Queuing all day for merch is pretty standard In Japan, stuffed if I'm standing about for 8 hours for the privilege of buying a £25 t-shirt though!
Babymetal...J-pop fused with heavy metal
6 of 10
I wasn't alive at the time but I do wonder if Kiss were subject to the kind of gimmick accusations that Babymetal are.
I suppose they probably were with the makeup, costumes and big stage show.
I suppose they probably were with the makeup, costumes and big stage show.
Originally Posted by TheTruth1983:
“I wasn't alive at the time but I do wonder if Kiss were subject to the kind of gimmick accusations that Babymetal are.
I suppose they probably were with the makeup, costumes and big stage show.”
“I wasn't alive at the time but I do wonder if Kiss were subject to the kind of gimmick accusations that Babymetal are.
I suppose they probably were with the makeup, costumes and big stage show.”
They still are to this day, especially every time Gene Simmons opens his mouth; there's an absolutely huge backlash towards them. It's a shame really, that people can't seem to get past the appearance or origins of a band, and ignore the musical output which - while not objectively brilliant of course - is at least objectively "unique" when compared to so many bands of today.
Originally Posted by ShotDownInFlame:
“They still are to this day, especially every time Gene Simmons opens his mouth; there's an absolutely huge backlash towards them. It's a shame really, that people can't seem to get past the appearance or origins of a band, and ignore the musical output which - while not objectively brilliant of course - is at least objectively "unique" when compared to so many bands of today.”
“They still are to this day, especially every time Gene Simmons opens his mouth; there's an absolutely huge backlash towards them. It's a shame really, that people can't seem to get past the appearance or origins of a band, and ignore the musical output which - while not objectively brilliant of course - is at least objectively "unique" when compared to so many bands of today.”
What is interesting are the reviews of the Wembley gig, they are all overwhelmingly positive. Even from the likes of NME!
One common theme, it seems to me, is the notion that anyone writing Babymetal off as a one-off "novelty" act are mistaken and that they are here to stay.
Just as an aside, did Su stumble over her English at the end? Sounded like she said "You are guys amazing!"
(not being critical, just wondered if I heard it right)
(not being critical, just wondered if I heard it right)
Originally Posted by Glawster2002:
“What is interesting are the reviews of the Wembley gig, they are all overwhelmingly positive. Even from the likes of NME!
One common theme, it seems to me, is the notion that anyone writing Babymetal off as a one-off "novelty" act are mistaken and that they are here to stay.”
“What is interesting are the reviews of the Wembley gig, they are all overwhelmingly positive. Even from the likes of NME!
One common theme, it seems to me, is the notion that anyone writing Babymetal off as a one-off "novelty" act are mistaken and that they are here to stay.”
I do want to believe they're properly here to stay as they're just awesome live, but I do worry that a LOT of that crowd weren't actually British, and I wonder if, had they been doing shows all over Europe, would many of them have bothered coming down to Wembley? It would have been that much emptier. When they do a UK tour that consists entirely of arena shows, like Carnival of Madness earlier this year, then I'll properly believe that they're only getting bigger and bigger.
I just hope this isn't them at the height of their popularity.
Originally Posted by PeteA:
“Just as an aside, did Su stumble over her English at the end? Sounded like she said "You are guys amazing!"
(not being critical, just wondered if I heard it right)”
“Just as an aside, did Su stumble over her English at the end? Sounded like she said "You are guys amazing!"
(not being critical, just wondered if I heard it right)”
I *think* she said "You guys are a-awesome!" but I can't remember fully. I know that in terms of speaking English, Moa is the best and then Su and then Yui. They've all gotten a lot better since 2014 though for sure.
Originally Posted by ShotDownInFlame:
“Sums it all up nicely really, eternally jealous you got hold of t-shirts though, they'd sold out all but extra-extra-large by the time I got inside at around 7:30 Supposedly they broke a record as being the band to sell the most merch at Wembley Arena of all time.”
“Sums it all up nicely really, eternally jealous you got hold of t-shirts though, they'd sold out all but extra-extra-large by the time I got inside at around 7:30
Supposedly they broke a record as being the band to sell the most merch at Wembley Arena of all time.”
That has now been confirmed.
Babymetal break 2 UK records
Quote:
“Babymetal score highest-ever UK chart entry by Japanese band after achieving highest-ever merch sales at Wembley Arena”
“Babymetal score highest-ever UK chart entry by Japanese band after achieving highest-ever merch sales at Wembley Arena”
Haha, that's great, I didn't realise they were doing well in the album charts too, it's not something I follow at all!
Love the part where Su says: "With our Wembley show we managed to unite UK and Japan, and we all became one together. It was an awesome feeling" what with them beaming it over to Japan live and everything.
I know it's slushy, but I love all this uniting the countries type stuff, especially since what I've seen of Japanese culture, I really like. I often wonder if they think about our tiny island too and like things about it, seems they do, judging by their attitudes, it's heart warming in a way
Originally Posted by Glawster2002:
“What is interesting are the reviews of the Wembley gig, they are all overwhelmingly positive. Even from the likes of NME!
One common theme, it seems to me, is the notion that anyone writing Babymetal off as a one-off "novelty" act are mistaken and that they are here to stay.”
“What is interesting are the reviews of the Wembley gig, they are all overwhelmingly positive. Even from the likes of NME!
One common theme, it seems to me, is the notion that anyone writing Babymetal off as a one-off "novelty" act are mistaken and that they are here to stay.”
I read a few reviews for the album, and almost all of them were positive, but there was a sneery undertone of 'best not sound too positive' to some of them, like they didn't want to admit it was good (despite giving it a good rating), or perhaps it was more of a 'I'm only covering this because it's become a thing and I've been told I have to... I still can't believe this is a thing" type of undertone. Seems some critics still don't quite know what to make of them
NME's review was the worst one I've read, just seems rushed, like they only spent 10 minutes listening to the album and possibly only heard half of it. Says the strongest song is Amore (bizarrely), I mean, nothing against that song, but the strongest on the album, really?! The reviewer then goes on to slag it off for being "boring", but still gives the album 3/5? And I'm sorry but how can you listen to Metal Resistance and not mention Tales of the Destinies, Sis. Anger or Awadama Fever?! It's like ignoring the big fat elephant in the room
Review also says Road of Resistance 'sets the tone for the entire album", yet the album is actually pretty diverse. There are other songs in the same vein as Road to Resistance, but I don't think it sets a tone at all, in fact I'd say most of the songs on the album sound nothing like Road of Resistance.
Also, calling a band 'boring', coming from the NME, who wet their knickers over every generic, middle of the road artist going is laughable. Perhaps if they had listened to more than 4 or 5 songs, and actually got to Tales of the Destinies and The One, they'd have something to say about it. other than it's one of the songs with English lyrics. Wow, thanks for that descriptive assessment of the music NME, because one thing Babymetal fans really wanted to know is which songs were sang in English (after an entire album of almost fully Japanese lyrics that bothered nobody).
I think the problem with a lot of the big critic reviewers (and why I usually avoid them), is they never have time to listen to an album properly. Some of the best albums need time to grow on you, I certainly think that is the case with some of the best songs here, one brief listen just isn't enough.
Just on a side note, I can't believe there are near flawless guitar covers of songs like The One already 
Some of these guys are just crazy good. Seeing it played up close like that really shows you what goes into it.
Looks hideously complex!
Some of these guys are just crazy good. Seeing it played up close like that really shows you what goes into it.
Looks hideously complex!
Originally Posted by Ænima:
“Just on a side note, I can't believe there are near flawless guitar covers of songs like The One already
Some of these guys are just crazy good. Seeing it played up close like that really shows you what goes into it.
Looks hideously complex!”
“Just on a side note, I can't believe there are near flawless guitar covers of songs like The One already
Some of these guys are just crazy good. Seeing it played up close like that really shows you what goes into it.
Looks hideously complex!”
As someone who's been attempting to learn "The One" all day today on my guitar, I now hate the song, the riff is so complex it messed up my fingers
Originally Posted by ShotDownInFlame:
“As someone who's been attempting to learn "The One" all day today on my guitar, I now hate the song, the riff is so complex it messed up my fingers”
“As someone who's been attempting to learn "The One" all day today on my guitar, I now hate the song, the riff is so complex it messed up my fingers
”
Haha, I wouldn't even attempt it
I'm watching then perform gimme chocolate on last night's late show with stephen colbert and the audience are going NUTS! 
(although sumetal has just unfortunately forgotten to jump in on the backing track and missed a few words ..)
(although sumetal has just unfortunately forgotten to jump in on the backing track and missed a few words ..)
Originally Posted by JasonWatkins:
“I'm watching then perform gimme chocolate on last night's late show with stephen colbert and the audience are going NUTS!
(although sumetal has just unfortunately forgotten to jump in on the backing track and missed a few words ..)”
“I'm watching then perform gimme chocolate on last night's late show with stephen colbert and the audience are going NUTS!
(although sumetal has just unfortunately forgotten to jump in on the backing track and missed a few words ..)”
I like how Stephen said that he wasn't sure what to expect from them. Made me laugh, as I remember my first reaction to seeing them, and it was WTF, but they have grown on me in the last 2 years.
I don't think I will buy the new album but I do like some of the songs off of it, so will most likely buy those.
It's a shame that they played "Gimmie Chocolate", yes it's their most popular song. But musically speaking it's not very good. It definitely didn't make a first good impression on me as I thought the lyrics and music were beyond stupid, so god knows what the average american made of it.
I just think seeing as they were there to promote Metal Resistance, they should have played something from Metal Resistance.
I just think seeing as they were there to promote Metal Resistance, they should have played something from Metal Resistance.
Originally Posted by ShotDownInFlame:
“It's a shame that they played "Gimmie Chocolate", yes it's their most popular song. But musically speaking it's not very good. It definitely didn't make a first good impression on me as I thought the lyrics and music were beyond stupid, so god knows what the average american made of it.
I just think seeing as they were there to promote Metal Resistance, they should have played something from Metal Resistance.”
“It's a shame that they played "Gimmie Chocolate", yes it's their most popular song. But musically speaking it's not very good. It definitely didn't make a first good impression on me as I thought the lyrics and music were beyond stupid, so god knows what the average american made of it.
I just think seeing as they were there to promote Metal Resistance, they should have played something from Metal Resistance.”
Different strokes for different folks, as someone that's basically never going to listen to anything metal unless it's like this, I much prefer all their more bonkers output like Gimme Chocolate with more J-Pop influences. Although yeah since they are now promoting the new album, they probably should've done Awadama Fever, which is basically Gimme Chocolate 2.0.
Having listened to the new album a bit, my highlights would be Karate, Awadama Fever, GJ!, Yava! and Syncopation. I get that their sound has to mature, Su's an Adultmetal now and the younger two aren't far behind, but I think on reflection I do favour the first album more. Just because it's more genre-ly diverse and that "omg, this is the most batsh*t but equally most amazing thing I've ever seen!" feeling when I was first introduced to the wonder that was Megitsune and then played through the album, will stay with me forever. I pretty much hate ballads in any genre so the slower numbers do leave me cold I'm afraid to say!
Plus to me, Su is completely drowned out on Amore.
Originally Posted by Lisa.B:
“Different strokes for different folks, as someone that's basically never going to listen to anything metal unless it's like this, I much prefer all their more bonkers output like Gimme Chocolate with more J-Pop influences. Although yeah since they are now promoting the new album, they probably should've done Awadama Fever, which is basically Gimme Chocolate 2.0.
Having listened to the new album a bit, my highlights would be Karate, Awadama Fever, GJ!, Yava! and Syncopation. I get that their sound has to mature, Su's an Adultmetal now and the younger two aren't far behind, but I think on reflection I do favour the first album more. Just because it's more genre-ly diverse and that "omg, this is the most batsh*t but equally most amazing thing I've ever seen!" feeling when I was first introduced to the wonder that was Megitsune and then played through the album, will stay with me forever. I pretty much hate ballads in any genre so the slower numbers do leave me cold I'm afraid to say! Plus to me, Su is completely drowned out on Amore.”
“Different strokes for different folks, as someone that's basically never going to listen to anything metal unless it's like this, I much prefer all their more bonkers output like Gimme Chocolate with more J-Pop influences. Although yeah since they are now promoting the new album, they probably should've done Awadama Fever, which is basically Gimme Chocolate 2.0.
Having listened to the new album a bit, my highlights would be Karate, Awadama Fever, GJ!, Yava! and Syncopation. I get that their sound has to mature, Su's an Adultmetal now and the younger two aren't far behind, but I think on reflection I do favour the first album more. Just because it's more genre-ly diverse and that "omg, this is the most batsh*t but equally most amazing thing I've ever seen!" feeling when I was first introduced to the wonder that was Megitsune and then played through the album, will stay with me forever. I pretty much hate ballads in any genre so the slower numbers do leave me cold I'm afraid to say!
Plus to me, Su is completely drowned out on Amore.”
Yeah, Awadama Fever is the exact one I had in mind. On Gimme Chocolate, Yui and Moa's vocals are slightly on the abrasive side, which put me off them on my first couple of listens, and it wasn't until I changed songs entirely to "Megitsune" that I even became a fan. But Awadama Fever is basically "Gimme Chocolate" but better so I have no idea why they didn't go with that. Though I do think "Yava!", "Megitsune", "Catch Me If You Can" and "Karate" could all have made great choices.
Agree on Amore, they really did drown Su out with everything else going on.
Originally Posted by Lisa.B:
“Different strokes for different folks, as someone that's basically never going to listen to anything metal unless it's like this, I much prefer all their more bonkers output like Gimme Chocolate with more J-Pop influences. Although yeah since they are now promoting the new album, they probably should've done Awadama Fever, which is basically Gimme Chocolate 2.0.
Having listened to the new album a bit, my highlights would be Karate, Awadama Fever, GJ!, Yava! and Syncopation. I get that their sound has to mature, Su's an Adultmetal now and the younger two aren't far behind, but I think on reflection I do favour the first album more. Just because it's more genre-ly diverse and that "omg, this is the most batsh*t but equally most amazing thing I've ever seen!" feeling when I was first introduced to the wonder that was Megitsune and then played through the album, will stay with me forever. I pretty much hate ballads in any genre so the slower numbers do leave me cold I'm afraid to say! Plus to me, Su is completely drowned out on Amore.”
“Different strokes for different folks, as someone that's basically never going to listen to anything metal unless it's like this, I much prefer all their more bonkers output like Gimme Chocolate with more J-Pop influences. Although yeah since they are now promoting the new album, they probably should've done Awadama Fever, which is basically Gimme Chocolate 2.0.
Having listened to the new album a bit, my highlights would be Karate, Awadama Fever, GJ!, Yava! and Syncopation. I get that their sound has to mature, Su's an Adultmetal now and the younger two aren't far behind, but I think on reflection I do favour the first album more. Just because it's more genre-ly diverse and that "omg, this is the most batsh*t but equally most amazing thing I've ever seen!" feeling when I was first introduced to the wonder that was Megitsune and then played through the album, will stay with me forever. I pretty much hate ballads in any genre so the slower numbers do leave me cold I'm afraid to say!
Plus to me, Su is completely drowned out on Amore.”
Well, I'm a huge metalhead but don't like J-pop or K-pop, and Gimmie Chocolate was the song that got me into them, and is still one of my favourite songs by them, so where do I stand here?
I was similar to you when I first heard Metal Resistance. I liked it, but felt it had lost something on the first album. Now though, I'd say it's practically on par, some of the weirder songs grew on me more.
I can understand you preferring the first album if you don't really like metal though, since this one is probably more metal. I agree with you on the ballads. I think No Rain, No Rainbow is probably the weakest song on the album. I feel they needed something to calm things down from the previous two songs, but the ballad is too cookie cutter. They could have mixed it up with something a bit more interesting. Other than that though, great album I think.
Originally Posted by JasonWatkins:
“I'm watching then perform gimme chocolate on last night's late show with stephen colbert and the audience are going NUTS!
(although sumetal has just unfortunately forgotten to jump in on the backing track and missed a few words ..)”
“I'm watching then perform gimme chocolate on last night's late show with stephen colbert and the audience are going NUTS!
(although sumetal has just unfortunately forgotten to jump in on the backing track and missed a few words ..)”
It's on YouTube for anyone who didn't see it...
BABYMETAL Makes Their U.S. Television Debut
Originally Posted by ShotDownInFlame:
“It's a shame that they played "Gimmie Chocolate", yes it's their most popular song. But musically speaking it's not very good. It definitely didn't make a first good impression on me as I thought the lyrics and music were beyond stupid, so god knows what the average american made of it.
I just think seeing as they were there to promote Metal Resistance, they should have played something from Metal Resistance.”
“It's a shame that they played "Gimmie Chocolate", yes it's their most popular song. But musically speaking it's not very good. It definitely didn't make a first good impression on me as I thought the lyrics and music were beyond stupid, so god knows what the average american made of it.
I just think seeing as they were there to promote Metal Resistance, they should have played something from Metal Resistance.”
So I downloaded it off Amazon for a listen, the chorus has a catchy hook I could get into but other than that kind of passe, at least next to a bunch of J-pop I listen to. I discount the lyrics (to a point) since I can't understand the language
How is the second single 'Megitsune' IYO?
Originally Posted by Glawster2002:
“It's on YouTube for anyone who didn't see it...
BABYMETAL Makes Their U.S. Television Debut ”
“It's on YouTube for anyone who didn't see it...
BABYMETAL Makes Their U.S. Television Debut ”
Was just on my way to the thread to post the same link
Love BABYMETAL. Seen them at Brixton, Leeds and Wembley.
I would consider myself an old school metal/rock fan, I don't really care for most modern metal. BABYMETAL are the first act to really grab my attention for years. They have also made me seek out other Japanese music.
I would recommend checking out Band-Maid as a good rock band.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uds7g3M-4lQ
I have never been into pop but Momoiro Clover Z are a pretty good J-Pop group. They are quite eclectic, crossing a number of musical styles and have collaborated with Marty Friedman and also with Kiss.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TC1Q7DuNKfw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIokp4MonxE
I would consider myself an old school metal/rock fan, I don't really care for most modern metal. BABYMETAL are the first act to really grab my attention for years. They have also made me seek out other Japanese music.
I would recommend checking out Band-Maid as a good rock band.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uds7g3M-4lQ
I have never been into pop but Momoiro Clover Z are a pretty good J-Pop group. They are quite eclectic, crossing a number of musical styles and have collaborated with Marty Friedman and also with Kiss.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TC1Q7DuNKfw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIokp4MonxE
Originally Posted by gold2040:
“So I downloaded it off Amazon for a listen, the chorus has a catchy hook I could get into but other than that kind of passe, at least next to a bunch of J-pop I listen to. I discount the lyrics (to a point) since I can't understand the language
How is the second single 'Megitsune' IYO?”
“So I downloaded it off Amazon for a listen, the chorus has a catchy hook I could get into but other than that kind of passe, at least next to a bunch of J-pop I listen to. I discount the lyrics (to a point) since I can't understand the language
How is the second single 'Megitsune' IYO?”
I would say, in terms of the first album, Megitsune and Ijime Dame Zettai are the best tracks. The vocals are really strong on both tracks, with Megitsune being an extremely catchy and fun song and Ijime Dame Zettai being one of their best songs from a musical standpoint.
Originally Posted by ShotDownInFlame:
“I would say, in terms of the first album, Megitsune and Ijime Dame Zettai are the best tracks. The vocals are really strong on both tracks, with Megitsune being an extremely catchy and fun song and Ijime Dame Zettai being one of their best songs from a musical standpoint.”
“I would say, in terms of the first album, Megitsune and Ijime Dame Zettai are the best tracks. The vocals are really strong on both tracks, with Megitsune being an extremely catchy and fun song and Ijime Dame Zettai being one of their best songs from a musical standpoint.”
For me I would also add Babymetal Death to that list simply because of its heaviness.
I'd add Head Bangya (or however we're spelling that ). One of my favourite songs on that album, and honourable mentions to Catch Me If You Can and Onedari Daisakusen.
Best review I saw for the first album was from a guy for MetalHammer on youtube, great review, basically sums up how I feel about it too:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xi0x-72zmA
). One of my favourite songs on that album, and honourable mentions to Catch Me If You Can and Onedari Daisakusen. Best review I saw for the first album was from a guy for MetalHammer on youtube, great review, basically sums up how I feel about it too:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xi0x-72zmA
6 of 10
