BABYMETALโs METAL FORTH is a fearless, genre-blending triumph that proves their unmatched originality that cannot be overshadowed or done by other artists…
Words by Tanita Hingerty | August 5, 2025
BABYMETAL release their heavily anticipated new album METAL FORTH meaning, ‘beyond metal’, and they really do go beyond genre bending with this offering. Itโs metal with so many layers, depth and stylistic mash ups of different cultures and styles which are blended effortlessly throughout.
The album starts off strong, with the previously released and hard-hitting pop with a punch song ‘from me to u’ featuring Poppy. The female empowered song fluctuates effortlessly from heavy to delicate in all the right places. Although thereโs sweet singing throughout itโs not a fragile song, itโs always on point and forceful. Distinct BABYMETAL sounds are delivered with new energy. Their lyricism and stylistic singing is shown off between heavy sounding instrumentals, breakdowns, and Poppy’s intensely screamed vocals. Itโs insanely catchy and has interesting sounds throughout, which are executed and produced to perfection.
‘RATATATA’ (BABYMETAL x Electric Callboy) was also a previously released song and is easily one of the catchiest songs youโll ever hear. Itโs immensely unique, with opposing rhythms complementing each other. Itโs the collaboration we never knew we needed but so glad we have it. BABYMETAL deliver prominent but sweet trashy sounding vocals in catchy melodies that give you the urge to get up and dance. Itโs nearly impossible not to scream ‘RATATATA’ at the top of your lungs. Punchy, powerful screaming and cutesy melodies are delivered throughout.
‘Song 3’ (BABYMETAL x Slaughter to Prevail), was previously released unexpectedly this year. Itโs hardcore and catchy with all the theatricality delivered that weโve come to love from BABYMETAL, who create a special delivery of their lyrics, which is feminine but fierce. Their adlibs to the screaming of Alex the Terrible from Slaughter to Prevail; add vocal opposition, and they complement each otherโs musical styles well. Song 3 offers plenty of musical variation with unique delivery and flawless fluctuations. Itโs a song you can mosh and dance to at the same time.
‘Kon! Kon!’ (feat. Bloodywood), starts off with intrinsic and authentic Bloodywood sounds that are moving gradually into a more eclectic computerised BABYMETAL sound with a distinctive beat. BABYMETAL can transform their style and vocals to match anything, and this song shows off their vocal range while they sound operatically melodic and deliver new vocal sounds we havenโt previously heard from them. The choruses are, as always, super catchy; the combination of cultures mixes effortlessly. The song is heavy in all the right places while Bhangra sounds lead us into breakdowns with two of the most clever and original bands in the scene now merging their styles to perfection. Theyโve previously collaborated, and we hope they continue to as their combined sounds always create something musically distinct and insanely energetic.
‘KxAxWxAxlxl’ starts off sultry and pop sounding, heavy guitar instrumentals are soon added to sweep us into purposeful chaos. The lyrics are delivered staccato and deliberately. The ever changingness of the song leaves us constantly questioning what weโre hearing and never quite knowing what’s about to come next. Such intricate sounds are computerised and paired with talk singing, leading into bark like growling sounds. Techno sounds are remixed into metal sounds and blended with perfection and intercepted at surprising intervals. Chanting towards the end sounds cheerleading like. A moment for Game Boy sounds leads us out into….
‘Sunset Kiss’ (feat. Polyphia) which sounds like it will be acoustic and mellow …until it doesnโt. Heavier melodies are intertwined with the most unique of sounds. The song showcases K pop sounding and softer singing with softer melodies, but we all know what’s coming…. It turns rifftastic as notes become more elongated from gentle to full force unexpectedly.
‘My Queen’ (feat. Spiritbox) sees the queens of metal unite and weโre here for it. Static and high-pitched frequencies with a voice over we can’t quite make out turns to insanely heavy riffs played within seconds. BABYMETALโs prominent vocals come in, whisper singing but becoming gradually louder for belting choruses which are forceful and quick to catch our attention. The song is extremely catchy as well as being heavily executed. Sliding scaled notes hit at warped interceptions. Screaming and voice overs for the bridge and verse from Courtney lead to heavy and belting vocals with adlibbed perfection. Thereโs intensity and emotions behind Courtneyโs vocals, which is meshed with BABYMETALโs belting and it works perfectly. Itโs uniquely beautiful while remaining heavy and this is the collaboration weโve been waiting for; solidifying BABYMETAL as the metal royalty they truly are.
‘Algorism’ starts off computerized sounding and has the fastest paced melodies of warped guitars that lead into BABYMETALS strong singing which becomes heavier and faster as the song continues. Itโs powerful and haunting while remaining fast paced and makes you want to move. Warped sounds that end statically and abruptly turn into extremely catchy and ever-changing tempos and moods. The biggest ‘bleughed’ lyrics are delivered towards the end, followed by a beautiful and unexpected soft bridge that ignites forceful backing sounds.
‘METALl!!’ (Feat. Tom Morello) starts off with banjo like bhangra sounds which turn into the heaviest track with soaring guitar riffs. BABYMETAL sing staccato like at a perfected pace. Chants in-between lyrics emphasise and end sentences. Their style is complex, and we hear completely new sounds from them throughout this track. Theyโre pushing boundaries and its working; itโs prominent and takes over your senses. The song is vocally versatile as they create new styles and reach new ranges throughout the whole song, elongated notes and interesting voice overs are also delivered. It leads to the most chaotic and full instrumental mash up, thereโs no space for anymore sounds, theyโre shouting lyrics now in a chanting style and weโre fully engaged.
‘White Flame ใผ็ฝ็ใผ’ is the last song on the album, and theyโve ended on greatness. Weโre drawn into hugely fast paced and exciting sounding instrumentals which sound very movie theme like, and the listener is made to feel like the main character on a quest. Downward sliding guitar scales lead us into BABYMETALโs vocals, which are delivered in a nostalgic and poetic way. This is my favourite song melodically. Catchy choruses that are powerful lead to full-throttle instrumentals with impressive guitar highlights and pauses for effect before the middle. It seems the instruments are climbing new scales and get higher and more complex with more sounds added along the way, while emotive feelings are delivered in beautifully isolated melodies. More and more sound effects are added that blend effortlessly into a thundering end.
I genuinely didnโt want this album to end. BABYMETAL have consistently proved that nobody does metal quite like them. Theyโve exceeded our expectations with their adaptability on this album. They collaborate with other artists using a no fear approach and are breaking apart and reconstructing genres, which makes the whole listening experience completely unique. They have such a distinct sound that cannot be overshadowed or done by other artists.
Verdict: ๐๐๐๐๐
For fans of: Hanabie., Poppy, Spiritbox
ย METAL FORTH is out August 8th via Capitol Records.
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