On METAL FORTH, BABYMETAL continue their mission to weaponise sugar-rush pop against heavy metal’s traditionalist instincts, crafting a fourth album that feels bigger, slicker, and even more chaotic than its predecessors. Riffs stomp and squeal with a djent-like weight, only to be sliced apart by machine-gun electronics, rave sirens, soaring power-metal strings and the trio’s signature helium-bright melodies. Tempos shift without warning; one moment we’re buried in blastbeats and death growls, the next we’re floating in a sparkling J-pop breakdown, all before crashing back into a crushing chorus engineered like a festival war-cry. Rather than refining their formula, METAL FORTH doubles down on sensory overload, a maximalist manifesto that blurs not only genre but language, fandom, and even the boundaries of what ‘metal’ can be in 2025.
From me to u immediately explodes, rather than warm up. A filthy, down-tuned riff kicks the record into instant motion, stomp-heavy and jagged like a buzzsaw revving in a stadium. Over the top, Poppy barks the opening lyric “Let’s go!” like a battle cry, setting off a chain reaction of double-kick drums, twitchy, turntable-style cuts, and distorted vocal glitches. Rather than following a predictable verse-chorus structure, the song seems to duck and weave like a fighter, switching between pounding nu-metal groove, hyperpop vocal FX and sudden squeals of electronic feedback. Su-metal swoops in with a massive, anthemic chorus—all lung-power and clarity—only for Poppy to yank the song back underground with her dead-eyed, robotic snarls. The result is a track that feels constantly on the verge of combusting, an opener built not to welcome listeners but to throw them, headfirst, into METAL FORTH’s sensory blitz.
RATATATA cranks the energy even higher, a turbocharged collision of BABYMETAL’s metallic precision and Electric Callboy’s manic, party-metal flair. Opening with a relentless, machine-gun riff that never lets up, the track barrels forward with breakneck drums and punchy synth stabs, creating a riotous backdrop for Su-metal’s soaring vocals and Kevin Ratajczak and Nico Sallach’s charismatic shout-singing. The chorus bursts with an anthemic catchiness, drenched in shimmering melodies that contrast perfectly with the track’s aggressive core. Lyrically, RATATATA leans into cheeky bravado and unfiltered fun, a sonic adrenaline shot that keeps the adrenaline pumping and the listener hooked. It’s a wild, genre-mashing banger that embodies the reckless joy and boundary-pushing spirit at the heart of METAL FORTH.
Song 3 plunges METAL FORTH into darker, heavier territory with the brutal presence of Slaughter To Prevail frontman Alex Terrible’s signature guttural growls and relentless deathcore intensity. The track opens with crushing riffs layered under thunderous blast beats, setting a menacing tone that contrasts sharply with Su-metal’s soaring, almost ethereal vocals. This interplay between brutal aggression and melodic clarity creates a tension that runs through the track, pushing and pulling the listener between extremes. Slaughter To Prevail’s guttural vocals add a visceral, raw edge, turning Song 3 into one of the album’s most unflinching moments—a chaotic yet strangely hypnotic clash of brutality and beauty. It’s a stark reminder that BABYMETAL’s sound isn’t just a blend but a battlefield where contrasting forces collide with explosive impact.
Kon! Kon! unleashes a fierce fusion of BABYMETAL’s genre-bending metal with Bloodywood’s signature blend of Indian folk instruments and aggressive rap-metal energy. Opening with driving percussion and snarling guitar riffs, the track quickly layers in traditional stringed instruments and rhythmic chants, creating a rich, textured soundscape that feels both ancient and futuristic. Su-metal’s powerful vocals soar above the mix, weaving seamlessly with Jayant Bhadula and Raoul Kerr’s dynamic vocal interplay—ranging from guttural verses to spirited rap flows. The song pulses with a relentless tribal intensity, embodying a global metal dialogue that transcends language and culture. Kon! Kon! stands out on METAL FORTH as a vibrant celebration of metal’s evolving, borderless spirit.
Sunset Kiss marks a sophisticated detour on METAL FORTH, blending BABYMETAL’s fierce energy with virtuoso guitar craftsmanship of Polyphia’s Tim Henson. Right from the start, intricate, shimmering guitar lines cascade over a foundation of tight, syncopated drums and punchy bass, creating a lush, textured soundscape that feels both progressive and visceral. Henson’s signature blend of clean, expressive guitar tones and rapid-fire runs adds a dazzling technical flair, while subtle ambient layers deepen the atmosphere. The vocals are more restrained here, slipping in with delicate melodies that float above the instrumentation, providing an ethereal contrast to the track’s muscular backbone. The result is a masterclass in balance, and a track that simultaneously showcases precision musicianship and emotional depth, carving out a serene yet powerful space within METAL FORTH’s otherwise relentless barrage.
My Queen stands out as one of METAL FORTH’s most emotionally charged and atmospheric tracks, with Spiritbox’s hauntingly powerful presence adding a fresh dimension to BABYMETAL’s sound. The song opens with ethereal synth pads and a creeping, tension-building riff before launching into a dynamic blend of heavy, djent-inspired guitars and spacious, reverb-drenched drums. Su-metal’s soaring, emotive vocals intertwine seamlessly with Courtney LaPlante’s versatile range—from delicate, haunting melodies to fierce, guttural growls—creating a dramatic push-and-pull that amplifies the song’s intensity. Lyrically and sonically, My Queen explores themes of empowerment and vulnerability, framed by a cinematic production that swells and crashes like waves. It’s a standout moment of maturity and depth on the album, proving BABYMETAL’s continued evolution and willingness to embrace heavier, more nuanced emotional textures.
METAL!!! is an electrifying highlight of METAL FORTH, where BABYMETAL’s explosive energy meets Tom Morello’s unmistakable guitar wizardry. From the opening chord, Morello’s signature creative effects and razor-sharp riffs cut through the mix with a rebellious edge, adding layers of texture and attitude that elevate the track beyond the typical. The song pulses with driving rhythms and anthemic chants, vocals soaring with both power and playfulness. The collaboration feels like a passing of the torch between generations of metal innovators, blending Morello’s legendary political fire and experimental approach with BABYMETAL’s futuristic maximalism. METAL!!! is a raucous, adrenaline-fueled celebration of the genre’s enduring spirit and an invitation to embrace chaos with open arms.
Closing METAL FORTH on a radiant high, “White Flame –白炎-” bursts forth like the climax of an epic anime saga—all shimmering synth layers, punchy drums, and soaring guitars that build an exhilarating, heroic atmosphere. The track rides a driving rhythm that feels both urgent and triumphant, underscored by sweeping orchestral flourishes and bright melodic hooks that evoke images of battles fought and victories earned. Su-metal’s vocals soar with fierce clarity and emotional conviction, delivering lyrics that strike a balance between personal resolve and universal inspiration, like a rallying anthem for overcoming darkness. The Japanese subtitle 白炎 (“white flame”) perfectly encapsulates the song’s blend of purity and burning passion, capturing both vulnerability and unstoppable force. As a finale, it sends METAL FORTH out not with a whisper but a blaze—vibrant, uplifting, and defiantly alive, leaving listeners charged and ready for whatever the future holds.
METAL FORTH stands as a bold testament to BABYMETAL’s fearless evolution and unwavering commitment to redefining what metal can be. Rather than resting on their pioneering kawaii-metal legacy, the trio embraces a wider sonic palette and deeper emotional range, proving their artistry is far from a novelty. The album’s many collaborations with influential names across the metal spectrum—from Tom Morello’s iconic riffs to the guttural ferocity of Slaughter To Prevail, the genre-blurring flair of Poppy, and the global fusion brought by Bloodywood—infuse the record with a remarkable diversity and texture. These guest appearances prove to be vital collaborators who push BABYMETAL to new creative heights, and help craft an album rich with unique character and bold experimentation. Together, they form a dynamic, collaborative tapestry that reflects metal’s evolving future while spotlighting BABYMETAL’s role as fearless architects of a genre-fluid sound. METAL FORTH isn’t just another release—it’s a powerful statement that BABYMETAL remain at the forefront of metal’s ongoing revolution.
For fans of: Hanabie., Poppy, Bring Me The Horizon
‘METAL FORTH’ by BABYMETAL is released on 8th August on Capitol Records.
Words by Ell Bradbury
