BABYMETAL
METAL FORTH
Metal
By: Bryn Van Horne
BABYMETAL’s METAL FORTH is an album saturated in the innovative sounds of modern metal, layered with pop and dance music and paired with classic metal staples—booming guitar lines, precision drumming, and strong, cathartic vocals. Metal fans will find plenty to get excited about in the album itself, along with the album’s collaborations, featuring appearances by Poppy, Slaughter to Prevail, and Spiritbox, to name a few. And heads up my fellow Rage Against the Machine fans, Tom Morello makes a powerful appearance on METAL FORTH’s ninth track, delivering his signature guitar wizardry we all adore so much.
The album opens with “from me to u,” a catchy, intense track that feels like BABYMETAL at their absolute best. The rest of the album’s front half is quite heavy, and really showcases the band’s continued growth in the metal genre. Now on their fifth album, BABYMETAL has given themselves room to stretch creatively, and it’s this willingness to experiment that makes METAL FORTH so enjoyable and exciting. Known for weaving metalcore with elements of electronic and pop, the group leans heavily into that fusion here. Later tracks on this work pull you into pop-reminiscent territory on the surface, only to drop into deep, luscious metal guitar work that, through its catchy hooks, appeals to both fans of lighter, upbeat music and those drawn to darker, heavier sounds.
BABYMETAL genre-bends relentlessly on this album, and each track feels distinct from its predecessor, yet they all remain tied together by the band’s unmistakable, innovative sound. The vocal interplay between SU-METAL and MOMOMETAL (the group’s newest member) is enthralling. They each shift effortlessly between sharp, punchy delivery and the rawness of screaming metal vocals, creating a dynamic that feels fresh and energizing.
As a listener, you’ll find yourself headbanging in sync to the electrifying chaos of “RATATA,” then singing along to heavy themes of loneliness in “My Queen” or friendship betrayal in “from me to u.” On the brighter side, “Kon! Kon!” celebrates work ethic and determination in a bit of mythical storytelling. Through layered instrumentals and genre-spanning arrangements, the album’s lyrics take you on an emotional ride from exploring anger and frustration, to despair, as well as bursts of excitement and triumph.
At just 36 minutes, METAL FORTH is BABYMETAL’s shortest LP to date, but it’s a whirlwind journey that is contagiously energetic, fun, and exploratory. If you weren’t a fan before pressing play, chances are you will be by the end. My personal favorite moment comes early (five seconds in, to be exact) when the words “Let’s go” launch the album into high gear, never letting up until the final note.
BE SURE TO PICK UP THIS ONE ON A PHYSICAL LP OR CD TODAY.
Recommended Track:
“from me to u” is a standout track for me. It opens the album with unapologetic confidence, commanding attention from the first beat. Poppy’s feature here is a perfect fit. At this point, she’s practically metal royalty, and her voice adds an extra layer of intrigue to a track that’s already a powerhouse.
Rating: 4.5/5