Overview
“Babymetal” is the debut studio album by Babymetal, a Japanese heavy metal dance group who belongs to the talent agency Amuse.
Commentary
Babymetal were derived as a sub-unit from idol group Sakura Gakuin, and formed as the trio of Su-metal (vocals, dance), Yuimetal (vocals, dance) and Moametal (vocals, dance) in 2010 under the theme of “the fusion of idol and metal”.
The album was released in Japan in 2014 through BMD Fox Records (Toy’s Factory). In 2015, it was released in Europe through earMusic, and in the United States through RED Associated Labels (RAL) and Sony Music Entertainment.
In Japan, the album reached number 4 on the Oricon Weekly Chart, and has been certified gold with over 100,000 copies sold. It has also been valued outside Japan, and became a worldwide hit: it reached number 187 on the US Billboard 200, and number 103 on the UK Albums Chart.
The music is a fusion of J-pop, electronic dance music and heavy metal (alternative/death/speed/thrash). It is characterized by its catchy songs featuring Japanese-style melancholy melodies, which are descended from kayōkyoku of the Shōwa era, transcendental technique of the back band’s performance, and Su-metal’s high singing ability and powerful lead vocals. The lyrics are Japanese.
The album includes singles: “Doki Doki Morning (Heart-Quickening Morning)”, “Iine! (Nice!)”, “Headbangeeeeerrrrr!!!!!”, “Ijime, Dame, Zettai (Absolutely No More Bullying)” (number 6 on the Oricon Weekly Chart), “Megitsune (Vixen)” (number 7 on the Oricon Weekly Chart), and “Gimme Chocolate!!”.
The songs were composed and arranged by Narasaki, Yuyoyuppe and others. Total production by Kobametal (Amuse producer Key Kobayashi).
Along with the regular edition, the first-release limited edition with DVD was also released.
