Babymetal - Metal Kingdom Reaction - PopCulture Reacts

A Saturday night special treat as Lacey and Seddon listen to the latest Babymetal track. Is Metal Kingdom making it onto our playlists?
Let us know your thoughts on this track and how you think it ranks in the Babymetal discography.
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#reaction #reactionvideo #reacts #musicreaction #music #babymetal #babymetalreaction

[@htusda1]

I was at that live concert, and please believe me when I say that this OPENING song moved most people around me to tears, and chanting with Su and Moa was not repetitive at all. The lyrics to this song is reflected very well into the overall performance. This also leads very naturally to the second song which is Divine Attack. I strongly believe that BABYMETAL is best appreciated LIVE.

[@Icipher353]

Exactly. It was nothing short of breathtaking being there and experiencing it live.

[@PopCultureProductions]

Thanks for the heads up about it leading into the second track. I will try and convince Mr Lacey to do another Saturday special this week for Divine Attack as that may add the context and the payoff we both felt were missing here.

[@PopCultureProductions]

This certainly seems to be a theme from other comments. I am glad you got to experience it live.

[@htusda1]

@@PopCultureProductions Thank you for your kind consideration - from a 74 year old geyser: who's pet loss of an 18 year old dog was cured in just one night after encountering BABYMETAL's Akatsuki, and was so hooked, I flew from DC to Japan just for the concert. Addition to my comment would be: for most of their songs, it is good if the general direction of the song (lyrics) is in our minds when listening. On htat note, Monochrome is such a song, which is the only one I know that had official lyrics on their video clip.

[@PopCultureProductions]

@@htusda1 I fluctuate between having the lyrics on my second screen and not on some of our first time reactions even if there is a lyric video or not. Some bands I prefer to just swallow in the voice and the music on first go. I did that with this however I have since read the lyrics. Makes a lot of sense in the regards of this being the first chapter of something further.

[@jakemuller8626]

5:10 Reaction start. Welcome back to the Foxhole and BabyMetal's metalverse 🦊🤘🌐 Is always nice to see old BM fans and reactors coming back to hear more of them, this time returning with a more mature sound and a new BM side we've never seen before. This is why BabyMetal have no match among any other Japanese artists, top notch worldwide. Many others are finding Game Of Thrones resemblance on this stage setup, it looks insane. The ten prophets are holding crosiers with "The Other One" logo which is similar to the infinite symbol "OO" and is the title of upcoming 4th album. The girls are carrying some kind of trident similar to the Spear Of Destiny or Lance Of Longinus from Evangelion anime series, if you know MoaMetal you know you got be careful with her. 🔱 Here's some official info about this song: METAL KINGDOM (THRONE) _It is a powerful anthem ushering in the beginning of a new era while also representing the power and courage to step forward into uncharted territory. The track conveys imagery of one rising powerfully from the throne of silence, with a suitable fanfare announcing this new beginning._ At the end of January at Makuhari Messe they held two great live shows returning to the stage after almost two years. and by far they meet up my expectations with this epic live performance and top notch production. SuMetal and MoaMetal showing why they're a queen and princess deserving their thrones. The cinematic drone shots are just insane. We were expecting this live proshot version but we'll have to wait next month for live sound. We got so many big news and announcements, a new official member is coming (most likely Momoko Okazaki, the one who has been performing with them all these years and latest live concerts) next live shows in April 1 (Fox Day) when returning once again with another headlining shows at PIA ARENA MM Yokohama. Also they performed with a new BM mirror unit coming from another world of this metalverse, so we're guessing maybe some of the older kawaii metal songs they don't play anymore will be back with this new unit, so stay tuned for more but like always OTFGK. You can find the official lyrics pinned in the comments but here's the lyrics translated for you in my next reply. Thanks for sharing this and don't forget to put your kitsune up!🦊🤘👑

[@jakemuller8626]

*METAL KINGDOM* lyrics: LYRICIST: Kitsune of Metal God ARRANGER: TatsuoMetal [Verse 1: Sumetal] We’re going through the passing times This world is crumbling We live while wandering A heart lost in darkness Hold me tight until dawn In that bright place Aim for tomorrow [Pre-Chorus: Moametal & Sumetal] Raise your hands to the lord Raise your voice to the world Raise your flag. Let’s be together... [Chorus: Sumetal] Stand up KINGDOM Unleash your FREEDOM Endless journey. Endless dream Wake up KINGDOM Get it, FREEDOM Raise the signal, go on without hesitation Trust your friend [Bridge: Sumetal] Negative words I don’t need a way back In that bright place Let’s live tomorrow [Pre-Chorus: Moametal & Sumetal] Raise your head to the lord. Raise your sword to the sky Raise your fists. Let’s be together... [Chorus: Sumetal] Stand up KINGDOM Unleash your FREEDOM Endless journey Endless dream Wake up KINGDOM Get it, FREEDOM Prove it Burn your life Believe in miracles [Verse 2: Sumetal] It’s the beginning song Deliver our voice Resonate, our voices Open up a new era Let it ring, it’s our voice Play it, our singing voice [Chorus: Sumetal] The sword of pledge Raise it up for tomorrow The unknown path Create it with those hands Stand up KINGDOM Unleash your FREEDOM Endless journey Endless dream Wake up KINGDOM Get it, FREEDOM It’s dawn, bathing in the light Cut through the darkness

[@PopCultureProductions]

thanks for having us in the metalverse sphere. This is quite a shock to the system as a jump from the first Babymetal album. That being said i am always a huge fan of bands evolving the sound they have to who they are at recording and what they want to be. The more i have thought about this track the more it has served up a great entree to me wanting to experience the whole mela. I saw a lot of images referring to The Other one when putting together the thumb nail. i am defo in for the full ride of this album and really appreciate the effort you have gone to give us background.

[@PopCultureProductions]

And again thanks for the extra effort. It is really appreciated.

[@jakemuller8626]

@@PopCultureProductions I get it, don't worry, if you jump from first or second album right to this without passing through Metal Galaxy (3rd album) then transition is hard to understand, one thing for sure is they're not teenagers anymore and is really hard to bring back those days when the contrast between them being so young and the heavy music behind were really notorious, now they're all grown up and trying to push forward giving us new songs and understanding that concept is hard to keep when being so mature, however, in order to reinvent themselves, during latest concerts they're giving us a new BM mirror unit coming from this alternative world of this metalverse, all of them teenagers just like them when starting this project, they sang together "Doki Doki Morning", my guess is they're gonna play kawaii metal songs from early era they (original BM) don't play anymore, however even hits from first album like Headbanger!! Megitsune, IDZ, and Gimme Chocolate! are still in the setlist because those are all time BM classics and fans love it everytime. We'll see more about it next live shows in April. Stay tuned for more and thanks for understanding this new BM side.🦊🤘

[@road-runner]

This is the first track of their new concept album being released next month but not the first single. They "needed" to release it as a single because they were going to perform it as an opening number as you can see on the visuals of this music video. This opening number leads to the next song of the album and the actual first single: "Divine Attack". Like many times, this song needs a context and we don't have the whole picture until the whole album is released. But so far, "Metal Kingdom" sounds like an epic harangue from Queen Su-metal and Shōgun Moametal to the hordes of kitsunes before the battle. While "Divine attack" is more like a direct call to arms. 🤘🦊

[@PopCultureProductions]

I am very much down for seeing how it all comes together on the albums release. In fact going to fast track Divine Attack for a reaction next Saturday to experience chapter 2 from the album as soon as possible.

[@Grington300]

Good reaction. 'Metal Kingdom' is the third single they have released so far ('Divine Attack' and 'Monochrome' were released in October and November) in advance of their 4th album which will be released on 24th March. 'Metal Kingdom' will be the opening track - the album is apparently some sort of concept album, as such 'Metal Kingdom' acts as the intro and there will be 2 more singles released before the album comes out. Of course, being the album intro, they also used it for the huge, theatrical opening number for the concerts they played just three weeks ago and it is great for getting the crowd involved and singing along right from the start of the show. This was filmed at those concerts - as the video was released less than a week after filming they have used the studio audio .... but it is still epic.🤘🦊🤘We will have to wait for the DVD for the live audio. Give it a couple more listens, I would put money on it growing on you more each time - it does constantly build and now you know you won't be getting that big crescendo or the shredding guitar solo you won't be trying to anticipate it and you can just appreciate the song for what it is all the more. You want more songs - maybe some off the third album that I'm guessing you may not know as well as the first two? That album has a light side (more pop and electronica biased) and a dark side (back towards the more metal end of the BABYMETAL sliding scale). From the light side a couple of fun ones reminiscent of the mood of the first album perhaps - try 'Shanti, Shanti, Shanti' (ideally live as the video editor overdid the kaleidoscope effects on the official video), or 'Oh! Majinai' featuring Joakim Broden, the lead vocalist with Sabaton. From the dark side I would have to recommend the "Trilogy of Lights" - 'Starlight', 'Shine' and 'Arkadia'. These 3 songs close the album and they represent the stages of mourning we go through after losing somebody close. Many fans believe they pay tribute to Mikio Fujioka (RIP), the Kami Band guitarist who died in January 2018 a few days after falling from an observation deck where he had been stargazing. That theory has never been confirmed as true by anybody officially associated with the band, but some of the lyrics and one or two performances of the songs make it hard to believe there is nothing in it. 'Starlight' is about the initial shock, anger and grief (this was also released on the same day in October 2018 that Yuimetal announced she would be leaving the band after a 12 month absence because of poor health). 'Shine' is about coming to terms with and accepting the loss. The Legend M performance from 2019 (Moametal's 20th birthday celebration) is arguably their finest live performance to date. 'Arkadia' is about looking to the future, never forgetting the past but anticipating better times to come. Look for the Babymetal Reactor Resource channel, click on the 'Future Plans' video and follow links in the description to find live videos you can safely use for your reactions ... especially the Legend M performance of 'Shine'.

[@PopCultureProductions]

At the very least this has made me much more excited for upcoming album and this as an Intro holding a much bigger impact in context with what comes next. Was it the whole album being performed at the live shows. If yes would be very keen on seeing the whole concert. the set was spectacular for this as well as the staging. Somewhat of an operatic feel. I think we will stick with this album cycle for Reactions going forward and then circle back to the start. Thanks for all the info and moreso the time to let us know.

[@Grington300]

@@PopCultureProductions They played this and the other two songs already released plus two more new ones (I think one of those will be released as a single within the next few days) and another 8 songs from the first 3 albums. At the end of the second concert they announced two new concerts for 1st and 2nd April and teased the reveal of a new permanent third member. I wouldn't be surprised if those shows are used to debut the rest of the songs from the album. It is a concept album - I'm not sure exactly what that will result in, but from the songs released so far and the snippets of the other songs I have heard it feels to me like a lot of the focus for this album, apart from the concept, will be on Su-metal's vocals.

[@userone6140]

I found that this song grew on me with each listen. You almost have to get over that assumption that it'll explode into old school Babymetal. But yeah, it definitely has an intro vibe - both for the album and live shows. I think it leads into Divine Attack on the album, which gives you that pay off - especially when you listen to them back to back.

[@Jordan-Ramses]

It's not a great listen to song. Monochrome and Divine Attack are both better imo. It's a live performance song.

[@PopCultureProductions]

I think I will be like you with this. I certainly think that when listened to in conjunction with the rest of the album it will be contextually more appreciated by me. I think the best compliment I can pay it is that it has made me want more and I am really interested to see where this maturation goes.

[@PopCultureProductions]

Going to try and get Divine attack reacted to and on the channel for next Saturday. I feel, from the comments, that this might give me what I thought was lacking.

[@htusda1]

@@PopCultureProductions Great thought!!! So here is the set list for the live concert => METAL KINGDOM/ Divine Attack/ Distortion/ PA PA YA/ Gimme Chocolate/ Megitsune/ Doki Doki Morning/ Light and Darkness/ Monochrome/ Headbanger/ Ijime Dame Zettai/ Road of Resistance/ THE LEGEND So you can tell how all of us were tearing through the first two songs, then moshing and shouting, jumping up and down for a while, then back to getting our tear-glands busted for Monochrome. During Monochrome Su asked us to turn on our cell phone lights (to which all of us were like: "Yes, your royal highness!") it was beautiful!!! I know this is an old trick, but worked perfectly, especially with Su talking to us about how lovely it is... like stars. (You can imagine her voice, right? She is a person with few words, but carries weight.) and then it's back to moshing! I cannot believe my 74 year old body was in the mosh'sh pit for the entirety of Road of Resistance, twirling a muffler in my hand as I high-fived those around the pit. I cannot think of other groups that can make so many people go happily nuts and then bust their tear-glands in the same concert.

[@mr_ozio]

It's ok if you don't like it, but as a proper stupid fanatic I just have to click dislike.

[@mr_ozio]

It doesn't mean that I disrespect you or something.

[@PopCultureProductions]

That is what the thumbs are for and I encourage people to use them however they see fit. To be honest I've never really looked at them. It is the engagement with music lovers in the comments that I love. Just to clarify though I did like the song. I just felt that it was a good song that promised a crescendo that didn't come. That being said though a lot of comments have said that it transitions into Divine Attack so I am hoping to get a reaction in for next week for that.

[@PopCultureProductions]

Thanks for saying.

[@gaplauche]

Metal Kingdom is the opening track of Babymetal's upcoming concept album The Other One (March 24, 2023). They also used it to open their return-from-hiatus concerts at the end of January a few weeks ago, which is where this video footage is from. If you want to listen to the next song on the album, also played next at the aforementioned concerts, check out Divine Attack: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZi4iGWFo7Wpfqs. This is a visualizer video, no music video or live concert footage. Divine Attack was released as the first single for the album in October last year (2022).

[@PopCultureProductions]

Thanks for the context Geoffrey. I am intrigued to listen to Divine attack and by extension the whole album when it drops. Will hopefully get a reaction up for Divine Attack next weekend.

[@zilch634]

Bad choices are common in the world 😆 you are right 😁 this is also fate, I believe we will meet a good choice somewhere, because... it is the one and only BABYMETAL😊. Hope to meet HAPPY METAL one day!

[@PopCultureProductions]

I think we will be coming back for more as now people have talked about how this is the opening track of the soon to be released concept album I am very interested. The song was full of promise and build so look forward to hearing the payoff. One of the tricky parts of the reactions to singular songs is it loses the context of what it is set up to achieve on an album. Especially a concept album.

[@onigiri9964]

This is the first song of their concept album, so you are exactly right...Next song was Divine Attack.

[@PopCultureProductions]

I do like me a concept album. I am going to see if Mr Lacey would like to do a follow up for next Saturday to go into Divine Attack. Thanks for letting us know.

[@laughingbuddha2948]

Some people look at a sunset, and say it's fake. Their loss.

[@PopCultureProductions]

Some people look at the sunset for a small portion of the time it is setting and say they think the whole experience would have been better if I got the whole sunset. Now that is still probably on the person to not have seen the whole thing however they can only react to what is provided.

[@rah2287]

Opening song/performance of their latest concerts 3 weeks ago in Japan. Two consecutive sold out nights. The world class touring backup Kami Band (which usually gets more visual time) was present (you saw one fleeting moment of a guitar). It is believed that they will be announcing their third permanent member on April 1 in the concert at Yokohama. BabyMetal has over 50 LIVE song/performances and each song is different. They are fearless exploring many genres and have the respect of the legends of Metal such as Metallica, Slipknot, Rob Zombie, Guns and Roses, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Judas Priest and more.

[@PopCultureProductions]

As I said i have liked everything I have ever heard from them. I would go as far as saying a big fan of what I have experienced of the band. This was a good setup however when experiencing it as a singular piece on an initial reaction it just lacked the payoff I wanted. I am looking forward to listening to this album though I think it may hit me more when experienced with the rest of the tracks.

[@rah2287]

Understood. I think for an opening song for a concept album it sets the tone and is a great opening LIVE song/performance that sets the stage for the rest of the concert. Suzuka’s beautiful unparalleled vocals are haunting here. Those who I have read comments from that attended the concerts three weekends ago stated that Suzuka’s performance on Monochrome was moving.

[@PopCultureProductions]

@@rah2287 The more i have thought about it since listening it does feel like the strongest vocals I have heard from them so far. Context wise though I haven't listened to everything so this is just from my sample size. Looking forward to going through the whole album (when it is out) now.

[@rah2287]

👍

[@PopCultureProductions]

@@rah2287 😃

[@Lacey555666]

More next week as now you wonderful people in the comments letting us know it is the intro to the album it makes much more sense

[@PopCultureProductions]

Looking forward to it.

[@JesusBuddha]

However..............all your comment is so outdated。Laughable comment

[@lencooke944]

How so?

[@PopCultureProductions]

I guess if I am looking for a positive at least we made you laugh.

[@PopCultureProductions]

I guess as my major experience is from a different era of the band then I am somewhat outdated. Nice thing about coming back to them though is I will be upto date soon.