BABYMETAL "The Other One" (2023)

 

A lack of anticipation for this newest BABYMETAL record seems obvious in retrospect as its singles and promotional songs mustered little excitement in the build up. Having binged the record somewhat, I've been struck by how underwhelming the music is in comparison to prior records. Where are the banging riffs, cheeky chants and surprises along the way? The Other One seems subdued in approach, toning down extremities and eccentricities, curbing the wild in favor of easily digestible song writing.

Much of the heavy lifting is handed to Su-Metal, who struggles to find hooks and cadences to forge the unforgettable songs heard in the past. She sits front and center with a tame sequence of bland singing that feels so monotone in creative terms.

Perhaps Mirror Mirror comes close to capturing that old magic, a willingness to embrace the wild instrumentally can be heard but referencing the old "mirror mirror on the wall" fable leads nowhere. Elsewhere on the record eclectic directions can be heard but never does a melody, hook or groove converge on something memorable.

Time Wave explores a soft take on Club and Trance aesthetics, Metalizm toys with hard percussion underneath eastern and oriental melodics, Monochrome traverses all too familiar Pop Metal trends with oh-woo chorus chants and a warm guitar melody.

Despite having much of the original band behind the music intact, The Other One feels like a shadow of former glory, a withdrawal to safe territory where ambition is traded for safety. Its an aesthetically treat, a gorgeous mix of Metal, Electronics and J-Pop singing. The songs may be pleasant and welcoming yet their bite is absent. Every song here feels like the one you might of skipped on previous records, to get to those fan favorite tracks like Gimme Chocolate, Karate and The One.

Rating: 5/10

BABYMETAL "Metal Galaxy" (2019)

My anticipation for this record was soured somewhat by lead single Pa Pa Ya. Its a tad obnoxious and overt but that's one of this acts charms, to dial its elements up! I still think its the weaker track but it has grown on me. The rest of this new record was a total hit from the get go. Da Da Dance blasts the listening experience into the stratosphere with its electrifying guitar taping illuminating the jolting synths and cutesy "Babymetal" chant. What a tone setter for a fun record that does what these musicians do best, bringing ferocious modern Metal together with sugar coated Pop in quirky memorable fusions. This time around a hint of worldly sounds creep onto a couple of songs, expanding the bands horizons, delivering another fine chapter in the journey.

Something about the way this record rolls out, a couple of its themes too, give a sense of arcade and adventure. Its almost as if each song has a linage with a video game. Each one I could envision a music video related to the arcade, perhaps the "don't give up, game over or continue" lyrics sunk in a little to deep. Every track arrives with a different spice, only Kagerou sounds like a leftover cut from Metal Resistance. Shine also echos of The One but mostly its new and bold territory for the band while retaining their distinctive musical identity and high octane production.

Japaneses exclusive tracks BBAB and BXMXC are wonderfully obnoxious in polar opposite ways. The first has its glossy Pop Metal charm and the latter an exercise in sheer rhythmic grooving on overdrive! Shanti and Oh Majini stand out with exotic cultural sounds, the latter dipping toes into Pirate Metal with bagpipes and rugged sailor chanting. Their is a noticeable growing presence of the backing musicians joining in vocally. "Kitsune Of Metal God" gets an entire track of demonic chants through its descending, eerie and tribal atmosphere on In The Name Of.

Its jam packed with variety and amazing hooks to get stuck in your mind. More voices may enter the fold but again its Suzuka Nakamoto who's voice soaks in the limelight, elevating every moment she is present. I particularly loved the songs where she gets to sing in a poppier context. It feels like this record has pushed its boundaries as the heavy side feels equally embellished. Maybe the drumming didn't ramp up the intensity with blast beats and the like but the Djent guitar tones are masterfully dense an tonal, bordering on guttural for comparison. Perhaps the meatiest Ive heard yet!

Much like their other two records, gems and numbers that don't stick as much make the sum of its parts. This time around the variety carries it and plays solidly with an arsenal of new songs. It has been a pleasure to indulge with and a reminder of why this band are so exciting. Anything is possible in Metal and these directions and avenues are so much more interesting that other bands grinding out the same old recycled styles. Babymetal's freshness is a real strength! It's hard to say if they have reached a peak but each record gives my that feeling they could reach higher peaks!

Rating: 8/10
Favorite Tracks: Da Da Dance, Brand New Day, BBAB, Distortion, BXMXC,

My Top 10 Music Discoverys In 2016

Another year rolls by and the musical journey continues in full effect. There could of easily been another ten artists Id like to see on this list but I had dwindle it down. 2016 Has been hectic with moving and full time youtube but Ive managed and caught some great live shows too, seeing the Savages twice, Korn & Deftones twice as well as their Nu Metal buddies Limp Bizkit. Babymetal, Black Sabbath, Periphery, Cypress Hill, Ministry, Enter Shikari, Bring Me The Horizon and most of all, finally got to see Death Grips! What a year. If you didn't catch my top ten albums of the year you can see it here.

(10) The Future Sound Of London

Although I'm yet to get deeper into their discography but their "Lifeforms" record was a fantastic experience in lucid music that could take many forms. A truly impressive feet of music I am glad to of discovered.

(9) Deafehaven

Their debut Sunbather didn't do it for me, I'm yet to give it a try again but "New Bermuda" really cracked it open for me, their genius revealed on a remarkable record. It would of made my top 10 had I listened to it last year.

(8) The Contortionist

Recommended by my buddy Rendog as one to listen to over and over till it hurts, I certainly gave it a good try, it was only later in the year when the dust had settled that I really grew to appreciate them and their new direction.

(7) Babymetal

Initially I dismissed them as a gimmick but how wrong I was, now I realize behind the front trio, who have great voices, are a set of great musicians pushing Metal in strange and new directions which are to be celebrated.

(6) Echo And The Bunnymen

Again I'm guilty of not getting further into a band but with just one record they have won me over as a terrific band and every time a song comes on shuffle I am always engaged. Making this list I know I'll have to put another on next years playlist.

(5) Kate Tempest

I'm guilty of passing up the opportunity to see her perform live, something to correct next year. Kate's mix of poetry, rap and spoken word is unique and expressive, both her albums so far have been fantastic and I hope she keeps progressing as an artist. There will be many good things to come.

(4) Kauan

Not as impressed with their back catalog but "Sorni Nai" maybe the closest thing to a modern masterpiece I can think of in recent memory. It wont be for everyone but the atmospheric doom based around the legend of the Dyatlov Pass incident it is truly engrossing.

(3) Dusty Springfield

 A household name to many, seeing Dusty's record praised in top lists all it took was one listen and I was hooked, "Dusty In Memphis" has since become one of my absolute favorites. Her voice has so much love and compassion it is always a joy to hear her sing.

(2) Savages

One of our brightest new bands, Savages really won me over with their sublime live shows and records to match. The Post-Punkers re-imagine a moment in time, bringing it back to life with new ideas, charisma and musical creativity it buckets. There records however cannot do the energy of their performances justice.

(1) Dead Can Dance

Ive always had a soft spot for music that reflects time and culture of the forgotten, ancient and perished. Dead Can Dance bring other worlds to life not only through music but through the voices of the duo who sing as if from different cultures and eras of history. A truly remarkable band who I need to continue with given their large output of records.

Download Festival 2016 Top 10 Performances

That's it! Ive officially been going to Donington for a decade and as always music festivals are a wonderful experience, Download being one of the best with three days and four stages of heavy and hard music to get stuck into. This years was the most subdued of all Ive been to, the rain came down as heavy as the metal and really affected the freedom to rock out, head bang and mosh to your hearts content, at least if your me and are not fond of being soaking wet and cold. So cocooned in my waterproofs and ponchos I did my best to stay dry while enjoying some great performances.

(10) Ho99o9

Hailed as a Hip Hop / Punk crossover Ho99o9 are often talked about with Death Grips in mind. This duo take their raps to dark, noisy and aggressive places with sampled punk guitars and a crazy rebellious persona. I only got to catch half there set on the forth stage but it was a blinding riot of aggression, noise and attitude that blew me away.

(9) Rammstein

 Not the first time Ive seen them live and probably not the last. You can count on Rammstein to put on a good show fueled by fire, pyrotechnics and an absurd amounts of fireworks. They were fantastic however I wasn't keen on their cover of Depeche Mode's "Stripped". An energetic show loaded with their classics.

(8) Megadeth

 

Thrash legends Megadeth came out playing a solid set with a few tracks from their latest album "Dystopia" which sounded fantastic live. Loaded with classics like "Hanger 18", "Trust" and "Countdown To Extinction" there was little they could do wrong.

(7) Havok

A classic Thrash Metal band I had not heard of before spotting them on the lineup. Glad I chose to watch them, very fast and energetic thrash like a cross between Slayer and Testament with many climatic and intense moments in their songs to head bang to.

(6) Amon Amarth

An undeniably great Viking Metal band of which Ive never quite clicked with. Their latest record "Jomsviking" was a decent listen and seeing them certainly helped me appreciate them more. Fantastic stage presences with dragons heads and rune stones plus plenty of fire!

(5) Korn

I've not been in the mood for Korn in a while but when they walked on stage I was sucked in. Playing a few more songs than usual from 2003's "Take A Look In The Mirror" their set felt a bit chunkier than usual and I enjoyed every minute of there performance. So good to hear them again.

(4) Periphery

This band well and truly won me over with last years double release of "Alpha" and "Omega". Their performance was tight and flawless with a thick and dense wall of Djemt coming from the four guitarists. It was an infectious performance of groovy head banging that sounded to big for the stage. Set was a little short but that's just because I didn't want it to stop!

(3) Deftones

Probably both the best and worst performance of download but at no fault of the band. Promoting their new record "Gore" I caught them a week back at Wembly warming up for the big stage and they sounded fantastic. On the day though the rain poured and soured what would of been a memorable show, Deftones lined up their more emotional and atmospheric tracks for the sunset slot on the main stage and in the downpour it still sounded fantastic but the weather sucked the life out of the crowd.

(2) Babymetal

Babymetal also suffered the rain with bursts of heavy showers delaying their set for over half an hour. When they finally took to the stage the crowd loved it and so did I! They are even better as a live act and the bands modern compression heavy production sounded sublime on the big stage. The girls danced along with metallic choreography and smiles to fire up everyone's spirits. Definitely would of been in the pit if it wasn't for the mud and rain.

(1) Black Sabbath

The most influential and important band in Metal history would always make it a historic occasion when they play, as part of their farewell tour the band get ready to close the curtains on their history spanning six decades. It was a flawless performance with Ozzy who can barely string a sentence together having no issues hitting all the words and notes while inspiring the crowd with momentary bursts of energy before shuffling back to center stage. Toni Iommi and Gezzer Buttler sounded sublime with the best guitar tones to grace the stage. The stand in drummer got a fair spotlight with a tame and lengthy set of drum solos leading into Iron Man and hearing "Into The Void" really made my evening. It was one to cross off the bucket list and I'm so very glad I waited out the rain at the front of the crowd to see them.

BABYMETAL "Babymetal" (2014)

Back in 2014 Babymetal's debut didn't make much of an impression on me due to its apparent and unapologetic gimmick, however "Metal Resistance" won me over! Gimmicks aside its the music that counts and Babymetal's fusion of Metal and J-Pop, fronted by a trio of girls, is fresh and exciting. I'm glad I didn't listen to this one until now as I'm sure my perceived flaws with this project would of become an inflated critique in the face of fun music that shouldn't be taken to seriously. Unlike their sophomore record Babymetal is far more varied, experimental and a little garish with its electronic aspects. Starting with production it is once again a compression fest of forceful, volume oriented modern aesthetics which on occasions can be daunting in its intensity, the kick is especially crisp, clicky and heavy in the mix. Much the same can be said of all instruments in the mix and in moment's it gets a little crowded yet remains clear. Some of the trance synths used in tracks can also be overwhelming. My experience is that this once surprisingly doesn't suit high volumes.

Aesthetics aside we have a collection of wildly energetic and varied tracks that continually mix and mash styles with a ruthless "anything goes" attitude. Between the records more typical metal tracks all sorts of musical sounds and genres can be heard. Mostly its entertaining, fun and vibrant but its rigid and choppy composition between styles leaves food for thought on what is reminiscent of IGORRR's "internet age" of music where any styles and genres can be mashed up given the widespread availability of online music and information at the touch of your fingers. For me it was the main talking point of this record.

It starts with "Inie!" introducing glitzy fast paced trance synths culminating in dance tunes with pumping bass kicks and coin arcade sounds. It switches up into some form of Rap with what I can only describe as a cheesy "bling bling" Hip Hop beat. Of course it then drops into howling death with demonic screams and evil, shrill guitars. "Doki Doki" picks it back up by mashing slamming Nu Metal grooves with chirpy upbeat sunshine pop and glittery synths. "Onedari Daisakusen" sounds to me like it could of come out of the Limp Bizkit catalog, minus the quirks of Babymetal's aesthetics, this has all the makings of Freds little catchy raps and Wes Borlands dynamic grooves complete with build to a breakdown moment where things get heavy. No to mention it also includes a sample of Fred from "My Generation"... now that I think about it, its got a nearly identical build up to the sample. "Song 4" brings some laid back, beachy Reggae dub sounds and "Uki Uki" goes full Skrillex with base wobbles and a noise eccentric breakdown. I'm not criticizing any of it, I enjoy it greatly but its interchanging rigidity and entertainment value leaves little in the way of emotionally charged or moving music. This record does however have much more versatility and I'm hoping in the future they can utilize that with a little more inspiration and emotion.

Favorite Track: Babymetal Death, Gimme Chocolate!!

Rating: 6/10

BABYMETAL "Metal Resistance" (2016)

Right now Babymetal are enjoying a wave of hype as they tour America, gaining the attention of somewhat mainstream audiences. The trio of idol girls and their backing metallic band have been at it for six years now, when they were as young as just twelve years old. When their debut album dropped in 2014 I was initially dismissive of the group, seeing them as a product, a pop act. Leading up to this release the single "The One" captivated by attention with its exciting guitar leads and soaring spirit which felt like a continual climax of epic. Even its its calmer moments a gorgeous piano and gittery synth play off each other with charm. Like a slap in the face it made me realize that behind the idol recruitment was a genuine band with inspired musical ideas.

So "Metal Resistance" has been an exciting listen. A combination of heavily over produced modern Metal and warm heated J-Pop hooks made for what has been a refreshing and welcome twist on heavy music. Being an outsider to J-Pop I couldn't comment much on its influence to their sound but the Japanese voices of the trio and conventional sensibility in delivery works in equilibrium with an aggressive underflow of aggressive guitars drenched in trance like synthesizers. Like any fusion of this type you can expect the guitars to drop to power chords in vocal led moments and although they do this, the band keep up a furious intensity with brutal, relentless drumming. Musically speaking they go through the motions with Groove Metal riffs, guitar solos and electronic instruments including lurking synthesizers in most tracks and on "Awdama Fever", a song about bubblegum, a visceral, glitchy, breakcore rhythm section uses the classic amen loop sample which much energy.

The music is crammed into the sound waves and frequencies with a very modern, overproduced squeaky clean and alarmingly assaulting mix. The compression is real. The kicks and snares are very sharp and sudden yet quite masterfully mixed alongside the other instruments. The guitars are super loud and even the girl's vocals loose their softness with competing compression. Its a very frontal and loud sound however it works 100%. Nothing but credit to the production, it takes the sterile and clean to its limits and packs a lot of character into the sound, which is often what it removes in my experience with this production style. Even after back to back listens you think it might tire you ear drums, but no!

Their were two other things I particularly enjoyed. Su-metal's voice sounds fantastic in both Japanese and English but the pronunciation of English words and the foreign emphasis is charming. The guitar leads and solos in their melodic phases gave me fond memories of Nobuo Uematsu's approach. With all this praise I must say much of my excitement emanates from "The One" which I simply cannot get enough of. Its not all fantastic, a few songs are a little mediocre in comparison but all do there own thing and make for a bright, colorful and refreshing record.

Favorite Songs: Karate, Awdama Fever, Sis Anger, Tales Of The Destinies, The One

Rating: 7/10