Sometimes in a genre defined by aggression and heaviness, it can be hard to sound “fresh.” While we all love the grit of screams, the chugging of guitars with more strings than you’d expect, and of course the four hits of a cymbal before you start to beat up all the new friends you just made at the show, there is something to be said for finding a way to take all of the genre norms and flipping them on their head. That is what BABYMETAL has done over the past 15 years. With every new release comes new and exciting ways the group combines elements of J-pop and metal together for a sonic experience unlike any other. This has led to broken down barriers, not just for Japanese artists but for numerous international artists, incredible collabs that seem too good to be true, and now even an opening song for One-Punch Man Season 3! I spoke with BABYMETAL about their record setting new album, METAL FORTH , working on an anime opening for the first time, and which anime characters all of the feature artists from the album most embody. Tell me a bit about the new album, METAL FORTH ! MOAMETAL : This is our first album as the reformed BABYMETAL and it's become our most powerful release yet, featuring artists we believe are shaping the future of metal. The “forth” means keep moving forward, and this album concept represents our desire to push metal forward. I also put my wish into this: May the blessing of METAL FORTH be with all of you! (laughs) RELATED: Blessthefall: Anime is a Vessel that Connects Heavy Music Fans How does it feel to be the first Japanese band to be in the Top 10 of multiple Billboard charts? SU-METAL : I was very happy. Many people reached out to me after hearing the news, which made me realize once again how much support we have. Even Kevin from Electric Callboy (who collaborated with us on a song) and Rob Halford (from Judas Priest) sent us messages. This result is thanks to all that support, so I want to keep working hard with pride in what we've achieved. You have a lot of really awesome guest features on this new album! Are you able to compare them to any anime characters or team ups in anime? Did you talk to any of those special guests about anime? MOAMETAL : I took this very seriously as I am the biggest anime lover in BABYMETAL, so it is going to be long… bear with me(laughs). Poppy is Homura Akemi from Puella Magi Madoka Magica ! She has that strong yet fragile and gentle feeling, and the black hair looks just like her. Electric Callboy's vocalists Nico and Kevin are the Mario Brothers! Nico is Mario and Kevin is Luigi — the way they support each other as a pair is perfect. Slaughter to Prevail fits with Berserk , which is their favorite. For Bloodywood's vocalists, Raoul is Saitama from One-Punch Man , and Jayant is Silver Fang. Polyphia are the Zoldyck brothers from HUNTER × HUNTER — Tim is Killua and Scott is Illumi. Spiritbox's vocalist Courtney is Lust from Fullmetal Alchemist . And Tom Morello is Master Roshi from Dragon Ball ! Even his playful side is spot-on. If there are anime that you aren’t familiar with, please check them out! If you find a better choice, I would love to hear your suggestion for future reference. I am also waiting to hear what the artists themselves think (laughs). Since the album has been released, it’s also been announced that you’ll be working with JAM Project on the opening for the new season of One-Punch Man Season 3! What was the process of creating that song like? SU-METAL : I am thrilled to imagine that my voice will be playing in the background while One-Punch Man characters are moving around. What made me more excited is to work with JAM Project, who I have admired for such a long time. RELATED: Melancolia's Alex Hill: I Didn't Realize How Much Anime Was In Our Album Until I Listened To It How does it feel to know that you will be part of anime? MOMOMETAL : I am truly excited to be part of a significant anime. I hope this song enriches the anime! Is One-Punch Man a show you all watched already? SU-METAL : Yes, we all watched! During the climactic battle of Season 1, metal music played and the animation was incredibly cool — you could feel the intensity and speed. It gave me chills. It taught me new ways to enjoy metal. Another thing is how people initially look down on Saitama because of his appearance, but then they're left speechless when they witness his power. I think that overlaps with our own early days in some ways. Can you tell me a little about your anime journey? How it started and where you are now? Are there genres you gravitate toward? MOAMETAL : I can’t talk enough about my anime journey. I was an anime kid, so I have been watching silent anime mindlessly since I was a kid. I used to enjoy Magical DoReMi and Hamtaro when I was around kindergarten age. There was a time period that I watched Hayao Miyazaki’s works such as Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind . The time when I watch anime is still my happiest time. From superhero shows to coming-of-age stories, I read tons of manga and anime, but I especially love works featuring cute girls giving it their all lol. For some reason, when a girl with twin tails appears, I just want to cheer her on lol. As a huge anime fan, I hope to discover many more great works in the future. RELATED: Vianova on Their Surprise New Album and Binge Reading Manga Why do you think anime fans are drawn to heavy music and vice versa? MOMOMETAL : I think the heavier it is, the more it makes their heart race and sends shivers down their spine. When heavy music plays, it amplifies the intensity of the visuals. Watching films always reminds me how truly vital music is. That said, I also love scenes deliberately left without music. They create a palpable tension. How does it feel to see fans from all over the world embracing your unique style of music? SU-METAL : Touring the world, I see people of all ages and backgrounds enjoying our music. It makes me happy and proud to feel that it transcends genre and language barriers. Or rather, that those barriers themselves are embraced as something new. I hope we can continue to bring happiness to everyone through our music. Is there anything you’d like to plug or say to the Crunchyroll audience out there who may not be familiar with your music? MOMOMETAL : I hope you will receive courage and energy from our performance and music!! There is a shout part that you can join, so let’s sing along with us!
