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Babymetal

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Band Timeline

2010

Formation of Babymetal as a heavy metal idol sub-unit

Babymetal was formed in 2010 in Tokyo as a sub-unit of the Japanese idol group Sakura Gakuin, conceived by producer Kobametal who envisioned fusing heavy metal and Japanese idol music. The band originally consisted of Suzuka Nakamoto (Su-metal), Moa Kikuchi (Moametal), and Yui Mizuno (Yuimetal). They were trained in dance and vocals, despite initially being unfamiliar with metal music. This formation marked the beginning of a unique genre combining idol performance style with heavy metal.
2011

Early performances and debut singles

Babymetal made their first live appearance in November 2010 at Sakura Gakuin's concert and in 2011 performed songs like "Ijime, Dame, Zettai" which promoted anti-bullying. Their first single "Doki Doki Morning" was released as part of Sakura Gakuin's debut album in April 2011 and later as a DVD single. This period established their presence in the Japanese idol scene while experimenting with heavy metal elements.
2013

Becoming an independent act

Following Suzuka Nakamoto's graduation from Sakura Gakuin, Babymetal transitioned from a sub-unit to an independent musical act. This allowed them to fully embrace and expand their distinctive kawaii metal style without the restrictions of their former idol group's framework. This independence was a pivotal moment that accelerated their growth internationally and musically.
2014

Release of debut album "Babymetal"

Babymetal released their self-titled debut album which included tracks composed over the previous years. The album achieved notable success, reaching international audiences and charting on the US Billboard 200, an unusual accomplishment for Japanese artists. The release established Babymetal's global footprint and helped define the modern kawaii metal movement.
2016

Release of second album "Metal Resistance" and rising international acclaim

The band's second album, Metal Resistance, was released in 2016 and solidified Babymetal's rising influence. It peaked at number two on Japan's Oricon Albums chart and reached the top 40 on the Billboard 200. It also set a record by peaking at number 15 on the UK Albums Chart, the highest for a Japanese artist at that time. This album expanded their fan base worldwide and demonstrated their capability to cross cultural and language barriers in music.
2018

Lineup change and departure of Yuimetal

Yui Mizuno (Yuimetal) stopped performing live due to health reasons and officially left the band in 2018 after nearly a year of absence. Babymetal continued as a duo for a period, supported by various backup dancers. This lineup change was significant as it marked a new phase in the band's evolution, challenging them to adapt their performances and sound without one of the original members.
2019

Release of third album "Metal Galaxy" and chart success

Babymetal released Metal Galaxy in 2019, which became their highest-charting album with a peak at number 13 on the Billboard 200. This album set a record as the highest-charting Japanese language album in Billboard 200 history and made Babymetal the first Asian act to top the Billboard Rock Albums chart. The album showcased their continued innovation and international appeal with diverse influences and collaborations.
2023

Addition of Momoko Okazaki as third member

In 2023, Momoko Okazaki, a former member of Sakura Gakuin and prior backup dancer for Babymetal, officially joined as the third member named Momometal. Her addition restored the band to a trio formation, signaling a new era and potential evolution in their performance style and musical direction. This was a symbolic reconnection to the band's origins in the idol group system.
2023

Release of album "The Other One" marking conceptual shift

Babymetal released The Other One in 2023, which they consider a separate concept album distinct from their main studio albums. This release represented a new creative direction, highlighting experimental approaches and broadening their narrative scope beyond traditional kawaii metal. It demonstrated their willingness to innovate and redefine their identity within the genre.
2025

Release of "Metal Forth" featuring collaborations and new direction

In August 2025, Babymetal released Metal Forth, their fifth studio album and the first to feature Momoko Okazaki. This album marked a new approach with seven out of ten tracks being collaborations with international artists such as Electric Callboy and Tom Morello. Metal Forth underscored the band's evolution towards a more global and diverse sound, continuing to push boundaries within and beyond kawaii metal.

Albums

jp-babymetal_1st_album
BABYMETAL
13 tracks
2014
jp-babymetal_2nd_album
METAL RESISTANCE
12 tracks
2016
jp-babymetal_3rd_album
METAL GALAXY
8 tracks
2019
jp-babymetal_4th_album
THE OTHER ONE
10 tracks
2023
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Story of Babymetal

Babymetal (ベビーメタル, Hepburn: Bebīmetaru) is a groundbreaking Japanese kawaii metal band that redefined genre boundaries. Initially formed in 2010 as a sub-unit of Sakura Gakuin, the iconic trio—Suzuka Nakamoto ("Su-metal," vocals and dance), Moa Kikuchi ("Moametal," screams and dance), and initially Yui Mizuno ("Yuimetal," screams and dance)—fused the seemingly disparate worlds of heavy metal and Japanese idol culture. Their unique sound, featuring Su-metals powerful vocals alongside the aggressive screams of the other members, is amplified by the instrumental prowess of the "Kami Band," a group of highly skilled session musicians. The bands creative director, Kobametal, of the Amuse talent agency, masterminded this audacious combination.

The departure of Yuimetal in 2018 saw Momoko Okazaki ("Momometal") join the lineup, continuing the bands evolution. Since their inception, Babymetal has achieved international acclaim, releasing four studio albums: *Babymetal* (2014), *Metal Resistance* (2016), *Metal Galaxy* (2019), and *The Other One* (2023). Their influence extends far beyond Japan; theyve toured extensively, captivating audiences worldwide with their electrifying performances, proving that kawaii metal is a force to be reckoned with.

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