 2018, Babymetal posted a video to YouTube entitled "Metal Resistance Episode VII – The Revelation".<ref>{{cite news |date=April 3, 2018 |work=Kerrang! |title=BABYMETAL Have Revealed A New 'Revelation' |url=https://www.kerrang.com/babymetal-have-revealed-a-new-revelation}}</ref> In the video, it is explained that a "dark side" of Babymetal exists, "with seven metal spirits", and that a "new era is about to begin". A graphic novel entitled ''Apocrypha: The Legend of Babymetal'' was also announced in the following days. Written by "the Prophet of the Fox God" and Illustrated by GMB Chomichuk,<ref>{{cite news |last=Hill |first=John |date=April 3, 2018 |work=Revolver Magazine |title=See Babymetal Tease Upcoming Graphic Novel in "Metal Resistance Episode VII" Video |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/culture/see-babymetal-tease-upcoming-graphic-novel-metal-resistance-episode-vii-video}}</ref> it was released on October 30 by Z2 Comics.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/babymetal-graphic-novel-apocrypha-8478307/|title=See an Exclusive Early Look at 'Apocrypha: The Legend of Babymetal' Graphic Novel|magazine=Billboard|date=October 4, 2018|access-date=December 26, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/apocrypha-graphic-novel-brings-cult-japanese-metal-band-babymetal-comics-1099211|title='Apocrypha' Graphic Novel Brings Cult Japanese Metal Band Babymetal to Comics (Exclusive)|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=April 3, 2018|language=en|access-date=December 26, 2018}}</ref>

On May 1, 2018, Babymetal announced they were launching their own record label, named Babymetal Records.<ref>{{cite news |last=Butler |first=Will |date=May 1, 2018 |work=NME |title=Babymetal have launched their own record label |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/babymetal-launch-record-label-2306206 }}</ref> On May 8, just ahead of the Babymetal World Tour 2018, the band released a music video for a new single, "Distortion".<ref name="MI1">{{cite web|last1=Pasbani|first1=Robert|title=BABYMETAL Unveil Surprise New Song "Distortion" To Kick Off Their World Tour|url=http://www.metalinjection.net/av/new-music/babymetal-unveil-surprise-new-song-distortion-to-kick-off-their-world-tour|work=Metal Injection|access-date=May 7, 2018|date=May 7, 2018}}</ref> Yuimetal was absent from Babymetal's tour of the United States in May 2018, with no advance warning. Amid fan speculation on Mizuno's status with the group, a representative of 5B Management, the American management company representing Babymetal, replied to an inquiry from ''Alternative Press Magazine'' by saying that "Yuimetal remains a member of the band, but she is not on this current U.S. tour." The reply also hinted about "a new narrative for the future of the band which is currently evolving" and a "storyline" that "has changed".<ref>{{cite web |last=Pettigrew |first=Jason |title=Yuimetal is still in BABYMETAL |url=https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/yuimetal_still_in_babymetal |website=Alternative Press |access-date=May 11, 2018 |date=May 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516003327/https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/yuimetal_still_in_babymetal/ |archive-date=May 16, 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Mizuno remained absent for the rest of their tour, until their agency announced at a shareholders' meeting in June that she had been in poor health since December 2017, and was "currently recovering".<ref>{{cite news |date=June 25, 2018 |language=Japanese |work=Nikkan Sports |title=水野由結7カ月休業に質問集中、アミューズ株主総会 |trans-title=Questions Focused on Yui Mizuno's 7 Month Absence at Amuse Shareholders' Meeting |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/201806250000132.html}}</ref> On October 19, 2018, shortly before the Japan leg of the tour, the band released a new single, "Starlight". On the same day, the band officially announced Mizuno's departure from the group.<ref>{{cite news |last=Chapstick |first=Kelsey |date=October 19, 2018 |work=Revolver Magazine |title=Babymetal Announce Yuimetal's Departure, Debut Cosmic New "Starlight" Video |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/babymetal-announce-yuimetals-departure-debut-cosmic-new-starlight-video}}</ref> Afterward, she released a statement explaining her decision and her desire to pursue a solo career.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Amy |work=NME |title=BABYMETAL issue statement as Yuimetal leaves band and release surprise new track |date=October 19, 2019 |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/babymetal-issue-statement-as-yuimetal-leaves-band-2391634/ }}</ref> During their tour, Babymetal also performed at Rock on the Range in Columbus, Ohio,<ref>{{cite web|first=Chad|last=Childers|url=http://loudwire.com/tool-avenged-sevenfold-alice-in-chains-headline-2018-rock-on-the-range/|title=Tool, Avenged Sevenfold + Alice in Chains to Headline 2018 Rock on the Range|publisher=Loudwire|date=November 27, 2017|access-date=November 29, 2017}}</ref> the Download Festival in Donington Park, England,<ref>{{cite news |date=November 28, 2017 |work=Upset Magazine |title=Babymetal, Rise Against and loads more have signed up for Download Festival 2018 |url=https://www.upsetmagazine.com/news/babymetal-rise-loads-signed-download-festival-2018/}}</ref> and the Rock am Ring and Rock im Park festivals in Nürburgring and Zeppelinfeld, Germany.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bauer |first=Peter H. |date=June 1, 2018 |language=German |work=Regioactive.de |title=Girl-Power: Bilder von Babymetal live bei Rock am Ring 2018 |trans-title=Girl Power: Pictures of Babymetal live at Rock am Ring 2018 |url=https://www.regioactive.de/galerie/2018/06/01/girl-power-bilder-von-babymetal-live-bei-rock-am-ring-2018-9V7n1bX1BY.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=June 3, 2018 |language=German |work=Musikexpress |title=Rock im Park 2018: Fotos von Alt-J, Casper, Thirty Seconds To Mars, Marilyn Manson – der Festival-Samstag |trans-title=Rock im Park 2018: Pictures of Alt-J, Casper, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Marilyn Manson - Festival Sunday |url=https://www.musikexpress.de/rock-im-park-2018-fotos-von-alt-j-casper-thirty-seconds-to-mars-marilyn-manson-der-festival-samstag-1065945/}}</ref> On July 9, 2018, the band was declared champion of the Heavy Metal World Cup 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/babymetal-win-the-heavy-metal-world-cup-2018 |title=Babymetal win the Heavy Metal World Cup 2018 |first=Luke |last=Morton |website=Metal Hammer Magazine |date=July 9, 2018}}</ref>

On April 1, 2019, Babymetal announced they would be releasing their third album later that year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/babymetal-to-release-new-album-this-year/|title=BABYMETAL To Release New Album This Year|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=April 1, 2019|access-date=April 1, 2019}}</ref> On May 10, 2019, the band released the single "Elevator Girl".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wallofsoundau.com/2019/05/10/new-babymetal-alert-take-a-listen-to-elevator-girl/|title=NEW BABYMETAL ALERT: Take a listen to 'Elevator Girl'|last=brownypaul|date=May 9, 2019|website=Wall Of Sound|language=en-US|access-date=May 9, 2019}}</ref> On May 29, 2019, it was announced Babymetal would perform at the Glastonbury Festival in England on June 30, making them the first Japanese band to play on one of the festival's main stages.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-48444654|title=Lewis Capaldi, Dave and Babymetal named on full Glastonbury line-up|publisher=BBC News Online|date=May 29, 2019|access-date=May 29, 2019}}</ref> Babymetal also revealed plans for their first arena concert in the United States at The Forum in Los Angeles, California, set for October 11, 2019.<ref>{{cite news |last=Childers |first=Chad |date=April 22, 2019 |work=Loudwire |title=Babymetal Announce First U.S. Arena Headline Show, Tease May Single |url=https://loudwire.com/babymetal-first-u-s-arena-headline-show-may-single/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Larsen |first=Peter |date=October 11, 2019 |work=Los Angeles Daily News |title=Babymetal, the female-fronted Japanese metal band, answer questions before Forum show |url=https://www.dailynews.com/2019/10/11/babymetal-the-female-fronted-japanese-metal-band-answer-questions-before-forum-show/}}</ref> The date of the concert coinceded with the release date of their third studio album, ''Metal Galaxy''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://consequence.net/2019/08/babymetal-tracklist-guest-musicians-metal-galaxy-album/|title=BABYMETAL unveil tracklist and guest musicians for Metal Galaxy|date=August 9, 2019|website=Consequence of Sound|language=en-US|access-date=September 29, 2019}}</ref> Their performance at The Forum was compiled into a live album, ''Live at the Forum'', released in DVD and Blu-ray formats on May 13, 2020.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=January 30, 2020 |magazine=Billboard |title=BABYMETAL Set to Drop L.A. Forum Concert Video |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/babymetal-forum-live-concert-video-dvd-blu-ray-8549718/}}</ref>

On June 27, 2019, Babymetal released the single "Pa Pa Ya!!", featuring Thai rapper {{ill|F. Hero|th|ฟักกลิ้งฮีโร่}}, before their concert at Yokohama Arena the same day.<ref>{{cite news |last=DiVita |first=Joe |date=June 27, 2019 |work=Loudwire |title=Babymetal Release Aggressive New Song 'Pa Pa Ya!!' |url=https://loudwire.com/babymetal-pa-pa-ya/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=June 27, 2019 |language=Japanese |work=Rockin'on.com |title=BABYMETAL、夏のアッパーチューン"PA PA YA!! (feat. F.HERO)"を6/28より配信 |trans-title=Babymetal Release Summer Jam "PA PA YA!!" July 28 |url=https://rockinon.com/news/detail/187279}}</ref> The video, released on July 1, featured footage from their concert in Yokohama.<ref>{{cite news |date=July 1, 2019 |work=Gekirock |language=Japanese |title=BABYMETAL、新曲「PA PA YA!!(feat. F.HERO)」横浜アリーナでの映像使用したライヴMV公開！英フェス"Glastonbury"初出演！ |trans-title=New Babymetal Music Video for Song "Pa Pa Ya!! (feat. F.Hero)" Features Footage from Yokohama Arena Live. First Appearance at English Festival Glastonbury |url=https://gekirock.com/news/2019/07/babymetal_pa_pa_ya_feat_fhero_live_mv.php}}</ref> It included touring member Kano Fujihira, one of three girls rotating in Yui's place—Kano Fujihira, Riho Sayashi, and Momoko Okazaki—who are known as the "Avengers".<ref name=":1">[https://metalinjection.net/video/babymetal-officially-unveil-new-third-member-in-pa-pa-ya-music-video BABYMETAL To Have Three New Girls Fill In As Third Member; Unveil New "Pa Pa Ya!" Music Video] Metal Injection. July 1, 2019. Retrieved July 1, 2019.</ref><ref name="merumoAvengers" /> Following their performance, they announced the Metal Galaxy World Tour to promote their new album, starting in September 2019, and closing out in March 2020.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=July 3, 2019 |magazine=Billboard |title=Babymetal Perform First Show of 2019, Announce 'Metal Galaxy' World Tour: See Dates |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/babymetal-concert-yokohama-arena-new-album-metal-galaxy-world-tour-see-dates-8518705/}}</ref> A scheduled performance at Clockenflap in Hong Kong in November 2019 was canceled due to the 2019–2020 Hong Kong protests.<ref>{{cite news |last=Wright |first=Adam |date=November 15, 2019 |work=South China Morning Post |title=Hong Kong's biggest music festival Clockenflap cancelled after protests escalate |url=https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3037981/hong-kongs-biggest-music-festival-cancelled-after-protests}}</ref> Further concerts in Asia were initially postponed on March 4 due to the COVID-19 pandemic,<ref>{{cite news |date=March 6, 2020 |work=Jakarta Post |title=[UPDATED] List of all postponed concerts in Indonesia so far over COVID-19 |url=https://www.thejakartapost.com/life/2020/03/06/list-of-all-postponed-concerts-in-indonesia-so-far-over-covid-19.html}}</ref> but were ultimately canceled in June.<ref>{{cite news |date=June 19, 2020 |work=Jakarta Post |title=Babymetal's Jakarta concert canceled due to pandemic |url=https://www.thejakartapost.com/life/2020/06/19/babymetals-jakarta-concert-canceled-due-to-pandemic.html}}</ref> In April, they streamed two "Stay Home, Stay Metal" shows on YouTube during the pandemic, which consisted of footage from two prior concerts from 2016.<ref>{{cite news |last=Aubrey |first=Elizabeth |date=April 8, 2020 |work=NME |title=BABYMETAL announce 'Stay Home, Stay Metal' gigs: "Let's mosh'sh at home!" |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/babymetal-announce-stay-home-stay-metal-virtual-gigs-lets-moshsh-at-home-2643270}}</ref> Their performances at Makuhari Messe in January 2020 were compiled into the live album ''Legend – Metal Galaxy'', which was released on September 9.<ref>{{cite news |date=September 7, 2020 |work=HMV |language=Japanese |title=BABYMETAL ライブDVD・ブルーレイ&ライブアルバム『LEGEND - METAL GALAXY』（幕張メッセ2DAYS） 2020年9月9日発売！特典情報も！ |trans-title=Babymetal Live DVD/Blu-ray and Live Album "Legend – Metal Galaxy" Releases on September 9, 2020, with Special Offer |url=https://www.hmv.co.jp/news/article/2006151023/}}</ref>

In October 2019, the band became the first Asian act to reach the peak of Billboard Top Rock Albums Chart.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kennelty |first=Greg |title=BABYMETAL Becomes The First Asian Act To Top Billboard's Top Rock Albums Chart |publisher=metalinjection.net |date=October 24, 2019 |url=https://metalinjection.net/its-just-business/record-sales/babymetal-becomes-the-first-asian-act-to-top-billboards-top-rock-albums-chart}}</ref> In 2020, Babymetal was featured as a guest artist on British rock band Bring Me the Horizon's EP ''Post Human: Survival Horror'', on the song "Kingslayer".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/bring-me-the-horizon-review-post-human-elvis-costello-hey-clockface-eels-b1399369.html|title=Album reviews: Bring Me the Horizon, Elvis Costello and Eels|author1=Roisin O'Connor|author2=Rupert Hawksley|website=The Independent|date=October 29, 2020|access-date=October 30, 2020}}</ref> On November 16, 2020, NHK announced that Babymetal would take part in the 71st NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen on New Year's Eve, marking their first appearance in the competition.<ref>{{cite news |date=November 16, 2020 |work=Oricon News |language=Japanese |title=【紅白】BABYMETAL、結成10周年で初出場決定「とても楽しみ」|trans-title=Babymetal to Partake in NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen on 10th Anniversary: "Incredibly excited" |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2176834/full/}}</ref> A poll conducted by Yahoo! Japan ahead of the airing determined that the most anticipated song of the night was Babymetal's performance of "Ijime, Dame, Zettai", with 26.3% of the vote.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/polls/entertainment/42002/result |work=Yahoo! Japan |title=2020年の紅白歌合戦、紅組で楽しみな曲は？ |trans-title=Which Kōhaku Songs are the Most Anticipated? |access-date=December 27, 2020 |language=Japanese}}</ref> Participating on the red team,<ref>{{cite news |date=December 21, 2020 |work=RBB |language=Japanese |title=『第71回NHK紅白歌合戦』曲目発表！ |trans-title=71st NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen Programme Unveiled |url=https://www.rbbtoday.com/article/2020/12/21/184862.html}}</ref> they won with 2,635,200 votes compared to the white team's 1,383,180 votes.<ref>{{cite news |date=January 1, 2021 |language=Japanese |work=Chūnichi Sports |title=紅白歌合戦は紅組が4年ぶりに勝利...大トリMISIA、日本レコード大賞のLiSAや12月デビューNiziUがけん引 |trans-title=Red Team Wins NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen After four Years - Carried by Closing Act Misia, Japan Record Awards Winner LiSA, and December Debut NiziU |url=https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/179336}}</ref>

===2021–2024: ''The Other One'' and Momometal=== {{Main|The Other One (Babymetal album)}} [[File:Babymetal Amsterdam 20230503.jpg|thumb|Babymetal performing at the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam, May 2023|alt=Three women standing on stage carrying flags over their shoulders. The flags contain the Babymetal logo. A drummer is visible in the back, and a guitarist on the very right, cut off by the edge of the image.]] [[File:Babymetal performing at Ancienne Belgique December 4, 2023.jpg|thumb|Babymetal performing at Ancienne Belgique in Brussels, December 2023]]

The band's first retrospective album ''10 Babymetal Years'' was released on December 23, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 10, 2020 |title=結成10年を記念した "BEST ALBUM" 10形態リリース決定！ |url=https://www.toysfactory.co.jp/artist/babymetal/10babymetalyears/ |access-date=August 7, 2021 |website=Toy's Factory |language=Japanese}}</ref> To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the band's formation, their live videos were released in audio-only vinyl format on August 25, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 4, 2021 |title=10 BABYMETAL LEGENDS LIVE VINYL SERIES |url=https://www.toysfactory.co.jp/artist/babymetal/10babymetallivevinyl/ |access-date=August 7, 2021 |website=Toy's Factory |language=Japanese}}</ref> On October 11, 2021, the band released a cryptic video hinting a hiatus or end of the band with the message "The 3 metal spirits that have been shining since 2010, even if they were to leave Earth, would continue to shine forever in our hearts and across the Metal Galaxy. A legend turns into a myth which turns into a Living Legend... What lies ahead beyond the end of the stairway to becoming a Living Legend is something only the Fox God knows."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aarons |first=Ricky |date=October 10, 2021 |title=BABYMETAL Post Cryptic Salutation Video Suggesting Hiatus or Closing Era |url=https://wallofsoundau.com/2021/10/11/babymetal-post-cryptic-salutation-video-suggesting-hiatus-or-closing-era/ |access-date=October 10, 2021 |website=Wall Of Sound |language=en-US}}</ref>

Babymetal announced their fourth album ''The Other One'' on October 11, 2022, which they revealed to be a concept album. The album was released on March 24, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kaufman |first=Spencer |date=October 12, 2022 |title=BABYMETAL Announce New Album THE OTHER ONE |url=https://consequence.net/2022/10/babymetal-new-album-the-other-one/ |access-date=October 15, 2022 |website=Consequence |language=en-US}}</ref> The lead single from the album, "Divine Attack (Shingeki)" ({{langx|ja|Divine Attack - 神撃 -}}),<ref>{{cite news |date=October 21, 2022 |language=Japanese |work=Natalie.mu |title=BABYMETAL、来年発売の初コンセプトアルバムから新曲「Divine Attack - 神撃 -」先行配信 |trans-title=Preview Babymetal's First Concept Album with "Divine Attack - Shingeki - " |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/498387}}</ref> was released on October 20, 2022. This is the first Babymetal song for which all lyrics were written by Nakamoto.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/babymetal-divine-attack-shingeki-single-3332786 |title=Listen to Babymetal's new single 'Divine Attack – Shingeki' |website=NME |last=Moore |first=Sam |date=October 20, 2022 |access-date=October 20, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.kerrang.com/babymetal-unleash-brand-new-single-divine-attack-shingeki |title=BABYMETAL unleash brand-new single, Divine Attack – Shingeki |website=Kerrang! |last=Carter |first=Emily |date=October 20, 2022 |access-date=October 20, 2022}}</ref> The second single from the album, "Monochrome", was released on November 17 with a lyric video, a first for the band.<ref>{{cite news |last=Krol |first=Charlotte |date=November 17, 2022 |work=NME |title=Babymetal share first ever lyric video for new single 'Monochrome' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/babymetal-share-first-ever-lyric-video-for-new-single-monochrome-3351174}}</ref> On January 19, 2023, Babymetal released the single "Metal Kingdom", along with revealing the track list for ''The Other One''.<ref>{{cite news |last=Wilkes |first=Emma |date=January 19, 2023 |work=NME |title=Babymetal share thunderous new single 'Metal Kingdom' and reveal album tracklist |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/babymetal-share-thunderous-new-single-metal-kingdom-reveal-album-tracklist-3383858}}</ref>

On October 18, 2022, Swedish metal band Sabaton announced that Babymetal would perform at their shows for the European leg of their world tour alongside Finnish band Lordi.<ref>{{cite news |last=Colothan |first=Scott |date=October 18, 2022 |work=Kerrang! Radio |title=Babymetal added to Sabaton's April 2023 UK arena tour |url=https://planetradio.co.uk/kerrang/entertainment/music/babymetal-sabaton-lordi/}}</ref> On January 28 and 29, 2023, Babymetal played at Makuhari Messe, marking their first live concert in nearly two years. They played a total of 13 songs, five of which were from their album ''The Other One''.<ref>{{cite news |work=Chuunichi Sports |date=January 29, 2023 |title=BABYMETAL、約2年ぶりにライブ"解禁" 千葉･幕張メッセに2日間で3万人動員、熱狂の渦 |trans-title=First Babymetal Concert in two Years at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Attracts 30,000 Attendees over two Days, Crazy Energy |url=https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/626496}}</ref> Footage from the concerts was used for the music video for "Metal Kingdom", which released on February 3, 2023.<ref name="Loudersound">{{cite news |last=Scarlett |first=Liz |date=February 3, 2023 |work=Metal Hammer |title=Babymetal release epic live performance video of Metal Kingdom |url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/babymetal-release-epic-live-performance-video-of-metal-kingdom}}</ref> They released the song "Light And Darkness" on February 23 with an accompanying music video, which likewise consisted of footage from their concerts at Makuhari Messe.<ref>{{cite news |work=Kerrang! |last=Carter |first=Emily |date=February 23, 2023 |title=Watch the video for BABYMETAL's brand-new single, Light And Darkness |url=https://www.kerrang.com/listen-to-babymetals-brand-new-single-light-and-darkness}}</ref> On the days prior to the release, they posted two teasers for the video to their YouTube channel.<ref>{{cite news |work=Natalie |title=BABYMETALが陰と陽の対立と調和を表現、「Light and Darkness」ティザー第2弾公開 |language=Japanese |date=February 23, 2023 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/514066}}</ref>

Nakamoto and Kikuchi performed a piano version of the song "Monochrome" for The First Take, which premiered on their YouTube channel on March 10, 2023.<ref>{{cite news |date=March 10, 2023 |work=Natalie |title=BABYMETALが「THE FIRST TAKE」初登場、ピアノアレンジで歌う「Monochrome」 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/516136 |language=Japanese}}</ref> On March 15, the band announced their first tour since 2019, the Babymetal World Tour 2023, where they will play in Asia and Australia.<ref>{{cite news |date=March 15, 2023 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |title=BABYMETAL、初のアジア&オーストラリアツアー開催決定 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/516708}}</ref> Babymetal released the focus single from their concept album ''The Other One'', "Mirror Mirror", on March 23 with a lyric video.<ref name="Kerrang 23-03-2023">{{cite news |last=Carter |first=Emily |date=March 23, 2023 |work=Kerrang! |title=Babymetal share final song ahead of new album The Other One |url=https://www.kerrang.com/babymetal-share-final-song-ahead-of-new-album-the-other-one}}</ref> The album released the following day through the record label Cooking Vinyl.<ref>{{cite news |date=March 24, 2023 |work=Natalie |last1=Nishibiro |first1=Tomokazu |last2=Tanaka |first2=Kazuhiro |language=Japanese |title=BABYMETAL「THE OTHER ONE」特集{{pipe}}初心者でもわかるニューアルバム解説&WWEプロレスラーASUKA特別寄稿 - 音楽ナタリー特集・インタビュー |url=https://natalie.mu/music/pp/babymetal08}}</ref><ref name="Kerrang 23-03-2023"/>

Babymetal's concert at Makuhari Messe in January sparked fan speculation about a potential third member joining the band,<ref name="Loudersound"/> with Momoko Okazaki being a popular contender.<ref>{{cite news |date=January 31, 2023 |last=Kennelty |first=Greg |work=Metal Injection |title=BABYMETAL Might Be A Trio Once Again |url=https://metalinjection.net/news/rumors/babymetal-might-be-a-trio-once-again}}</ref> On April 1, 2023, during Babymetal's performance at Pia Arena MM in Kanagawa, Okazaki was officially announced as the new member of a "reborn Babymetal", adopting the stage name Momometal.<ref name=":2">{{cite news |date=April 2, 2023 |work=Nikkan Sports |language=Japanese |title=BABYMETAL新章幕開け MOMOMETAL加わりライブ「道なき道を進んでいきます」 |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/202304020001210.html}}</ref> Her first video appearance as an official member was the music video for "Mirror Mirror", uploaded to YouTube on April 7,<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Enis |first=Eli |date=April 7, 2023 |magazine=Revolver |title=See Babymetal's first video with new member Momometal |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/see-babymetals-first-video-new-member-momometal}}</ref> featuring footage from Babymetal's performance at Pia Arena MM.<ref>{{cite news |date=April 7, 2023 |work=Oricon Music |title="新生"BABYMETAL 初MV「Mirror Mirror」公開ぴあアリーナ公演映像で構成 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2274655/full/}}</ref> On August 18, 2023, Babymetal released the single "Metali!!" featuring Tom Morello, with Momometal providing a spoken interlude in the song.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Duran |first=Anagricel |date=2023-08-11 |title=Babymetal announce collaboration with Tom Morello 'METALI!!' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/babymetal-announce-collaboration-with-tom-morello-metali-3481930 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521145904/https://www.nme.com/news/music/babymetal-announce-collaboration-with-tom-morello-metali-3481930 |archive-date=2024-05-21 |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=NME}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Japan |first=Billboard |date=2023-08-21 |title=BABYMETAL Talk New Single 'METALI!!' With Tom Morello, Lil Uzi Vert Collab & More: Interview |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/babymetal-interview-metali-tom-morello-lil-uzi-vert-collab-1235397075/ |access-date=2023-12-27 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref>

Two concerts were held at the Yokohama Arena on March 2 and 3, 2024, under the title of Legend – MM, to celebrate the birthday of Momometal. The first night was titled 20 Night, as she was 20 years old at the time, and the second night was titled 21 Night, coinciding with her 21st birthday. Approximately 30,000 people were in attendance over the two days.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-04 |title=BABYMETAL、MOMOMETALの「聖誕」祝うライブ2DAYS完遂 |url=https://rollingstonejapan.com/articles/detail/40643 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303205659/https://rollingstonejapan.com/articles/detail/40643 |archive-date=2024-03-03 |access-date=2024-03-03 |website=Rolling Stone Japan |language=ja}}</ref> On May 23, Babymetal collaborated with German band Electric Callboy on the song "Ratatata".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Carter |first=Emily |date=May 23, 2024 |work=Kerrang! |title=BABYMETAL and Electric Callboy release new single RATATATA: "We brought together the best of both worlds" |url=https://www.kerrang.com/babymetal-and-electric-callboy-release-new-single-ratatata-we-brought-together-the-best-of-both-worlds}}</ref> It was subsequently used by WWE as the theme song for the 2024 Bash in Berlin event.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alderslade |first=Merlin |date=2024-08-19 |title=Babymetal and Electric Callboy team up with WWE for Bash In Berlin with Ratatata |url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/babymetal-electric-callboy-ratatata-wwe-berlin |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240820021324/https://www.loudersound.com/news/babymetal-electric-callboy-ratatata-wwe-berlin |archive-date=2024-08-20 |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Metal Hammer |language=en}}</ref> The band made a cameo appearance in the Finnish comedy film ''Heavier Trip'',<ref>{{cite web |last=Hadusek |first=Jon |date=12 August 2024 |title=Trailer Unveiled for Heavier Trip, Sequel to Finnish Heavy Metal Comedy Film: Watch |url=https://consequence.net/2024/08/heavier-trip-trailer/ |access-date=5 October 2024 |website=Consequence}}</ref> which premiered in September.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Heavier Trip to premiere at Fantastic Fest Austin and Filmfest Hamburg |url=https://www.ses.fi/en/story/heavier-trip-to-premiere-at-fantastic-fest-austin-and-filmfest-hamburg/ |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Finnish Film Foundation |language=en}}</ref> On December 6, Babymetal was featured on the single "Bekhauf" by the Indian metal band Bloodywood.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=December 5, 2024 |title=Bloodywood Team Up with Babymetal for New Single "Bekhauf"; Animated Video Teaser Available |url=https://bravewords.com/news/bloodywood-team-up-with-babymetal-for-new-single-bekhauf-animated-video-teaser-available |access-date=December 6, 2024 |website=Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles}}</ref>

=== 2025–present: ''Metal Forth'' === {{Main|Metal Forth}}

Since January 4, 2025, the members of Babymetal have hosted the radio show {{Nihongo|''Babymetal's Metal Radio!''|Babymetalのメタラジ！|Bebīmetaru no metaraji!}} on Tokyo FM, with each episode featuring a new guest talking to the band about their experiences with heavy metal music.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-23 |title=BABYMETAL冠ラジオ番組「メタラジ！」年明けスタート、隠れメタル好き情報求む |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/604986 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228170851/https://natalie.mu/music/news/604986 |archive-date=2024-12-28 |access-date=2025-01-04 |website=Natalie |publisher=Natasha, Inc. |language=ja}}</ref> A notable episode featured politician Sanae Takaichi,<ref>{{cite web |title=BABYMETALのメタラジ！#32 メタトモ：高市早苗 |website=YouTube |date=6 March 2024 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUzQ7tyuWxY |access-date=1 January 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Lewry |first=Fraser |title=Japan's Prime Minister appeared on Babymetal's podcast and talked metal |website=Louder |date=21 October 2025 |url=https://www.loudersound.com/bands-artists/sanae-takaichi-black-sabbath-iron-maiden-and-deep-purple |access-date=1 January 2026}}</ref> a heavy metal fan and drummer who became Japan's Prime Minister one month later.<ref>{{cite web |last=Adams |first=Gregory |title=SANAE TAKAICHI, Japan's new prime minister, is a heavy-metal drummer |website=Revolver |date=21 October 2025 |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/news/sanae-takaichi-japans-new-prime-minister-is-a-heavy-metal-drummer/ |access-date=1 January 2026}}</ref>

On April 1, the band announced their fifth studio album, ''Metal Forth'',{{efn|The album's name is a pun reflecting the band's view of it as their fourth studio album, as they regard ''The Other One'' as a concept album.}} for release on June 13.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Jenke |first=Tyler |date=2025-03-31 |title=Babymetal Recruit Spiritbox and Poppy for New Album, 'Metal Forth' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/babymetal-recruit-spiritbox-poppy-new-album-metal-forth-1235936638/ |access-date=2025-04-01 |magazine=Billboard |language=}}</ref> They also revealed they had signed a global deal with Capitol Records.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bardsley |first=Marinda |title=Babymetal sign global deal with Capitol Records |publisher=Music Week |date=1 April 2025 |url=https://www.musicweek.com/talent/read/babymetal-sign-global-deal-with-capitol-records/091700 |access-date=1 April 2025}}</ref> The album was delayed to June 27,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Skinner |first=Tom |date=2025-04-23 |title=BABYMETAL delay release of new album 'Metal Forth' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/babymetal-delay-release-of-new-album-metal-forth-3857528 |access-date=2025-04-24 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}</ref> then again to August 8.<ref>{{cite web |last=Garner |first=Emily |title=BABYMETAL drop new single, push back METAL FORTH release date to August |publisher=Kerrang |date=28 May 2025 |url=https://www.kerrang.com/babymetal-new-single-video-song-3-upcoming-album-metal-forth-delay-august-8 |access-date=29 May 2025 }}</ref> On May 30, the band became the first Japanese musicians to headline and sell out a show at The O2 Arena in London,<ref>{{cite web |title=日本人アーティスト史上初！約2万人を動員するロンドン・O2アリーナ単独公演をSOLD OUTで完遂！ロサンゼルス・INTUIT DOMEでの単独公演も発表！ |publisher=Universal Music Japan |date=2 June 2025 |url=https://www.universal-music.co.jp/babymetal/news/2025-06-02/ |access-date=8 June 2025}}</ref> which was recorded and released as the concert film ''Live at the O2 Arena'' on December 19.<ref>{{cite web |title=BABYMETAL - LIVE AT THE O2 ARENA {{!}} BABYMETAL |website=A!SMART |url=https://www.asmart.jp/en/shop/babymetal/product/10048289 |language=en-US |access-date=1 January 2026}}</ref> ''Metal Forth'' became the first release by an all-Japanese band to reach the top 10 of the ''Billboard'' 200, where it debuted at No. 9.<ref>{{cite web |last=Schaffner |first=Lauryn |title=Babymetal Just Became the First-Ever Band to Reach This Specific Chart Achievement|publisher=Loudwire |date=August 19, 2025 |url=https://loudwire.com/babymetal-first-japanese-band-reach-chart-achievement/ |access-date=August 19, 2025 }}</ref>

In February 2026, Babymetal collaborated with Japanese vocalist Tatsuya Kitani to release "Kasuka na Hana", the opening theme song for the second season of the anime ''Hell's Paradise''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cirone |first=David |date=2026-02-13 |title=BABYMETAL teams with Tatsuya Kitani for Hell's Paradise theme |url=https://j-generation.com/2026/02/babymetal-tatsuya-kitani-hells-paradise/ |access-date=2026-02-15 |website=J-Generation |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Artistry == === Musical style and lyrics === In the ''International Journal of Cultural Studies'', Lorraine Plourde contrasted the image of a typical Japanese idol—displaying "pastel and bright colors, light-hearted music content and smiling, inviting faces"—with Babymetal's image, which she described as "a darker (yet still energetic), less accessible and more complex version of cuteness".<ref name="auto2">{{cite journal |author-last=Plourde |author-first=Lorraine |date=May 2018 |title=Babymetal and the ambivalence of cuteness |journal=International Journal of Cultural Studies |location=Thousand Oaks, California |publisher=SAGE Publications |volume=21 |issue=3 |pages=293–307 |doi=10.1177/1367877916674741 |issn=1460-356X |s2cid=151741412}}</ref> The band defines its style as a new genre called "kawaii metal" ("kawaii" meaning "cute") and clarifies that it is "a mix of J-pop idol and heavy metal".<ref>{{cite web |title=Babymetal: Japan's Cute Heavy Metal Band Releases New Video |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/05/babymetal-japans-cute-heavy-metal-band_n_4902130.html |date=March 5, 2014 |website=Huffington Post |access-date=June 19, 2014}} {{cite news |last=Young |first=Chris |date=May 6, 2015 |title=Concert sampler May 7 to 13: Fat White Family is pick of the week |url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/music/2015/05/06/concert-sampler-may-7-to-13-fat-white-family-is-pick-of-the-week.html |newspaper=Toronto Star |location=Toronto, Ontario |access-date=May 10, 2015}} {{cite news |last=Jones |first=Paul |date=April 21, 2015 |title=Alt-J and Palma Violets among 70 acts announced for Reading and Leeds |url=http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/12903588.Alt_J_and_Palma_Violets_among_70_acts_announced_for_Reading_and_Leeds/ |newspaper=Swindon Advertiser |location=Swindon, UK |access-date=June 10, 2015}} {{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2040606/full |title=レディー・ガガ、BABYMETAL前座に最前列で大興奮楽屋で4ショットも熱望 |website=Oricon Style |date=August 4, 2014 |access-date=August 19, 2014 |language=ja}} {{cite news |url=http://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/f-et-tp0-20140804-1345707.html |title=ホーム芸能ニュースガガ、前座BABYMETALにノリノリ|newspaper=Nikkan Sports |date=2014 |access-date=August 19, 2014}} {{cite web |url=http://www.entameplex.com/archives/11981 |title=BABYMETAL：レディー・ガガのツアーサポートアクトに決定 |website=Entame Plex |date=June 19, 2014 |access-date=August 19, 2014}}</ref><ref name="reach-unlimited">{{cite web|first=Leader|last=Desslok|url=http://www.reach-unlimited.com/p/1072185517/babymetal--kawai-and-death-metal-to-steal-your-soul|title=BabyMetal: Kawai and Death Metal to Steal your Soul|website=reach-unlimited|date=March 29, 2014|access-date=February 24, 2018|archive-date=February 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225064850/http://www.reach-unlimited.com/p/1072185517/babymetal--kawai-and-death-metal-to-steal-your-soul|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="oricon20130121" /> Critics have labeled the group as alternative metal,<ref>{{cite book |last=Craig |first=Timothy J. |date=2015 |title=Japan Pop: Inside the World of Japanese Popular Culture |url=https://archive.org/details/japanpopinsidew00crai |url-access=registration |location=New York, USA |publisher=M. E. Sharpe |page=[https://archive.org/details/japanpopinsidew00crai/page/76 76] |isbn=9780765605603 |access-date=June 12, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Galbraith |first=Patrick W. |date=2012 |title=Idols and Celebrity in Japanese Media Culture |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GJEv_rKJvHkC&pg=PA154 |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |page=154 |isbn=978-0-230-29830-9 |access-date=June 12, 2015}}</ref> death metal,<ref name="reach-unlimited"/><ref name="MTV Iggy report">{{cite web |last1=Stephens |first1=Alexis |title=Are Japan's Death Metal Teenyboppers Babymetal Okay? |url=http://www.mtviggy.com/blog-posts/are-japans-death-metal-teenyboppers-babymetal-okay/ |website=MTV Iggy |access-date=June 19, 2014}}</ref> power metal,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gotrich|first1=Lars|title=Songs We Love: Babymetal, 'Karate'|newspaper=NPR|date=March 18, 2016|url=https://www.npr.org/2016/03/18/470657368/songs-we-love-babymetal-karate|access-date=February 28, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=album review: 'metal resistance' by babymetal|url=http://www.spectrum-pulse.ca/2016/04/album-review-metal-resistance-by.html|access-date=February 28, 2018|archive-date=March 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301044749/http://www.spectrum-pulse.ca/2016/04/album-review-metal-resistance-by.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> nu metal,<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.vice.com/en/article/babymetal-is-your-new-favorite-japanese-nu-metal-girl-group/ |title= Babymetal Is Your New Favorite Japanese Nu Metal Girl Group|last= Millard|first= Drew|date= March 4, 2014|access-date= March 9, 2022}}</ref> speed metal,<ref>{{cite web|first=Micah Nathan|last=Fitzmaurice|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2016/04/babymetal-band|title=A Female-Fronted Japanese Metal Band Just Took Over Colbert, and They Won't Stop There|publisher=Vanityfair|date=April 8, 2016|access-date=February 24, 2018}}</ref> and metalcore.<ref name="theskinny">{{cite news |title=BABYMETAL - THE OTHER ONE album review: The Skinny |url=https://www.theskinny.co.uk/music/reviews/albums/babymetal-the-other-one |work=www.theskinny.co.uk |language=en}}</ref>

Tristan Peterson of Metal Obsession remarked in his review of the band's debut album "This band was created for the demographic of 'Music that your Japanese Boyfriend/Girlfriend, who doesn't really like Metal, would enjoy.'" as well as "[Babymetal] has made metal cute without losing any of its edge."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metalobsession.net/2014/04/09/babymetal-babymetal/ |title=Album Reviews : Babymetal – "Babymetal" |first=Tristan |last=Peterson |date=April 9, 2014 |website=Metal Obsession |access-date=September 8, 2017}}</ref> Patrick St. Michel from Japanese music and culture site ''MTV 81'' praises the "pure, headbang-inducing energy" of the group's live performances and describes their style as a mixture of "seemingly disparate sounds of heavy metal and idol pop, creating music anchored both by throat-mauling screeches and cuddly choruses".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv81.com/features/interviews/headbanging-with-babymetal-at-rock-in-japan-2013/ |title=Headbanging with BABYMETAL at Rock In Japan 2013 |website=MTV 81 |date=August 26, 2013 |access-date=November 15, 2013}}</ref>

Lyrical themes found in Babymetal's music focus on real-world issues. Also, they give the message of positivity and self-empowerment with the atmosphere of their music containing less serious and playful themes.<ref name="auto2"/> To be specific, the body image concerns of girls and women pressured by society to remain thin and also bullying, while they also sing about what it is like going to your first concert, the concept of an "ideal woman" and chocolate, subjects which critics say are a step away from typical lyrical styles used by most metal bands.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thestar.com.my/Lifestyle/Entertainment/Music/News/2014/04/18/Kawaii-Babymetal-teenage-girls-with-a-love-for-metal-music/ |title=Kawaii! Babymetal, teenage girls with a love for metal music |date=April 18, 2014 |access-date=August 9, 2014 |newspaper=The Star |last=Melody |first=Goh |archive-date=May 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160511170200/http://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/entertainment/music/news/2014/04/18/kawaii-babymetal-teenage-girls-with-a-love-for-metal-music/ |url-status=dead }} {{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-28217125|title=Did Babymetal invent 'cute metal' and what is it?|date=July 10, 2014|access-date=August 9, 2014|website=BBC News|last=Alex|first=Hudson}} {{cite news |last1=St. Michel |first1=Patrick |title=Babymetal: "Babymetal" |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2014/03/18/music/babymetal-babymetal/#.U-Z-j_ldUlc |newspaper=The Japan Times |access-date=August 9, 2014 |archive-date=March 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329085329/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2014/03/18/music/babymetal-babymetal/#.U-Z-j_ldUlc |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Writing for the ''Journal of Popular Music Studies'', Sarah Keith and Diane Hughes characterized Babymetal as a "prime example of the genre of idol pop being of girls, but not for girls", exemplifying the broader J-pop trend of performative girlhood. While they remarked on the band sharing many similarities with other idol groups, they also commented on Su-metal's vocal delivery being markedly different from them, as she demonstrates a "strong voice with clear tone and a minimal amount of coloratura or embellishment". The authors noted the disparity in the band's international audiences—stemming primarily from metal communities—and their Japanese audience, consisting mostly of male idol fans. They concluded that Babymetal, among other idol groups, show girls as "an idealized figure, neither produced nor consumed by girls, but enacted by performers who are girls for the male gaze".<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Keith |first1=Sarah |last2=Hughes |first2=Diane |year=2016 |journal=Journal of Popular Music Studies |volume=28 |issue=4 |pages=474–487 |title=Embodied Kawaii: Girls' voices in J-pop |publisher=Wiley |doi=10.1111/jpms.12195}}</ref>

In an analysis of Babymetal's lyrics across their debut and second albums, ''Babymetal'' and ''Metal Resistance'', musicologist Lewis F. Kennedy commented on the contrast between their often adolescent themes and the grim aesthetics of the metal genre. He also remarked on the frequent use of wordplay in their first album, reinforcing the childish nature of the lyrics. The more extensive usage of English vocabulary in ''Metal Resistance'' Kennedy saw as an effort from the band to internationalize the themes of their album to reach a wider audience. He characterized this development as making it more "traditionally metal", which metal fans would find more authentic. He also perceived the album's overarching themes of collective resistance to be a departure from both their earlier work and more traditional idol music.<ref>{{cite book |date=December 18, 2020 |editor-last1=Valijärvi |editor-first1=Riitta-Liisa |editor-last2=Doesburg |editor-first2=Charlotte |editor-last3=DiGioia |editor-first3=Amanda |title=Multilingual Metal Music: Sociocultural, Linguistic and Literary Perspectives on Heavy Metal Lyrics |pages=201–219 |last=Kennedy |first=Lewis F. |chapter=Is kawaii Metal? Exploring aidoru/Metal Fusion Through the Lyrics of Babymetal |isbn=978-1-83909-949-6 |doi=10.1108/978-1-83909-948-920200018|s2cid=229432463 }}</ref>

=== Live performances and music videos === {{see also|List of Babymetal live performances}} [[File:Babymetal - 2018152162345 2018-06-01 Rock am Ring - 5DS R - 0078 - 5DSR5665.jpg|right|thumbnail|Babymetal and Kami Band performing at Rock am Ring in Nürburgring, Germany, June 2018]] Su-metal is the main vocalist, credited on Babymetal's official site with vocals and dancing, while Moametal and Yuimetal are credited with scream and dance,<ref name="Rocketnews24 interview">{{cite web|last1=Phro|first1=Preston |title=Put your kitsune up! BABYMETAL is set to dominate the world with 'dangerous kawaii'|url=http://en.rocketnews24.com/2013/06/21/put-your-kitsune-up-babymetal-is-set-to-dominate-the-world-with-dangerous-kawaii/ |website=Rocketnews24.com |access-date=June 19, 2014|date=June 20, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://portland.thephoenix.com/music/142203-seriously-what-is-babymetal/ |title=Seriously, what is Babymetal? |last=Reyan |first=Ali |date=August 1, 2012 |newspaper=The Phoenix |location=Portland, Oregon |access-date=June 19, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170311172753/http://portland.thephoenix.com/music/142203-seriously-what-is-babymetal/ |archive-date=March 11, 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> performing on either side of her in a triangle formation. In the band's early years, the band members did not speak directly to the audience, or smile at the crowd,<ref name="hwidz" /> but over time the band has incorporated more audience engagement and call and responses into their performances. Between songs, Babymetal does not engage with the crowd. Instead, there is a blackout, or, in situations where that is not possible, they will freeze in a pose or turn away from the crowd. Babymetal's costumes take a variety of cues from the popular Japanese Gothic and Punk Lolita styles, with an emphasis on red and black.<ref name="jcast201112-16116731" /><ref name="barks20120621">{{cite web |url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000080752 |title=BABYMETAL、「扇風機ヘドバン」「土下座ヘドバン」が舞い踊るミュージックビデオが完成 |website=Barks |date=June 21, 2012 |access-date=May 13, 2014 |language=ja}}</ref>

During the 2018 World Tour, due to Yuimetal's absence, the band performed with Moametal and Su-metal in front of one another, using risers to separate, while two backup dancers perform at the sides of the stage.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/international/8455342/babymetal-tour-kansas-city-missing-member-yuimetal |title=BABYMETAL Kicks Off World Tour in Kansas City Without Member Yuimetal |last=Herman |first=Tamar |date=May 9, 2018 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=October 20, 2018}}</ref> In June 2019, the traditional three-piece formation was temporarily restored through the inclusion of individual rotating backup dancers called the Avengers, which consisted of Kano Fujihira, Riho Sayashi, and Momoko Okazaki.<ref name=":1" /> Babymetal became a permanent trio again in April 2023, when Okazaki was made a permanent member.<ref name=":2" />

Instead of the sign of the horns, the band uses the hand gesture of the kitsune to symbolise the band's supposed divine inspiration.<ref name="Rocketnews24 interview"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000076906 |title=「アイドルとメタルの融合」ヘヴィメタル・ダンスユニットBABYMETALのCDの全貌が明らかに |website=Barks |date=February 9, 2012 |access-date=May 14, 2014 |language=ja}}</ref> Initially, the band members were shown photos of the sign of the horns, but mistook it for the head of a fox. Rather than correct the error, the management accepted the kitsune sign as the band's sign.<ref name="hwidz"/> Additionally, Babymetal style of moshing, known as {{Nihongo|mosh'sh|モッシュッシュ|mosshusshu}}, has been described a safe, fun, friendly game of push and shove.<ref name="hwm"/>

In their concerts, Babymetal are accompanied by a backing band. In their early stages, the backing band consisted of the "Babybones"—a group of nameless individuals dressed in skeleton costumes that would mime live performances while pre-recorded studio tracks were being used.<ref name="barks-kawaiigirljapan20131004">{{cite web |url=http://www.en.barks.jp/news/?id=1000003246 |title=BABYMETAL is off to the Top Metal Festival in Japan! Performance at LOUD PARK 13 Confirmed |author=Kawaii Girl Japan |date=October 4, 2013 |website=Barks.jp |access-date=May 14, 2014 |archive-date=April 12, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140412221518/http://www.en.barks.jp/news/?id=1000003246 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="barks20131121">{{cite web |url=http://www.en.barks.jp/news/?id=1000003592 |title=METALLICA movie x BABYMETAL, "Gods of Metal" collaborative commercial released |website=Barks |date=November 21, 2013 |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kawaii-girl.jp/feature/13917 |title=テキストリポート【アイドル横丁祭!!】°C-ute、SUPER☆GiRLS、BABYMETALなど豪華7組が出演した【アイドル横丁祭!!】をリポート！楽屋コメント&撮りおろしのライブ写真とたっぷりとお届けします！動画は随時更新していくよ！ |website=Kawaii Girl Japan |date=April 18, 2012 |access-date=May 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150407010120/http://www.kawaii-girl.jp/feature/13917 |archive-date=April 7, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.en.barks.jp/news/?id=1000002745 |title=<nowiki>[Kawaii girl Japan/ Concert Report] BABYMETAL Performed a New Song at NHK Hall Solo Show.</nowiki> |author=Kawaii Girl Japan |website=Barks.jp |date=July 26, 2013 |access-date=May 14, 2014 |archive-date=May 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514212714/http://www.en.barks.jp/news/?id=1000002745 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In late 2012, Babymetal debuted a live band for their live performances which they referred to as "Full Metal Band"—a group of live musicians dressed in white robes and corpse paint. They have since been referred to by band members and fans as "Gods of Metal" and more recently "Kami Band" (神バンド, {{literal translation}} 'God Band'). From late 2012 to early 2014, the two groups would alternate, with the Kami Band being used more for festival appearances and special events. At the Babymetal Death Match Tour in May 2013, the Kami Band performed all music live for the first time.<ref name="hwm">{{cite interview |last=Yamamoto |first=Noboru |interviewer= |title=Hotwave |publisher=Television Saitama |location=Saitama |date=June 19, 2013 }}</ref> As of early 2014, the Babybones band has been quietly retired, and the Kami Band has since been established as Babymetal's primary backing band.{{Citation needed|date=December 2022}}

The Kami Band has consisted of a rotating line-up of different musicians since its debut in late 2012. As of early 2018, however, the line-up has been relatively stable, consisting of guitarists Takayoshi Ohmura, Leda, and Isao, bassist Boh, and drummer Hideki Aoyama with guitarists occasionally substituting for one another if needed. Kami Band member Leda has contributed to Babymetal's music, most notably on their album ''Metal Resistance'' (credited as Ledametal). Starting in 2019, the Kami Band has featured primarily Western musicians; guitarists Chris Kelly and CJ Masciantonio, bassist Clint Tustin, and drummer Anthony Barone. Ryan Neff and Matt Deis have also substituted on bass, starting in 2023 and 2024 respectively. [[File:20231007 babymetal.jpg|thumb|Babymetal at Aftershock 2023 in Sacramento, California]] Babymetal's music videos, which showcase their distinct visual aesthetic, have helped the band gain broad attention. Their video for "Gimme Chocolate!!" went viral in 2014 with ''USA Today'''s Brian Mansfield commenting that the "video looks like some kind of bizarre animé, with a dark-goth set and band members playing in skeleton costumes, and the three girls execute intricate choreography, flash heart signs and make windmill arm motions like they're playing air guitar"<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2014/03/06/babymetal-video-give-me-choco/6115605/|title=Babymetal's video is the greatest ever — or the worst|website=USA TODAY|language=en|access-date=September 30, 2019}}</ref>

In regards to their music video for the song "Karate", Moametal said she is "very proud that they are now representing this culture that came from Japan through their music, and it's a way for more people outside of Japan to also learn what karate is all about."<ref name="auto1"/> The lyrics talk about never giving up and moving forward. Yuimetal stated the choreography for the song represented the lyrics and that "it's important to be able to express the messages that they want to put across through the music with their dance moves."<ref name="auto1"/> The majority of their lyrics are in Japanese and they see their choreography as a way to break the language barrier.<ref name="auto1"/>

==Public image== According to Kei "Kobametal" Kobayashi, the band's executive producer, the band was formed under the idea of a new type of metal, and the members of the band receive "divine messages" from the Fox God, though Nakamoto explained that the messages received were indirect, as they would be sent to Kobametal first.<ref name="nylon">{{cite magazine |first=Mickey |last=Stanley |url=http://www.nylon.com/articles/baby-metal-interview |title=Japanese Idol Group Babymetal Talk Ariana Grande and The Fox God |magazine=Nylon |date=September 24, 2015 |access-date=May 12, 2016}}</ref> He stated it was the people's decision to accept or reject the idea. Additionally, he rejected the notion of the band being a "metal" or "pop" act, preferring "the one and only Babymetal."<ref>{{cite web |last=Benjamin|first=Jeff|url=http://www.fuse.tv/2015/01/kobametal-interview-babymetal-creator |title=Meet Kobametal, the Mysterious Mastermind Behind Babymetal - Fuse|website=Fuse |date=January 20, 2015 |access-date=September 3, 2016}}</ref> Kikuchi joked that the three members did not decide to join the band, as it was a destiny chosen by the Fox God, whose goal was to have the band perform and spread their music all over the world.<ref name="admit">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/babymetal-afraid-metal-resistance-interview-7356870/ |title=Once Upon a Time, Babymetal's Members Admit They Were 'Afraid' of Metal |magazine=Billboard |date=May 4, 2016 |access-date=September 3, 2016}}</ref>

The band has received varied reception by the public. Some critics praised the band for being "creative" and "rule-breaking" in the metal genre,<ref name="theguardian-review">{{cite news |first=Phil |last=Mongredien |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/apr/03/babymetal-metal-resistance-review |title=Babymetal: Metal Resistance review – genre mashup breaks all the rules |newspaper=The Observer |date=April 3, 2016 |access-date=April 3, 2016}}</ref><ref name=cosreview>{{Cite web |url=https://consequence.net/2016/04/album-review-babymetal-metal-resistance/ |first=Jon |last=Hadusek |date=April 7, 2016 |title=Album Reviews: BABYMETAL – "Metal Resistance" |website=Consequence of Sound |access-date=April 7, 2016}}</ref> while others called the band a "novelty group" and a "silly balancing act".<ref name=nmereview>{{Cite web |first=Jordan |last=Bassett |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/various-artists/16434 |title=NME Reviews - Babymetal - 'Metal Resistance' |website=NME |access-date=April 2, 2016|date=April 2016 }}</ref><ref name=allmusicreview>{{Cite web |first=Tim |last=Sendra |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/metal-resistance-mw0002909926 |title=Metal Resistance – BABYMETAL |website=Allmusic |access-date=April 2, 2016}}</ref> When asked about people who do not consider the band's pop-infused music "metal", Nakamoto acknowledged the claims and praised such accusations, warranting how metal purists have their own preferences for metal being a certain way, and taking them into consideration for the band's progress.<ref name="admit"/>

The fanbase, collectively referred to as "The One",<ref name="nylon" /> has been noted by Mizuno to be a mixed demographic of varying age. Noting the fans of metal and pop, she described the "metalheads" who look like themselves, and the pop fans who dress and cosplay as them. She further emphasized the importance of being able to reach out to younger music fans branching out to the metal genre via Babymetal, noting her own lack of experience of metal before joining the band.<ref name="admit"/>

On December 10, 2013, Babymetal released "Babymetal Apocalypse", an incomplete binder that would be gradually filled with pages intermittently made available later.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000096499 |title=【Kawaii girl Japan】BABYMETAL 公式アーティストブック、伝説と共に降臨 {{!}} BARKS |website=BARKS |date=November 21, 2013 |language=ja-JP |access-date=September 7, 2018}}</ref> Pages would include the lore of Babymetal, artwork and photos, and information on member-exclusive events, like "Apocrypha" during the Babymetal World Tour 2014. By purchasing the binder and entering a code included with the enclosed art book online, one could join the band's official fanclub called "Babymetal Apocalypse Web".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/104087 |title=BABYMETAL、アーティスト本発売決定&メンバー動画公開 - 音楽ナタリー |date=November 21, 2013 |website=音楽ナタリー |language=ja |access-date=September 7, 2018}}</ref> A video uploaded to "Babymetal Apocalypse Web" members in December 2014 announced the transition to a new official fanclub called "The One", which started with limited edition releases for ''Live at Budokan: Red Night & Black Night Apocalypse'',<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/130859 |title=BABYMETAL武道館2DAYS映像化&「赤い夜」はライブCDも - 音楽ナタリー |language=ja |access-date=September 7, 2018}}</ref> and would continue to release member-exclusive media with news published to the official fansite.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://theone.babymetal.jp |title=THE ONE |website=THE ONE |language=ja|access-date=September 7, 2018}}</ref>

== Legacy == Babymetal is credited for creating the kawaii metal ("cute metal" in English) genre, which combines elements from J-pop and heavy metal.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-28217125|title=Did Babymetal invent 'cute metal' and what is it?|last=Hudson|first=Alex|date=October 7, 2014|website=BBC Newsbeat|language=en-GB|access-date=September 29, 2019}}</ref> This genre has introduced metal to new audiences, and many new kawaii metal bands have formed since Babymetal's debut.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://theconcordian.com/2017/03/a-beginners-guide-to-kawaii-metal/|title=A beginner's guide to Kawaii metal|date=March 14, 2017|website=The Concordian|language=en-CA|access-date=September 29, 2019|archive-date=November 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124225706/http://theconcordian.com/2017/03/a-beginners-guide-to-kawaii-metal/|url-status=dead}}</ref> While most kawaii metal bands are based in Japan, the genre has begun to spread outside the country to places like South Korea, where kawaii metal bands like Pritz have formed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://reprobatepress.com/2016/04/04/feature-the-rise-and-rise-of-kawaii-metal/|title=The Rise and Rise of Kawaii Metal|last=reprobatemagazine|date=April 4, 2016|website=The Reprobate|language=en-US|access-date=September 29, 2019}}</ref> Furthermore, the reach of Babymetal's influence has stretched far beyond Japan. In 2016, Babymetal became the highest-charting Japanese band ever in the UK's Official Charts history with the release of their album ''Metal Resistance.''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/babymetal-become-highest-charting-japanese-band-ever-with-metal-resistance-on-the-official-albums-chart__14526/|title=Babymetal break Official Chart record with Metal Resistance album|website=www.officialcharts.com|language=en|access-date=September 29, 2019}}</ref> In the US, ''Metal Resistance'' was the first Japanese album to chart in the Billboard Top 40 in over 50 years, where it reached No. 39 in its first week.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://soranews24.com/2016/04/14/babymetal-album-is-japans-1st-to-crack-u-s-billboards-top-40-in-53-years/|title=Babymetal album is Japan's 1st to crack U.S. Billboard's top 40 in 53 years|date=April 14, 2016|website=SoraNews24 -Japan News-|language=en|access-date=September 29, 2019}}</ref> The last Japanese artist to break the Top 40 was Kyu Sakamoto in 1963.<ref name=":0" /> In 2019, Babymetal became the first Asian act to top the Billboard Rock Albums chart with the release of their third studio album ''Metal Galaxy.''<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/babymetal-metal-galaxy-no-1-top-rock-albums|title=Babymetal Becomes First Asian Act to Rule Top Rock Albums Chart|date=October 23, 2019|magazine=Billboard|language=en|access-date=October 24, 2019}}</ref>

==Reception== ===Japan=== Yūzō Kayama, a famous musician, actor and songwriter in Japan, said of the song "Gimme Chocolate!!", "I think it's hard to sing, but the pitch of the song is accurate. The rhythm is new, there are some Japanese points, the dance is innovative, and it's crisp."<ref name="kayama2">{{Cite news|url=http://www.daily.co.jp/gossip/2016/07/30/0009336558.shtml|title=加山雄三、BABYMETALを大絶賛「最初に聞いてすげーと思った」|date=July 30, 2016|newspaper=デイリースポーツ|access-date=August 15, 2016|publisher=神戸新聞社}}</ref> Reiko Yukawa, a well-known music critic in Japan, stated, "Babymetal is pretty cute with singing and dancing, they have charisma like Himiko, and glittering that no one can replace."<ref name="yukawa">{{cite journal|title=Special 対談/小泉純一郎{{!}}和書 |url=http://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000215.000011710.html|journal=ぴあ Special Issue 湯川れい子80th記念本、発売決定!「音楽を愛して、音楽に愛されて〜湯川れい子 80th記念BOOK〜」|date=June 17, 2016 |publisher=ぴあ|issue=2016年6月29日|page=10}}</ref>

Yoshiki, leader of rock group X Japan, stated, "I really liked the idea of the fusion of cute girls and metal", adding "someday (X Japan can play with Babymetal)".<ref name="x japan">{{Cite journal|title=X JAPAN・YOSHIKIがBABYMETALについて言及共演の可能性も示唆!|url=http://news.aol.jp/2015/07/27/babymetal/|journal=Aolニュース|issue=2015年7月27日}}</ref> ''Burrn!'' editor-in-chief Hirose said they were "welcome as a completely new entertainment from Japan in the UK regardless of whether it is heavy metal or not."<ref>週刊新潮（新潮社） 2016年 4月21日号 40p</ref><ref name="kayama">{{cite journal|title=加山雄三がBABYMETALを大絶賛「オレはジジイの大ファン」|url=http://www.dailyshincho.jp/article/2016/04200505/?all=1|journal=週刊新潮| date=April 20, 2016 |publisher=新潮社|issue=2016年4月21日号|access-date=August 15, 2016}}</ref> ''Burrn!''<nowiki/>'s Naomiyuki Umezawa felt that Babymetal "stares metal in the face" and "creates extremely precise sounds which attracts fans and requires admiration".<ref name="ddnavi20150205">{{cite news|url=http://ddnavi.com/news/225382/a/|title=なぜBABYMETALなのか。『ヘドバン』編集長・梅沢直幸さんインタビュー|author=カネコシュウヘイ|date=February 5, 2015|newspaper=ダ・ヴィンチNEWS|access-date=February 6, 2015|publisher=株式会社KADOKAWA}}</ref>

===Abroad=== ''The Daily Dot'' wrote, "for those of us whose musical tastes fall somewhere in the middle, Babymetal is kind of like a magical, leather-clad, fire-breathing, sonic unicorn."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailydot.com/upstream/babymetal-tour-interview/|title=Meet the teen idols behind Babymetal, Japan's bizarre metal sensation|date=April 21, 2016|website=The Daily Dot|language=en|access-date=November 9, 2019}}</ref> According to ''The Guardian'', "This is Japanese pop music, created behind-the-scenes by some fiendish Machiavellian genius who almost certainly had a sudden 'Eureka!' moment in the middle of the night and realised that Japanese audiences were certain to unquestioningly embrace such a seemingly incongruous mish-mash of cutting-edge musical ideas."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2014/mar/13/babymetal-craze-japan-rockers-knee-socks|title=Babymetal: Japan's rockers in knee socks|last=Lawson|first=Dom|date=March 13, 2014|work=The Guardian|access-date=November 9, 2019|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

The ''Los Angeles Times'' in a review said, "Babymetal is a Japanese concept group, and they're the most divisive thing in heavy music right now."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-babymetal-fonda-20140728-story.html|title=Babymetal shreds heavy-metal's seriousness at the Fonda - LA Times|website=Los Angeles Times|date=July 29, 2014|access-date=November 8, 2019}}</ref><ref name="newsphere2">{{cite web|url=http://newsphere.jp/entertainment/20140731-4/|title=「真のメタル、偽メタル、そしてBABYMETAL」ジャンルを超えた魅力、海外で話題|access-date=November 8, 2019|website=NewSphere|date=July 31, 2014 }}</ref> ''MetalSucks'' said, "Babymetal isn't metal. It's theater, the Japanese pop industry deconstructing post-millennial metal and modern pop tropes and reconstituting them into a fully realized, 360-degree entertainment experience."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalsucks.net/2014/07/29/true-metal-false-metal-babymetal-review-babymetals-first-ever-u-s-performance-los-angeles/|title=There is True Metal, There is False Metal, and There is Babymetal/ A Review of Babymetal's First Ever U.S. Performance in Los Angeles|access-date=July 20, 2017|website=MetalSucks|date=July 29, 2014}}</ref><ref name="newsphere2" /> Opeth's Mikael Åkerfeldt praised Babymetal, calling the band "a great influx for metal".<ref>{{cite web |last=Pasbani |first=Robert |date=May 15, 2015 |title=OPETH Frontman Backs BABYMETAL; Says It Got His Daughter To Stop Listening To ONE DIRECTION |url=https://metalinjection.net/shocking-revelations/opeth-frontman-backs-babymetal-says-it-got-his-daughter-to-stop-listening-to-one-direction |website=Metal Injection |location= |publisher= |access-date=December 3, 2025}}</ref> After Judas Priest's Rob Halford performed with Babymetal in July 2016,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD85aM0VQ3o| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211103/TD85aM0VQ3o| archive-date=2021-11-03 | url-status=live|title=APMAs 2016 Performance: BABYMETAL perform with ROB HALFORD of JUDAS PRIEST| date=July 20, 2016|publisher=Alternative Press|access-date=November 27, 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref> he shared, "Babymetal is the future of metal."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwqrMD9U76g| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211103/KwqrMD9U76g| archive-date=2021-11-03 | url-status=live|title=APMAs 2016 Interview: BABYMETAL {{!}} PRS Lounge| date=September 21, 2016|publisher=Alternative Press|access-date=November 27, 2016}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|url=http://cnloni.hatenablog.com/entry/2016/09/19/024940#fn-4f6b4ec4|title=Baby Priestが示すもの|date=September 18, 2016 |publisher=文書の形|access-date=November 27, 2016}}</ref> Rob Zombie, in response to divisive comments from his fans after posting a photo of him posing with Babymetal, said, "These three girls had more energy than 90 percent of the bands we play with".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pasbani |first1=Robert |title=ROB ZOMBIE Shuts Down BABYMETAL Haters In Epic Fashion |url=https://metalinjection.net/news/yes/rob-zombie-shuts-down-babymetal-hater-in-epic-fashion |website=Metal Injection |access-date=14 May 2023 |date=2016-05-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Hartmann |first1=Graham |title=Rob Zombie Shuts Down Babymetal Haters, Babymetal Offer Thanks |url=https://loudwire.com/rob-zombie-shuts-down-babymetal-haters-babymetal-offer-thanks/ |website=Loudwire |access-date=14 May 2023 |date=2016-05-12}}</ref>

== Members == [[File:Babymetal backing band Kami band at Danforth Music Hall on May 12, 2015.jpg|right|upright=1.3|thumbnail|Babymetal's backing band "Kami Band" performing at Danforth Music Hall in Toronto, May 2015; from left to right: Boh, Mikio Fujioka, Hideki Aoyama and Takayoshi Ohmura]] Only the names of the core members of Babymetal are officially published.

'''Babymetal members''' * Su-metal (Suzuka Nakamoto) – vocal and dance (2010–present) * Moametal (Moa Kikuchi) – scream and dance (2010–present) * Momometal (Momoko Okazaki) – scream and dance (2023–present; previously an Avenger (backup dancer) from 2019 to 2023)<ref name=merumoAvengers>{{Cite news |url=https://news.merumo.ne.jp/article/genre/9033363 |trans-title=Babymetal Talks Yuimetal's Departure and the Avengers "A New Wind is Blowing" |script-title=ja:BABYMETAL、YUIMETAL脱退やアベンジャーズを語る「新しい風が吹いている」 - めるも |date=September 21, 2019 |work=Merumo |access-date=October 22, 2019 |language=ja |quote=Each of the three Avengers—former Morning Musume member Riho Sayashi, current Sakura Gakuin member Kano Fujihira, and former Sakura Gakuin member Momoko Okazaki—act as support dancers at Babymetal live shows. [アベンジャーズは元モーニング娘。の鞘師里保、さくら学院の現役メンバー藤平華乃、さくら学院の元メンバー岡崎百々子の3人がそれぞれにBABYMETALのライブでサポートダンサーを務めている。] |archive-date=October 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017112259/https://news.merumo.ne.jp/article/genre/9033363 |url-status=dead }}</ref> * Yuimetal (Yui Mizuno) – scream and dance (2010–2018)

'''Kami Band members''' {{div col}} * Anthony Barone – drums (2019–present)<ref name="westkami">{{cite web |url=https://allmusicmagazine.com/babymetal-and-scene-queen-at-hard-rock-in-orlando-florida-on-november-5-2024/ |title=BABYMETAL and Scene Queen at Hard Rock Live in Orlando, Florida on November 5, 2024 |last=Crow |first=Johnnie |date=November 8, 2024 |website=All Music Magazine |access-date=February 19, 2025}}</ref> * Eugene Ryabchenko – drums (2026–present) * Chris Kelly – guitars (2019–present)<ref name=westkami/> * CJ Masciantonio – guitars (2019–present)<ref name=westkami/> * Matt Deis – bass (2024–present) * Mikio Fujioka – guitars (2013–2018; died 2018)<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/babymetal-mikio-fujioka-dead-8093422/ |title=Babymetal Guitarist Mikio Fujioka Dies at 36 |last=Payne |first=Chris |date=January 9, 2018 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=August 16, 2018}}</ref> * Leda Cygnus – guitars (2013–2020)<ref name="leda">{{cite web |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/colin-mcquistan/babymetal-interview_b_5578189.html |title=An Interview With Babymetal – Bow Down to Your Kitsune |last=McQuistan |first=Colin |date=July 14, 2014 |website=Huffington Post |location=New York, USA |access-date=May 26, 2015}}</ref> * Boh – bass (2013–2023)<ref name=ohmura /> * Takayoshi Ohmura – guitars (2013–2023)<ref name=takaou>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/TakayoshiOhmura/status/297691532620865536|title=IKUOさんの隠蔽ゼロ体質は、日本が見習うべき姿であると感じました。卒倒しそうです(꒪ω꒪υ) #白目 RT @IKUObass190: おー！ギターの神(笑)！お疲れ様でした！"@TakayoshiOhmura:@IKUObass190 お疲れメタルの神様でした〜(❛ᴗ❛人)✧|last=大村孝佳 🚬 🍺 ✋(΄⌒◞౪◟⌒｀)|date=February 2, 2013|website=@TakayoshiOhmura|language=ja|access-date=May 25, 2019}}</ref><ref name=ohmura>{{cite web |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/colin-mcquistan/babymetal-worst-band-in-the-world_b_5197380.html |title=The Best Worst Band in the World Are Playing the UK – Lord Have Mercy |website=Huffington Post UK |date=April 29, 2014 |access-date=November 16, 2014}}</ref> * Hideki Aoyama – drums (2013–2023)<ref name=ohmura /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/aoyama_hideki/status/297709522204631041|title=Gt.Baの神々の皆様お疲れ様でした！ Drのメタル小僧です（笑） "@IKUObass190: おー！ギターの神(笑)！お疲れ様でした！"@TakayoshiOhmura: @IKUObass190 お疲れメタルの神様でした〜(❛ᴗ❛人)✧ また宜しくお願い致します☆""|last=青山英樹|date=February 2, 2013|website=@aoyama_hideki|language=ja|access-date=May 25, 2019}}</ref> * Isao Fujita – guitars (2015–2023)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.aol.jp/2015/07/21/hwz_babymetal/ |script-title=ja:BABYMETAL「神バンド」に新ギタリスト加入か？ネット上で話題沸騰中 |website=AOL.jp |date=July 22, 2015 |access-date=April 6, 2016 |language=ja|title=Welcome to Aol.jp }}</ref> * Clint Tustin – bass (2019–2024)<ref name=westkami/> * Ryan Neff – bass (2023–2024) {{div col end}}

'''Backup dancers''' * Riho Sayashi – Avengers (2019–2020)<ref name=Avengers>{{Cite web |last= |date=April 3, 2023 |title=Babymetal Officially Welcomes New Third Member, Momometal |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/babymetal-officially-welcomes-new-third-member-momometal |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007041552/https://blabbermouth.net/news/babymetal-officially-welcomes-new-third-member-momometal |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |access-date=October 7, 2024 |website=Blabbermouth.net |language=}}</ref> * Kano Fujihira – Avengers (2019–2020)<ref name=Avengers/> * Minako Maruyama – backup dancer (2018) * Minami Tsukui – backup dancer (2018) * Shōko Akiyama – backup dancer (2018) * Saya Hirai – backup dancer (2018)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.torahi.me/news/2019/03/20_100005.php|title=浅草レヴュー虎姫一座 OFFICIAL WEB SITE|website=torahi.me|access-date=May 25, 2019|archive-date=May 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524210343/http://www.torahi.me/news/2019/03/20_100005.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> * Kotono Ōmori – backup dancer (2018)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2132449/full/|title=森久保祥太郎、10代女性ロックユニット「IRONBUNNY」結成に興奮目標は"未来征服"|website=ORICON NEWS|access-date=May 25, 2019}}</ref>

'''Timeline''' <div class="left"> {{#tag:timeline| ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:21 PlotArea = left:120 bottom:120 top:15 right:20 Alignbars = justify DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy Period = from:10/01/2010 till:{{#time:m/d/Y}} TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:4 ScaleMajor = increment:1 start:2011 ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:2011

Colors = id:vocals value:red legend:Lead_vocals id:bvocals value:pink legend:Backing_vocals id:I value:magenta legend:Inactive id:A value:lavender legend:Avenger  id:studio value:black legend:Studio_album

LineData = layer:back color:studio at:02/26/2014 at:03/29/2016 at:10/08/2019 at:03/24/2023 at:08/08/2025 BarData = bar:Nakamoto text:"Su-metal" bar:Kikuchi text:"Moametal" bar:Mizuno text:"Yuimetal" bar:Okazaki text:"Momometal"

PlotData = width:11 bar:Nakamoto from:10/01/2010 till:end color:vocals bar:Mizuno from:10/01/2010 till:10/15/2017 color:bvocals bar:Mizuno from:10/15/2017 till:10/19/2018 color:I bar:Kikuchi from:10/01/2010 till:end color:bvocals bar:Okazaki from:06/28/2019 till:04/01/2023 color:A bar:Okazaki from:04/01/2023 till:end color:bvocals  }} </div>

==Discography== {{Main|Babymetal discography}}

* ''Babymetal'' (2014) * ''Metal Resistance'' (2016) * ''Metal Galaxy'' (2019) * ''The Other One'' (2023) * ''Metal Forth'' (2025)

==Filmography== {| class="wikitable sortable" ! Year ! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable" | Notes ! Ref. |- | 2024 | ''Heavier Trip'' | Themselves | Cameo | align="center"|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://consequence.net/2024/08/heavier-trip-trailer/ |title=Trailer Unveiled for Heavier Trip, Sequel to Finnish Heavy Metal Comedy Film: Watch |first=Jon |last=Hadusek |website=Consequence |date=12 August 2024 |access-date=5 October 2024}}</ref> |}

==Tours== {{see also|List of Babymetal live performances}} * Babymetal World Tour 2014 ** Babymetal Back to the USA / UK Tour 2014 * Babymetal World Tour 2015 ** Babymetal World Tour 2015 in Japan * Babymetal World Tour 2016: Legend Metal Resistance * Babymetal US Tour 2017 (with Korn and Stone Sour) * The Five Fox Festival in Japan (2017) ** Big Fox Festival in Japan (2017) * Babymetal World Tour 2018 * Metal Galaxy World Tour (2019–2020) * Babymetal World Tour 2023–2024 * Babymetal World Tour 2025–2026

==Awards and nominations== {{awards table}} |- | rowspan=2|2014 | rowspan=2|Babymetal | 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards — Wild Card for Best Japanese Act<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gekirock.com/news/2014/09/mtv_ema.php |title=MAN WITH A MISSION、BABYMETALら、ヨーロッパ最大級の音楽アワード"2014 MTV EMA"のワイルドカード枠にノミネート！Twitterによるファン投票受付スタート！|website=Geki-Rock |access-date=September 14, 2014 |date=September 9, 2014 |language=ja}}</ref> | {{nom|Pre-nominated}} |- | NEO Awards 2014 — Best Musical Act<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.neomag.co.uk/art/lifestyle/news/2315/neo-awards-2014-winner-of-best-musical-act |title=NEO Awards 2014 WINNER of Best Musical Act |website=NeoMag.co.uk |access-date=January 20, 2016 |date=January 28, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123153052/http://www.neomag.co.uk/art/lifestyle/news/2315/neo-awards-2014-winner-of-best-musical-act |archive-date=January 23, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> | {{Won}} |- | rowspan=12|2015 | ''Babymetal'' | 7th CD Shop Awards — Grand Prix<ref>{{cite news |url=http://getnews.jp/archives/625538 |title=「第7回CDショップ大賞2015」一次ノミネート作品発表 |trans-title=1st-stage nominees announced for "7th CD Shop Awards 2015" |newspaper=Gadget Tsūshin (getnews.jp) |publisher=Tokyo Sangyo Shimbunsha |language=ja |date=July 18, 2014 |author=Musicman-Net |access-date=August 18, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808223433/http://getnews.jp/archives/625538 |archive-date=August 8, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/140411 |title=BABYMETALがCDショップ大賞！SU-METAL「すごくドキドキ」 |website=Natalie.mu |access-date=March 9, 2015 |date=March 9, 2015}}</ref> | {{Won}} |- | rowspan=10|Babymetal | Loudwire 4th Annual Music Awards — Best New Artist of the Year Award<ref>{{cite web |url=http://loudwire.com/babymetal-best-new-act-4th-annual-loudwire-music-awards/ |title=Babymetal Win Best New Act in 4th Annual Loudwire Music Awards |website=Loudwire |access-date=February 24, 2015 |date=February 3, 2015 |first=Graham 'Gruhamed' |last=Hartmann}}</ref> | {{Won}} |- | Kerrang! Awards 2015 — Spirit of Independence Award<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kerrang.com/32514/relentless-kerrang-awards-2015-winners-list/ |title=The Relentless Kerrang! Awards 2015 Winners List|website=Kerrang! |access-date=June 12, 2015 |date=June 11, 2015}}</ref> | {{Won}} |- | Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards 2015 — Breakthrough Award<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/MetalHammer/status/610528810644205569 |title=The winner of Breakthrough is @BABYMETAL_JAPAN! |website=Metal Hammer |access-date=June 15, 2015 |date=June 15, 2015}}</ref> | {{Won}} |- | 2015 MTV Europe Music Awards — Best Japanese Act<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jp.mtvema.com/_/babymetal |title=Babymetal|website=MTV |date=October 26, 2015}}</ref> | {{Nominated}} |- | 2015 MTV Video Music Awards Japan — Best Metal Artist<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtvjapan.com/vmaj2015/winners/#best-metal-artist |title=Winners MTV VMAJ 2015 |website=MTV Japan |date=November 9, 2015 |access-date=January 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208100134/http://www.mtvjapan.com/vmaj2015/winners/#best-metal-artist |archive-date=December 8, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> | {{Won}} |- | GQ Men of the Year 2015 Award, Special Prize "Discovery of the year"<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://gqjapan.jp/magazine/20151119/moty-2015-winners |title=2015年、もっとも輝いた男たち「GQ Men of the Year 2015」受賞者を発表{{pipe}}メンズファッション、時計、高級車、男のための最新情報 |magazine=GQ JAPAN |date=November 20, 2015 |access-date=November 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121044337/http://gqjapan.jp/magazine/20151119/moty-2015-winners |archive-date=November 21, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=November 19, 2015 |title=唯一無二の女性に」BABYMETAL、「GQ Men of the Year」特別賞を受賞 |url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/166558 |website=Natalie |access-date=November 20, 2015}}</ref> | {{Won}} |- | Vogue Japan Women of the Year 2015<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.vogue.co.jp/woty/winners/ |title=VOGUE JAPAN Women of the Year 2015 - ウーマン・オブ・ザイヤー 2015 |magazine=Vogue Japan |access-date=November 29, 2015 |archive-date=November 30, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151130031451/http://www.vogue.co.jp/woty/winners/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> | {{Won}} |- | NEO Awards 2015 — Best Musical Act<ref>{{cite web |url=http://imgur.com/zAb1uVr |title=NEO Awards 2015 WINNER of Best Musical Act |website=imgur.com |access-date=January 20, 2016 |date=January 18, 2016}}</ref> | {{Won}} |- | Loudwire 5th Annual Music Awards — Most Devoted Fans of 2015<ref>{{cite web |url=http://loudwire.com/most-devoted-fans-2015-5th-annual-loudwire-music-awards/ |title=Most Devoted Fans of 2015 - 5th Annual Loudwire Music Awards|website=Loudwire |date=October 29, 2015 |access-date=November 1, 2015}}</ref> | {{Won}} |- | Loudwire 5th Annual Music Awards — Best Live Act of 2015<ref>{{cite web |url=http://loudwire.com/best-live-act-2015-5th-annual-loudwire-music-awards/ |title=Best Live Act of 2015 - 5th Annual Loudwire Music Awards|website=Loudwire |date=October 28, 2015 |access-date=October 29, 2015}}</ref> | {{Won}} |- | "Road of Resistance" | Loudwire 5th Annual Music Awards — Best Metal Song of 2015<ref>{{cite web |url=http://loudwire.com/best-metal-song-2015-5th-annual-loudwire-music-awards/ |title=Best Metal Song of 2015 - 5th Annual Loudwire Music Awards|website=Loudwire |date=October 29, 2015}}</ref> | {{Won}} |- | rowspan=9|2016 | rowspan=2|''Metal Resistance'' |Loudwire — Most Anticipated Release of April 2016<ref>{{cite web |url=http://loudwire.com/vote-for-the-most-anticipated-release-of-april-2016/ |title=Vote for the Most Anticipated Release of April 2016!|website=Loudwire |date=March 15, 2016}}</ref> | {{Won}} |- | 2016 MTV Video Music Awards Japan — Best Album of the Year -Japan-<ref name="auto">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtvjapan.com/news/music/27484/ |title=MTV VMAJ 2016 ジャスティン・ビーバーが最多4部門にノミネート |website=MTV Japan |date=May 9, 2016 |access-date=September 7, 2016 |archive-date=September 11, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170911114925/http://www.mtvjapan.com/news/music/27484/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="MTV VMAJ 2016 受賞作品&特別賞発表">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtvjapan.com/news/music/27646 |title=MTV VMAJ 2016 受賞作品&特別賞発表 - 音楽ニュース |website=MTV JAPAN |language=ja |access-date=September 8, 2017 |archive-date=September 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918132617/http://www.mtvjapan.com/news/music/27646 |url-status=dead }}</ref> | {{Won}} |- | rowspan=2|"Karate" | 2016 MTV Video Music Awards Japan— Best Metal Video (Japan)<ref name="MTV VMAJ 2016 受賞作品&特別賞発表"/><ref name="auto"/> | {{Won}} |- | 2016 MTV Video Music Awards Japan— Best Group Video (Japan)<ref name="auto"/> | {{Nominated}} |- | rowspan=5|Babymetal |Kerrang! Awards 2016 — Best Live Band<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-36496434 |first=Jimmy |last=Blake |title=Kerrang! Awards 2016: Blink-182, All Time Low and Babymetal among the winners|website=BBC Newsbeat |date=June 10, 2016}}</ref> | {{Won}} |- |Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards 2016 — Best International Band<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metalinsider.net/award-show-battles/metal-hammer-golden-gods-announce-nominations-for-2016 |first=Alix |last=Vallecillo |title=Metal Hammer Golden Gods announce nominations for 2016 |date=April 4, 2016 |website=Metalinsider.net}}</ref> | {{Nominated}} |- | 2016 Alternative Press Music Awards — Best International Band<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/and_the_nominees_for_the_2016_apmas_are |title=And the nominees for the 2016 APMAs are... |website=Alternative Press |date=March 17, 2016}}</ref> | {{Nominated}} |- | 2016 AIM Independent Music Awards — Best Live Act<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.musicindie.com/awards |title=AIM Independent Music Awards |date=June 9, 2016 |access-date=September 7, 2016 |archive-date=January 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107113856/http://www.musicindie.com/awards |url-status=dead }}</ref> | {{Won}} |- | Revolver Music Awards 2016 — Best New Talent<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.revolvermag.com/artist-news-revolver-awards/epiphone-revolver-music-awards-nominees/22649 |title=Revolver Music Awards Nominees |website=Revolvermag.com |date=November 2, 2016}}</ref> | {{Nominated}} |- | rowspan=7|2017 | rowspan=2|''Metal Resistance'' | Loudwire 6th Annual Music Awards — Best Metal Album of 2016<ref>{{cite web |url=http://loudwire.com/babymetal-win-five-honors-6th-annual-loudwire-music-awards// |title=Best Metal Album of 2016 - 6th Annual Loudwire Music Awards|website=Loudwire |date=January 10, 2017 |access-date=January 10, 2017}}</ref> | {{Won}} |- | Loudwire 6th Annual Music Awards — Best Metal Song of 2016 - "Karate" (music video)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://loudwire.com/babymetal-win-five-honors-6th-annual-loudwire-music-awards// |title=Best Metal Song of 2016 - 6th Annual Loudwire Music Awards|website=Loudwire |date=January 10, 2017 |access-date=January 10, 2017}}</ref> | {{Won}} |- | rowspan=5|Babymetal | Loudwire 6th Annual Music Awards — Rock Goddess of the Year 2016 — "Su-metal"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://loudwire.com/babymetal-win-five-honors-6th-annual-loudwire-music-awards// |title=Rock Goddess of the Year 2016 - 6th Annual Loudwire Music Awards|website=Loudwire |date=January 10, 2017 |access-date=January 10, 2017}}</ref> | {{Won}} |- | Loudwire 6th Annual Music Awards — Best Live Act 2016 — "Babymetal"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://loudwire.com/babymetal-win-five-honors-6th-annual-loudwire-music-awards// |title=Best Live Act of 2016 - 6th Annual Loudwire Music Awards|website=Loudwire |date=January 10, 2017 |access-date=January 10, 2017}}</ref> | {{Won}} |- | Loudwire 6th Annual Music Awards — Most Devoted Fans 2016<ref>{{cite web |url=http://loudwire.com/babymetal-win-five-honors-6th-annual-loudwire-music-awards// |title=Most Devoted Fans 2016 - 6th Annual Loudwire Music Awards|website=Loudwire |date=January 10, 2017 |access-date=January 10, 2017}}</ref> | {{Won}} |- | Loudwire 7th Annual Music Awards — Most Dedicated Fans 2017<ref>{{cite web |url=http://loudwire.com/babymetal-win-most-dedicated-fans-2017-loudwire-music-awards//|title=Most Dedicated Fans 2017 - 7th Annual Loudwire Music Awards|website=Loudwire|date=October 25, 2017 |access-date=October 25, 2017}}</ref> | {{Won}} |- | 2017 MTV Europe Music Awards — Best Japan Act<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mtvema.com/ja-jp/news/1lwgcl/09041302-0cb0-49b2-a785-292ad8db9705|title=MTV Has Chosen Best Worldwide Act Winners!|website=MTVEMA|access-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117145717/http://www.mtvema.com/ja-jp/news/1lwgcl/09041302-0cb0-49b2-a785-292ad8db9705|archive-date=January 17, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> |{{Won}} |- |2020 |''Metal Galaxy'' | 2020 MTV Video Music Awards Japan — Best Album Of The Year<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www2.mtvjapan.com/vmaj/2020/winner_best_album_of_the_year.html |title=Winners MTV VMAJ 2020 |website=MTV Japan |date=October 31, 2020 |access-date=October 31, 2020}}</ref> | {{Won}} |}

==Notes== {{notelist}}

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== {{commons category|Babymetal}} * {{Official website}} * {{YouTube|c=UC33_tIj4m1_XaqfFcomShvw}} * {{Discogs artist |artist=3393348-Babymetal |name=Babymetal}}

{{Babymetal}} {{MTV Europe Music Awards for Best Japanese Act}} {{MTV Europe Music Award for Best Worldwide Act}} {{Authority control}}

Category:2010 establishments in Japan Category:All-female metal bands Category:Amuse Inc. artists Category:Babymetal Category:Capitol Records artists Category:Child musical groups Category:Japanese girl groups Category:Japanese heavy metal musical groups Category:Japanese idol groups Category:Japanese musical trios Category:Japanese pop music groups Category:Kawaii metal musical groups Category:Kerrang! Awards winners Category:MTV Europe Music Award winners Category:Musical groups established in 2010 Category:Musical groups from Tokyo Category:Sakura Gakuin Category:Toy's Factory artists Category:Women in metal

Babymetal

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