BABYMETAL At Madison Sqaure Garden
New York City. The heat clinging to our cultural epicenter recently has been an oppressive, humid blanket, the kind that makes the commuter, tourist, and even the rodents act as if existing feels worse than, well, “worse off.” It’s a heat that gets into your bones, clogs the air with a shimmering haze, and promises only more sweat. Yet, even under this suffocating urban malaise, the pilgrimage of Heavy-Metal advocates trekked through the humidity to witness a phenomenon which has been growing in popularity for about a decade at this point. When we found out Babymetal would be playing at Madison Square Garden as part of their new tour, we knew missing the excitement and sheer energy of Japan’s global sensation would be foolish, and not a way to start off our Summer Concert Recaps for this year.
There’s a certain irony in experiencing Babymetal under such sweltering conditions. Their very essence is a collision of extremes: the saccharine sweetness of J-pop idols fused with the unyielding ferocity of heavy metal. It's a concept that, on paper, should not work, a melodic experiment destined for disaster. Yet, somehow, it coalesces into something undeniably compelling, a moment served with audacious flair. Since their unexpected explosion onto the global scene in 2010, Babymetal has defied categorization, carving out a niche that both bemuses and electrifies anyone clicking on a YouTube link or just casually Browse on their phones. Their early viral hits like "Gimme Chocolate!!" introduced the world to their unique blend, propelling them from internet curiosity to legitimate international touring act, sharing stages with metal giants and gracing major festivals with names like Metallica, System of a Down, and even Foo Fighters.
Our previous encounter with Babymetal late last year left an indelible mark with a physical whirlwind of choreographed precision set against a backdrop of crushing riffs and gnashing drum work. It was a sensory overload the first time I saw them, and I am happy to say that once again, it was as joyful this time. Last night, at the iconic Madison Square Garden, the stakes were high, selling out the entire room to a crowd full of those young, old, and even as young as a newborn baby we cheered on last night enjoying her very first concert. The air inside, filled with familiar Neo-Metal tunes, was undoubtedly charged, a stark contrast to the oppressive humidity outside. The expectation isn't just for a concert, but for another iteration of their evolving narrative, a continuation of their playful yet potent disruption of the music industry's norms.
Babymetal's appeal lies precisely in this audacious genre-bending. They arrived on a scene often resistant to change, a seemingly impossible concoction, and yet, they conquered it. They represent a fascinating cultural export, a meticulously designed product that nonetheless carries an authentic current of rebellion. Their live performances are known for their tightly synchronized dance routines and powerful vocal delivery. Nu-Metal tunes from the 2000s only amplified the audience as Babymetal took the stage to pyrotechnics and dance before breaking into their original first mega-hit, “メギツネ - MEGITSUNE.” Continuing their set with "PA PA YA!!" the crowd ignited in broken Japanese and loud chants showcasing the enduring appeal of both their new and old work. But it was the newer material that truly highlighted their growth. The balance between the intricate choreography and the raw, guttural power of the metal instrumentation was executed with precision and what seemed like months of practice, a testament to their dedication to both facets of their hybrid identity. A particularly captivating segment of the show involved their collaborations. The stage welcomed back Jayant Bhadula and Raoul Kerr of Bloodywood for "Kon! Kon!," a powerful cross-cultural moment that underscored Babymetal's willingness to push boundaries and embrace diverse heavy sounds. The collaboration felt less like guest spots and more like a deliberate expansion of the Babymetal universe, hints at future sonic explorations that maintain their core identity while fearlessly venturing into new, heavier frontiers. Like their previous song "Shanti Shanti," we are so excited to hear more of these style of tracks.
The latter half of the main set was a relentless assault of their most celebrated tracks. "Headbangeeeeerrrrr!!!!!" whipped the crowd into a frenzy, while the Electric Callboy collaboration, "RATATATA," injected a fresh dose of electro-metal energy, prompting another surge of movement on the floor. And of course, the iconic "Gimme Chocolate!!" arrived with its irresistible pull, transforming the massive arena into a unified, joyous dance party. For the encore, the reflective "from me to u" offered a brief, poignant respite before the full-throttle assault of "KARATE" and the anthemic close of "Road of Resistance." The sheer stamina and commitment displayed by Su-metal, Moametal, and Momometal throughout the two-hour performance was remarkable, never wavering, never losing an ounce of their magnetic stage presence. The affirmation given to them by the audience continues to prove that their audacious vision has not only endured but thrived over the years of hard-touring, collaboration, and outreach, cementing their place as genuine pioneers in not just Rock Music, but in artistry as a whole.
