BABYMETAL fans, we need to talk... | BABYMETAL - Light and Darkness | Official Music Video Reaction!

[@digbydark9313]

I am a metal fan who found Babymetal and became a fan. I had always hoped as they grew older and dropped more and more of the idol image that with maturity they would go a bit heavier in sound. They have not, but it hasn't disappointed me. I love these new songs, and for some reason especially this song. Su's voice and the choreo is just so good.

[@Maquinamqc]

Yes, something like that too. I always listen Manowar, Iron Maiden, Blind Guardian, etc. and I've been a Babymetal fan for years, but I'm also a lover of classical music and good music (in fact, I studied music during my youth and later in university). I like this song, and I don't care if it's more or less metal, more or less jpop, or more or less complex. I think that, sometimes, we get carried away by a kind of "preconceived need" and, if something is not exactly as "imagined", we give it less value. The first days after the release of the Metal Galaxy album, people filled the net with "dissatisfaction" comments, and I think that, now, we all know how good the album has ended up being. Let's give time to this album and be openmind, something that fans of this band have always demanded from others.

[@CHRISCONTEPSS]

@@Maquinamqc Very good points. However, even though Metal Galaxy was very different than the first 2 albums, it was loaded with interesting and innovative genre mixing nobody had ever really heard before. Album 1 was mixing metal and Jpop . .2 was exploring different Metal Genres, 3 was mixing different ethnic ;music influences with metal genres. . .It was still VERY innovative. . . . Not sure where we are now . . I guess. The problem is they now have to contend with their own musical past to be compared with. They did not have that problem previously. There was nothing else like them out there. . .now there is this body of work behind them that is SO GOOD! I remember after my third or fourth listen through all of MG thinking to myself, My go;sh, they really just used almost every possible ethnic pop styles and threw in some purist metal stuff to boot. . my god that was great. . . .but Jeeze, where can they go from here? . . . .Let's see where the other three tracks go. . . so far it seems like "we need to put something out whilst we ride the popularity wave to keep the stockholders happy" . . . . Its hard to stay true to your sound yet keep some;thing fresh . . .damn hard. TheOne thing for sure, we are always on their side! 🤘🦊🤘

[@gaijinguineapig]

I'll say this...I am still holding out hope that there will be at least one track on, 'The Other One,' that is insanely hard.

[@Psyggie]

I'm a 46 year old dude whose a bit of a music snob, Dream Theater is my favorite band of all time because of their raw talent and ability to write constantly different songs and albums. I'm new to Babymetal as of 4 months ago and they may be my 2nd favorite band ever now. I understand they have a lot of money and talent behind the scenes writing the music and choreography and cinematics (we all know Babymetal live is the true experience, like a musical or play, it's all theater) But the core of the band are still the ladies and they are showing that now. I myself enjoy the majority of their music but these new songs on this album .. wow. The secret sauce is the production crew and writers but the actual performers are these powerful women. It is evident here, and I feel lucky to just be becoming a fan right now to experience this transition!

[@gaijinguineapig]

Hell yeah, Kevlyn! And you're totally right. They want US to get caught up in the theater of it all. It's excitement, it's over-the-top, it's supposed to be! Stoked for you, and the excitement of this new album cycle.

[@Grington300]

Great reaction. There has been a very vocal minority for quite a while who seem to like complaining about one thing or another. The majority continue to enjoy BABYMETAL and are excited to see what comes next, they're just less noisy. Of the four songs released so far 'Monochrome' is my own favourite. 'Metal Kingdom' with 'Divine Attack' work well together for the concert openers - this one will have to grow on me (it has started to after 5 or 6 listens so far) and I know to wait for the live version.

[@gaijinguineapig]

I'm with you on this Grington. I really feel like, 'Monochrome' is the stand-out track for me thus far. It does some things musically that feel truly different for BM. The chorus really catches me, and that Moa element is undeniable.

[@jakemuller8626]

4:12 Reaction start Welcome back to the BabyMetal's metalverse.🦊🤘🌐 So beautiful ballad full of love, at first I thought we would have a live versión but i was wrong. Love the J-pop sound from 2000 and years after. Anyway here's some info about this song: One of the discovered 10 parallel worlds is "LIGHT AND DARKNESS" and this 4th pre-release digital single “Light and Darkness” centers around this theme. Because light exists, darkness also exists. And because darkness is present, there is also a world that shines. During the night when light and darkness intersect, what we seek after poisoned with darkness awaits a world filled with strong love. As the door opens, is it hope or despair that awaits us? The song expresses the duality in everything and the way things are perceived and interpreted differ depending on each person’s point of view. This was a world premiere at Makuhari Messe 2023 setlist, along with "THE LEGEND", Momoko Okazaki is the third backup dancer and possibly the new official member. First official MV with the girls dancing. Here's the lyrics translated with some help. Thanks for sharing this and being one of the first reacting to this new single. See you next time 🦊🤘❤️ Lyrics : MK-METAL / TAKEMETAL　　 Music : TAKEMETAL Arrangement : tatsuoMETAL 【Lyrics】 Even the reality buried in the snow of sadness Even these hands that have been dyed red by mistakes Take me to oblivion To an ideal world filled with love Open that door Come on Ah, Ah Being poisoned, falling into a dream A night where light and darkness seek and play together Drowning in a sea of ​​rhythm Even my memories are being destroyed This love is strong and strong I'm sure it won't stop This love is strong and strong Never let go Let me out. Let me out. let's jump out hit by the rain of joy Let me go. Let me go. right now Let's dance the night away Take me to oblivion Take off the mask filled with lies Right now Being poisoned, falling into a dream A night where light and darkness seek and play together Drowning in a sea of ​​rhythm Even my memories are being destroyed This love is strong and strong I'm sure it won't stop This love is strong and strong Never let go In the night when sorrow overflows Keep this love warm Open the door now Come on Ah, Ah Even my dreams are poisoned A night where hope and despair seek and play together Ring out forever Even my heart is filled This love is strong and strong I'm sure it won't stop This love is strong and strong Never let go

[@leslielondon400]

Can you do “Sinner” by nick nittoli

[@gaijinguineapig]

DAMN Jake, I always love when you post on these BM vids. You're always so thoughtful, and heartfelt!

[@Cristian96r]

Times change, they grew up...we can't expect them to make the same songs at twenty-six as they did at fourteen. there are people who are not able to enjoy new things.

[@chikaraudon6854]

Agree, I'm glad they decided to continue while also evolving, very admirable ladies

[@gaijinguineapig]

Well, I don't know if people still say, 'drop the mic' but that was your, 'mic drop moment.' Couldnt' have said it better myself.

[@jaglemans6778]

Comments sections are never indicative of the fanbase. Not least because folk who are disgruntled go out of their way to make their views known. This is particularly noticeable on platforms like Reddit where some can't just say it's not for them and move on. Those who do enjoy the new music, which is the overwhelming majority, either never comment, or make one comment, then get back to listening to the music! As with everything BABYMETAL, what they do musically today, will not be what they do tomorrow.

[@gaijinguineapig]

This is true. It's like a review for a movie, or even your favorite local restaurant. People that love it, just stay quiet and love. People that hate, HAVE to let others know how they feel.

[@martinmetal7481]

In total agreement with you, i am just happy they matured and grew and evolved . That was my only worry years ago that they could not evolve . Loved all their music from the beginning to now, and i stand with you at the altar of the foxgod . Love this song. Su's vocals are incredible, and Moa's vocals are a bit of icing on the cake, and i love the courography 😁🤘🏼🦊🤘🏼

[@gaijinguineapig]

Hell yeah, Martin. I'm loving the, very noticable, additions of more Moa into these tracks.

[@martinmetal7481]

@@gaijinguineapig 😁🤘🏼🦊

[@seregamolodets5286]

🍅💀🍅 🤘🏼🦊🤘🏼 White and Black

[@flugelhornoldman1362]

Thanks again from Japan 有難う💛。 I witnessed this performance last month and was mesmerized at the venue. Although I could not digest everything at the live debut, I finally grasped its artistry as a whole by this MV. This song reminds me of something but it is very difficult to explain it. The part with Su's calm voice makes me uneasy about something. The part with her powerful timbre and decisive facial expression together with sharp moves by Moa and Momoko makes me decisive for something. The problem is "what the hell is my 'something' ?" Please stop shaking and teasing my emotions, BABYMETAL! 😡 😄

[@gaijinguineapig]

Flugelhorn, we all live through you, and your experience at the concert! Maybe it's not so important to find out what that, 'something' is, but just the fact that the, 'something' exists in the first place.

[@k-popplayinklown5473]

I appreciate your ability to appreciate what an artist is offering rather than be upset they are not giving you what you wanted or expecting God forbid an artist paint a different picture than there previous work SU-METAL is the prime mover for this album and continues to grow as an artist Just my opinion I know

[@michelm.6033]

Darn man that was a great comment! It is all about art and the artist. If one were to create something, music, painting, whatever…. to fit someone else’s expectations, it is no longer art. It is a commissioned work for the buyer’s expectation. Let freedom flow!!! 👍. ❤️🦊

[@k-popplayinklown5473]

@@michelm.6033 right on ! I’m so glad some people understand this . Your comment was great also Art vs product. That’s why I rarely find western music interesting these days ✌️

[@michelm.6033]

@@k-popplayinklown5473 You and me both. I don’t listen to western music anymore (I’m American) because Japan is so far out front, it’s embarrassing. There may be others I’m unfamiliar with, but yes I’ve fallen in love with Japan.

[@k-popplayinklown5473]

@@michelm.6033 I’m American also and yes the Japanese music well is quite deep and diverse and keeps my love of musical discovery fed well So many great “ artists “

[@gaijinguineapig]

And hey, I wanted your opinion and it is totally valid here! Thank you my friend. I can think of countless artists that I love, who sound different on almost every album, and those who never change (Bad Religion, I'm lookin' at you.) There's love for all of it.

[@zilch634]

Indeed, the girls have evolved very well, both in their singing and choreography. But I don't think BABYMETAL has changed at all, as they can fuse any genre into METAL with their KAWAII magic 😁. When I heard this song live, I had the same impression as the song Syncopation, a fusion of CITY POP and METAL that was popular in Japan in the 90s. 😁.

[@gaijinguineapig]

You can take away the cute, idol-esque outfits, and they'll still be kawaii, and super-talented. 'Syncopation' is SUCH a ripping track!

[@tackle47]

Longtime BM fan and appreciate the new material but it is not in my “wheel house” of metal styles I like as much. I am not upset by no tutus or no kawaii feel at all. Glad they are grown up and are having more say in their music. I am pining for some heavier songs and such. Still support the band totally.

[@gaijinguineapig]

Absolutely! I am really just enjoying watching their evolution into kick-ass metal women, and yes...having more say in the music they create. It's like a book where I can't wait to get to the next chapter.

[@goldalaender]

I love the old BABYMETAL and I love the new more mature BABYMETAL! BABYMETAL evolve and thats fine in my opinion.

[@gaijinguineapig]

You and I Golda...we're diehards, and we know it.

[@Slytherkins]

🤘🦊🤘

[@Dragonstar-Metal]

I am a long term metalhead and I got bored with most of it because the songs were the same. They were good but there was really no difference from 1st album to 5th album. But with BABYMETAL everything is different and evolving. I love it! If a group wants to keep my interest, they must evolve. Also, I think some fans are upset because they expect the same and forget this is a CONCEPT album. Reading the lyrics we have so far for the 4 songs I believe the album as a whole will tell a story like "Operation Mindcrime" by Queensryche or "Tommy" by The Who. Oh well, I personally love this song, specially the intro... that beat with the robotic choreography is 🔥 🤘🦊🤘

[@gaijinguineapig]

I'm inclined to agree with you, in the sense that for better or worse, BM do continue to evolve their sound. Though, that doesn't come without some risk of alienating some fans who have an idea of what the thing the next 'stage' should sound like. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the matter!

[@calvertwow]

Your "Eant" is completley correct und justfied :) I am 100% on your side. They are young women now and no chidren anymore. Some of the "Fans" can´t handle it. So let them be. There are still BR/CDs from their earlier years :) But I am glad, that they evolve and the direction they took suits me even more, than the earlier years :)

[@gaijinguineapig]

Andi, my good man, I always say, "just because you don't like the new stuff, doesn't mean they took away that old stuff you loved so much."

[@moonfloweryellow3130]

I can imagine adding this song to a metal concert set list would make the show more varied and fun.

[@gaijinguineapig]

For sure, it's got a totally NON-metal opening beat that feels like a flash of yester-year BM. The chorus feels like such an anime-opener to me.

[@react-o-mat]

One of the big reasons Babymetal are my favourite band of all time is because of all their different styles/genres/vibes, so in order to keep that diversity I feel it is absolutely necessary to evolve and change! I for my part love everything from the new album so far! Can't wait 🤘🦊🤘

[@gaijinguineapig]

I think you nailed it. Most BM fans love 'em because they keep evolving their style, not always in major ways, but enough to keep you curious.

[@road-runner]

Great reaction, thanks! It's really funny to read and listen to those who say that the new songs doesn't sound like "the old" BABYMETAL. I just want to suggest them to watch "iine" MV and try to imagine them performing a new song which sounds like that. The -girls- ladies are not 12 anymore. I'm a life-long metalhead and a die-hard BABYMETAL fan. And "Light and Darkness" is way outside my alley musically. But I still enjoy the song, the different things that make this song unique. That "odd" or unexpected note on the chorus for instance. Not to mention Su's amazing vocals (yeah, I'm totally biassed... guilty!) even here, on a studio recording and too overproduced for my personal taste, I'm very exited for the new album release (specially for that "METALIZM") and to see them live in a few months! 🤘🦊

[@gaijinguineapig]

Ahhh RR...so stoked for you to seem them live. It's an experience every BM fan should have. And yes, having them perform, 'doki doki morning,' wouldn't hit the same. It might even be a bit weird at this point, not only for us, but for them. (PS Nothing wrong with Su-vocal bias)

[@ChiefAmarr]

it is still Babymetal, just more mature, luv the song!

[@ChiefAmarr]

@mnkgameplaysmixing programmed samples on top recorded live drum is the standard now, even Dream Theater dig it, if u want natural but thin drum sound its on mixing like Hail to the King Avenged Sevenfold

[@chrisharris1522]

honestly I don't really care what others say about them now, it annoyed me once now I just don't care, in the last couple of weeks one reactor complained she couldn't hear Su very well and she was listening through air pods, another claiming he was only reacting for clicks and another claiming that Moa was a bad dancer and was just a copycat. I love this album so far, it was exactly the direction I hoped they would go, but has still exceeded my expectations, and honestly I was worried I wouldn't like it especially this song, after the concerts nobody had much to say about it so I thought maybe it is one I might have to pass on, but first listen I loved it by the third (the one I focused just on Su's vocals) I teared up at the beauty of the way she sang. I am about to have my first listen through my good audio gear (I was at work and had to listen through blue tooth ear buds) and am really looking forward to hearing all that I have missed so far because of the limitations of gear. Most people say that women don't reach their peak vocally until late twenties early thirties so I am really looking forward to how thirty year old Su sounds compared to twenty four year old Su, it is hard to imagine she could get any better, but as an actual fan I know she will. Also fantastic dancing by Momoko and Moa, but hey what would I know.

[@michelm.6033]

I was so floored by this at the concert, I wasn’t even sure what I was hearing for a few seconds. Then Su’s vocal’s chimed in and I definitely knew from the few snip-it’s what was going on and I teared up. I would agree that it gets better with every listen, just as their other songs.

[@chrisharris1522]

@@michelm.6033 maybe nobody said anything because they didn't want to spoil it, but I avoided any spoilers anyway lol

[@michelm.6033]

@@chrisharris1522 yes you’re always great at supporting these women, and maybe marketing. :D. Are you going in March my TX brother?

[@chrisharris1522]

@@michelm.6033 I live in New Zealand my best hope of seeing them short of winning the lottery (not the ticket lottery) would be Australia if they return there. Supporting them is easy, a lot of artists say they love their fans, Su and Moa really do, keeping a separation from the fans is a master stroke by Koba not only does it make it more exciting for the fans to see them, I think it keeps it exciting for them as well

[@michelm.6033]

@@chrisharris1522 My apologies. I was confusing you with another Chris. Although your country is absolutely on my bucket list. It sounds much better than mine. I pray you win the lottery!

[@radu6271]

They just love to go silent with the instruments for a brief moment after the bridge into the final chorus. The other 3 songs had that too. But I totally love it. 👍👍

[@gaijinguineapig]

Monochrome - the 3 minute and 10 second mark. ;)

[@marcogarcia4197]

Excelente Momoko Metal ex sakura gakuin y ahora babymetal y saludos desde Lima Perú

[@jeffreykuska7877]

I am new to Babymetal so I did not follow through the years. I just appreciate a great band fronted by an incredible Su Metal. The stage and effects along with Moa and the other girls (Yui) are like no other. I do still like the heaviness of other songs which I would bet will continue .

[@gaijinguineapig]

You don't have to be a long-time fan to feel welcomed around here Jeffrey. I'm glad you found them, and rock with 'em! It's the whole package: the members, the stage, the performance, the music...all of it!

[@ashes2ashton490]

i have adhd and have hyperfixated on babymetal for two years and the way he reacted to stuff like moa’s vocals and said just seeing them makes him unexplainably happy made me feel like damn He’s Just Like Me Fr

[@gaijinguineapig]

In this regard, we are the same my friend. Super stoked to hear more vocal contributions from Moa.

[@kitkat6407]

Always the latest is best🤘🦊♪

[@lupometal]

Thus far, the tracks they've released over these few months sound like a Suzuka Nakamoto solo album. Not hating it but aside from a few scant flashes, I'm not hearing the full band experience that made me rediscover my love of music. Holding out hope!

[@gaijinguineapig]

I can totally respect that, and even agree to a certain extent. The band haven't really had any moments in these tracks to really show-off, so to speak.

[@MarkSpohn77]

I think what Babymetal is doing now can be referred to as adult contemporary metal

[@SayuriAsahina]

Omg, I was totally thinking the exact same thing. Twenty or thirty years ago, I would have insisted such a thing could never exist, but, yeah - that's totally what this sounds like. Generally speaking, not my cup of tea, but Su's voice demands love, awe, and respect and the choreo is so spectacular - I just love everything they do even when I don't always like it.

[@gaijinguineapig]

I am already old Mark, but thinking of how far they've come in looks, age, sound, etc., I'm really feeling it now. lol

[@MarkSpohn77]

@@gaijinguineapig compared to me you're still very young 🌱

[@NAANsoft]

Theres a reminicense of Akatsuka in this. The enka-style, ie. the dark soft mood. This is a song for grown-ups, and so your comments before the reaction are completely correct. They are not girls, they are women. And artists!

[@gaijinguineapig]

Ideally, the fanbase should grow with the artists!

[@stuffandwhatnot4401]

There are bands who never evolve. They'll put out multiple albums that all sound the same. Boring. This is an interesting song. Monochrome is still my favorite - so far - off this album. I'm waiting (impatiently) to hear Metalizm.

[@gaijinguineapig]

I'm with you Stuff (btw, love your username.) Monochrome has stepped out of the pack to become my favorite of the singles released so far.

[@BlackArr0w]

I was never a metal guy, so so far I was disappointed about the new album because the songs were more traditional metal songs. Metal Galaxy was already a non-kawaii album, but still had so much diversity in it that kept it fresh! Just think about Da Da Dance, Shanti Shanti Shanti and Oh!Majinai! Luckily L&D came out, and had a fresh and different sound! It's my favourite of the 4 right now! The only other that caught me was Divine Attack, thanks to the absolutely memorable chorus! It just gets stuck in your head!

[@gaijinguineapig]

I have this feeling that the album is going to have a lot of tracks that grow on people. I'm super curious to hear what the rest of the album sounds like. This does appear to be that most polarizing album thus far, just judging from the response on the singles. 🤔

[@paulobalictar4842]

Change is constant. This is only one of the few songs in the album, so not all songs in an album would be "melodic" like this one for sure. Anyways, nice reaction fellow kitsune 🦊

[@gaijinguineapig]

Thank you, Paulo. You said it brother.

[@Icipher353]

I was at the concert where this was filmed, and I completely forgot that they played this song, that's how little impression it made on me. I don't think the song is bad per se, but it's definitely not what I like in a Babymetal song. I think there are actually two distinct strands of criticism towards the current direction of Babymetal. The first is the group that were all in on the 'kawaii" gimmick and lament (or resent) the loss of that element. Personally I don't think that one is fair, because the girls were inevitably going to grow up and the gimmick wasn't going to last forever. The second is the metalheads that feel that BM have been drifting more and more into pop on the last album and the new one and there haven't been enough really chunky metal songs like on the first two albums. This group I think has more of a legitimate complaint, as there has been a definite shift towards a more mainstream friendly sound. Obviously, BM have always been a hybrid act, and a balance between the two styles has always been present, but it does feel like they are leaning more one way than the other and some fans from the metal side are going to be disappointed by that, and if there is one thing metal fans love its complaining. While I'm technically in the "disgruntled metal fan" camp, I'm fine with some songs not being for me, I expect that from Babymetal, I would just like some heavy bangers to go along with the fluffy pop songs. Even though I don't really care for L&D, I did like the other songs released so far, so I'm mostly sanguine about it all at this stage. If the next album is more poppy again, I might start to feel perturbed by the lack of metal in Babymetal, but I'm not going to worry about hypotheticals when we haven't even heard all of this album yet.

[@chikaraudon6854]

Nice reaction, I personally think this song has arguably the best vocal performance from Su out of any BM song, i totally understand some people not liking some new materials, well it already happened since Metal Galaxy anyway hahaha, listeners come and go are normal for musician, the most important thing is what kind of music they really want to make, not the music that people wanted to hear

[@gaijinguineapig]

That's just it. An artist has to make the music they feel is best to them at that moment, and be happy with it. If they cater to much to a certain part of the audience, they risk alienating others and compromising on what they want to do.

[@daguitarman808]

Sugoi 🤘😎🤙

[@gaijinguineapig]

だよね!

[@stevechevy3382]

Nice reaction. I'm digging the new songs. Babymetal being diverse as always. They may have grown up, But Moa is still adorable. IMO her default mode is Kawaii. Moa doesn't know how to be any other way. As she has said Kawaii beats all. It's like those puppy dog eys. How can you say no to that? I tend to think that many are having problems more now because Momoko is now the full time third member and they're die-hard Yui fans and wish she was still here with them. However, for me I lived through the Van Halen days of David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar wars. Who was the better lead singer?? To me it didn't matter much because I like all of those songs. Because Eddie was still there playing. Now I feel these folks just don't like it because it's finally sinking in the Yui isn't coming back. Those days are over. And if they're around the same age. That means their youth is over too. Yup getting older sucks folks but it's a part of life. Also, IMO culturally for some who followed them from their idol days. May have expected a changing of the guard so to speak. Su Yui and Moa would move on to other things and a new younger version of them would keep doing those older songs with fresh kawaii faces. For idols this helps keep interest in the group. As fans start to look forward to seeing who the next member will be and how good will they be. In this manner idols become like sports teams. Over the long term you root for the team and the players while they're there and after that. You watch for the next big player to be drafted. Babymetal breaks all the rules that need to be broken. This group was built around Su. Moa is her pillar, her rock. Together they've kept this group together and will continue to do so. Su and Moa gave up the idol life for the metalverse. Now like many other rock and metal artist they can stay together performing forever. Living legends, they have become. And now with Momoko aka Monometal they move into their future. They even have a song on the album where they sing about how we're not the same, and you're not the same. seasons change. A great tune you will get to on the new album. I've followed Babymetal for a long time now. I'm proud of what they've become. And how they got there. Since Momometal isn't on the new album recording. I have a sneaky suspicion that we might get a new album next year. which for Babymetal releasing album in back-to-back years is unprecedented. They are full of surprises. Kitsunes Up🤘🦊🐺🦊

[@Filboid2000]

I agree that everyone has an opinion and the right to voice it in a civilized manner; here's my two cents' worth. I love BABYMETAL. I will be the first to say that Suzuka Nakamoto has a wonderful voice but, aside from that, I'm very disappointed with the direction that BABYMETAL has taken. Their first two albums and most of their third made metal music fun. They aren't "BABYMETAL-ish" any more. They haven't evolved, they've devolved into a J-pop band. Aside from "Divine Attack", there's nothing metal about them so far. And being kawaii was what made BABYMETAL BABYMETAL! It's seems to me that their trying too hard to make "epic" music when they need to get back to what made them great: songs that made you bang your head with a big, sh*t-eating grin on your face. And one thing I've learned is that "change" does NOT necessarily equate to "progress". However, having said that, I will also be the first to say that even historically great bands will have an album that falls way short of expectations: The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Queen, The Pink Floyd (to name just a few) have all had albums that bombed. Evidently this is sizing up to be BABYMETAL's "bomb" album. I won't say that "the magic is gone", it's just not present thus far with this album. One last thing: I take some offense about you labeling early BABYMETAL as "gimmicky". If you were any kind of BABYMETAL fan you'd be the first to realize that it was the kawaii that made BABYMETAL unique; songs about eating chocolate, playing hide-and-seek, waking up in the morning, headbanging at your first metal concert and so on. 🦊🤘

[@jaglemans6778]

You could've just said this particular song isn't for you. I fully expect this new album to bring them to a wider audience, which is exactly what they want before they embark on a new era, with a new third member. Yes, some of the early BABYMETAL stuff is "gimmicky", doesn't mean it couldn't also be enjoyable. But some of those tracks have dated and is no doubt why they don't perform them today. If you look on KZbin you can find clips of all the TOO songs and there's a 50/50 split between hard Metal songs and those with poppier elements. They just so happened to release the, I guess more commercial, songs as singles. Which isn't unexpected.

[@gaijinguineapig]

Well, no offense was intended. "Gimmicky," to me, doesn't necessarily have to be a bad thing, but I still think the word fits in the sense that their cute/idol image, mixed with metal, was intended to garner attention. It worked! They grew out of that, and became something different, and that isn't going to be for everyone. Much like their early days weren't for everyone. Grown women singing about, 'eating chocolate' and playing 'hide-n-seek,' as you put it, would probably hit listeners as odd and disingenous to who they are now. I do agree with you though in that, 'change' does not equate to 'progress.'

[@gaijinguineapig]

I think people feel like if they admit to not liking a certain song/album/etc., that they'll be attacked for it (because...well, the internet.) Fair enough concern. I for one, think it's totally fine with saying you don't like a certain track, or that maybe an artist doesn't make music you're interested in or into anymore. It just be like that sometimes.

[@CHRISCONTEPSS]

Missing the "Idol Glitz?" . .This is ;;the MOST Idol type song they have produced to date. . . The issue with the new music is not that it is different. For me it is very much the opposite. Love this group: but honestly, "Meh". It makes me a bit sad to see this group I have so loved for their innovation now conforming to genre specific industry standards. :( I Always appreciate the girls, the musicians (who don't seem to matter at all anymore) and how hard everybody works to produce this project, . . . .and for what it is, it sounds great . .but this all seems very rushed and way too much pop;. So much so it virtually obscures the metal aspects. I know it is really hard to keep creating and innovating when the wheels of a big machine keep on turning. It eventually happens to all groups I suppose. The timetable to produce something to stay relevant in the marketplace does not allot for waiting for one's particular muse. (Insert own pun here). I wish they had stayed away longer to find something more uniquely "them". I am a longtime fan and still will be, but their older stuff has much more gravitas in my opinion. This track is an overproduced, auto-tuned song for any jpop trio: @onefive with a slightly heavier sound, and only one girl really sings (amazingly well, and that is the only thing making it special). Sadly, for me, thus far it appears their “concept” is commercialization and disappointment. :( . .. I know. . OUCH! I feel like Ryan M's face looks every time the new stuff comes up on Gguys. . LOL. . . Criticism from love. I am just being honest as I am a BIG FAN! Divine Attack is basically Kingslayer structurally recycled. Still pretty good, but more BMTH than Bmetal. Metal Kingdom is mostly “kingdom” and not much "metal". Essentially "From Dusk Till Dawn" with "Starlight" underneath it . . .apparently written on an empty Cheetos bag whilst binge watching GOT ?. . .however. . . . . . .I will say I absolutely adore Monochrome!!!! :) That is the redeemer thus far. .. Perhaps with more listening I will warm to it, but I can't help comparing it to their earlier works, especially since it contains so many recycled elements. . . . Am I alone in feeling this way?

[@gaijinguineapig]

Wow, I honestly really appreciate your thoughtful critique. I can tell you gave it real thought, and weren't just blasting away for the sake of it. In all honesty, their 'comeback' material hasn't been exactly what I expected. I don't really know what I expected, but it wasn't this. I am enjoying the new songs, and the excitement of being caught up in a new album cycle though. 'Monochrome,' after giving it much thought, is probably my top track of those released thus far. Maybe these songs are growers instead of show-ers?

[@CHRISCONTEPSS]

@@gaijinguineapig Perhaps. . .Yes, "Growers". . . One album or ;four tracks does not a band make or break. TheOne thing for sure is, we are always on their side. 🤘🦊🤘

[@ievgensuvorov2117]

It's not BABYMETAL

[@gaijinguineapig]

Who is it then!? Nah, I'm just fuckin' with ya. Not your cup o' tea. I can respect that.