Babymetal

**Babymetal** is a Japanese band formed in Tokyo in 2010 and is known for its unique blend of heavy metal and J-pop. The group consists of vocalists Su-metal (Suzuka Nakamoto) and Moametal (Moa Kikuchi), who have gained a worldwide following for their energetic performances and impressive vocal performances. Babymetal is often referred to as the founder of "kawaii metal" (cute metal), an unusual mixture of aggressive metal sounds, melodic vocals and the sweet, girlish elements typical of Japanese pop.

Their debut album *Babymetal* (2014) was an instant success and the band gained international recognition, especially with songs like *Gimme Chocolate!!!* and *Megitsune*. The mix of thrashy guitar riffs, thunderous drums and choreographed dance routines represented a fresh and unexpected combination in the metal scene. Babymetal soon appeared at major festivals, including the legendary *Download Festival* in the UK and *Rock am Ring* in Germany, and was hailed as a phenomenon that merged the metal and pop worlds.

With their second album *Metal Resistance* (2016) and third album *Metal Galaxy* (2019), Babymetal cemented their place as one of the most successful Japanese bands in the international music business. They have been praised not only by metal fans but also by critics for their innovative, genre-bending approach. Babymetal has created a new kind of metal-pop hybrid and established themselves in a scene often characterised by male-dominated bands, inspiring a whole generation of new fans in the process.