WHY NOVELTY METAL BANDS ARE AWFUL (or awesome???)

[@ThePunkRockMBA]

Click here www.allform.com/punkrock for 20% off the sofa of your choice - plus free shipping within the US! We love our new couch!

[@WithScienceAsMySheperd]

steel panther are the HARLEM GLOBE TROTTERS of glam rock / hair metal

[@WithScienceAsMySheperd]

@11:30 if you mention okily dokily an d NOT Psychostick you didnt do research mate... Psychostick takes their spot in a half beat

[@codyfriesser8807]

Did you forget about Spinal Tap

[@Grimeyhoob]

Finn - I think the basic premise is that in order for any image-heavy band to be successful within the realms of punk or rock or metal, they have to have well written songs that people enjoy. That’s the basic prerequisite. If you don’t have good songs, then fans will just see the image as a cheap attempt at substituting poor songwriting for some flashy veneer. Those kind of bands don’t last long usually. Whether it’s Ghost or Misfits or Kiss or Slipknot or Ozzy Osbourne or Casualties or the Nekromantix or Cannibal Corpse - the one common theme is that they have well written songs that people enjoy, first and foremost, the image is a synergetic complement to the songwriting rather than being the core element. Together the songwriting and the image have synergies in creating a great band. But without the core songwriting, it’s nothing.

[@rafalskoczkowski4104]

Would be great to see you cover Pentakill as part of this if you do a part 2

[@Sam-nr8sj]

“I’m not into dorky stuff” -Finn Mckenty, extreme music enthusiast

[@amberlinmchugh8115]

I would say I'm not either but one of the best shows ever was GWAR in 91 in tiajuana. I'll never forget the look on the border patrols faces when a couple hundred people drenched in blood tried to cross back into the US

[@OneShotdeathCrew]

It makes him uncomfortable to see someone as dorky and nerdy as he is I guess.

[@dougs8196]

Dude is into finance. He's a dork. He just doesn't want to accept it cause he's keeping it real.

[@deadbodybaby1]

Finn is a butt rock enthusiast

[@scottroach3233]

@@amberlinmchugh8115 I never was a big fan of Gwar. My first show was epic. They would come to Tampa every winter and the show was different every year. Good times for sure.

[@robertjohn8726]

Okilly Dokilly is honesty some of the best Ned Flanders based hardcore I’ve ever heard

[@davidclark3588]

Definitely in my top 5 Ned Flanders inspired hardcore bands

[@jimmyseit934]

Best nedcore band of all time

[@Apathesis0]

Solid good tunes

[@soundhealingbygene]

Those dudes are so chill. I met them while living in Phoenix where they are from.

[@ElOchentero]

Thats oddly specific

[@drdiva70]

Heavy metal has traditionaly been very theatrical. Maiden, Priest, Dio, Ozzy, Slayer. I think we’re good on bands featuring five guys in jeans and t-shirts. A good visual doesn’t mean they have to sacrifice good songwriting. Bring on the leather chaps!

[@komiczar3029]

Bands like Slipknot, ICP, Kiss, Alice Cooper, etc... the more gimmicky theatrical stuff do AMAZING in my hometown of Detroit. I worked at the majestic theater for years and i got to meet the head of roadrunner records back in like 2006 and he was telling me the history of Detroit tour stops for many of his bands and othe big acts... HE said the people here work hard and live hard lives so they wanna see a fucking show lol.... totally makes sense.

[@sgt_slobber.7628]

The Ass Cut Chaps!!!!!! LOL!!!!!

[@dr.juerdotitsgo5119]

I think elaborate visuals and themes work great on album artwork. Live in front of people looks ridiculous, takes away all the mystique, especially when it's a bunch of grown men in their cash-in anniversary reunion tour or whatever. Slayer guys pushing 60 playing Raining Blood while fake blood is literally falling on stage is one of the cringiest things I've ever seen in my life.

[@BungleGrindClown]

GWAR are actually great musicians and have cool, comical mythos. Also great band to see live

[@trojan6530]

Fuck yeah...they are great....and every show is AWESOME!! LONG LIVE GWAR.

[@Shred_Tube]

Their lead singer overdosed on heroin, if that doesnt say "great band" then idk what does

[@hithere4719]

@@Shred_Tube”I want my rockstars DEAD!” -Bill Hicks

[@NWJF]

Scumdogs checking in

[@corneliusagrippa4613]

​@@Shred_TubeDave Brockie WAS an experience.

[@andyb1653]

Alestorm is adorable. How can you hate a bunch of guys who are clearly just having a ton of fun?

[@drexelmarz7144]

Alestorm is good, but Turisas is better!!

[@CylonModel2]

Because the members are racist and misogynst...

[@stephandemedts8894]

Nothing better than european folk metal for a pogo night where you actually have a lot of fun. 🤘😂

[@meowtherainbowx4163]

I think they’re also pretty damn good songwriters, especially as far as metal goes. “Drink” is a catchy banger. “1741” shows that they can be serious and epic when they want to be. Their recent single “Magellan’s Expedition” shows that they’ve still got it. “Pirate Metal Drinking Crew” is just dumb fun all around.

[@veightyone]

went to the comments just to add i really like Alestorm and overall pirate metal as a genre, and yes, i'm an European

[@dylanadams1455]

About 20 years ago I saw an amazing band called Dread Zeppelin. Reggae covers of Led Zep, with a fat Elvis impersonator called Tortelvis doing the singing. The only other thing I remember was the bassist wore a Tarzan loincloth and used a child's bass. Everybody else was dressed crazy like they were in Funkadelic. They kicked ass too.

[@FatShants]

I used to have the vinyl single that had Elvis and Bob Marley shaking hands in front of the Hindenburg on the sleeve back in the day. Dudes are awesome.

[@philbannen3246]

They put on a great live show!

[@Gixsir]

I had a mushroom trip like that but not as wild

[@efromhb]

They were fun to see in the LA/OC area...always playing somewhere.

[@richardchoi168]

I had their 1990 album Un-Led-Ed. It was pretty awesome.

[@MrMetalMan]

I think gimmicks are great honestly. Personally I don't like GWAR, Steel panther, Babymetal and most of ghosts music. But having an image like these guys are their own form of art, and I can't bash people's own personal preference of art.

[@ryanlust1350]

Totally agree with you

[@Quicklost182]

Well said Mr. Metal

[@southbayspike]

Don’t like GWAR? Listen to the album Violence Has Arrived in full and get back to me.

[@bennymountain1]

Steel Panther's debut and Ghost's latest are pretty good, tho.

[@James_Rustled]

GWAR is a band I simultaneously like and don’t really care for. It’s just so ridiculous I can’t not like it, but I don’t like it. Hard to explain

[@FHL-Devils]

Whether you like Babymetal or not, their lead singer is absolutely fantastic - it's obvious from her melodic stuff that she is legitimately talented.

[@limegreenpatato]

Their whole band is legit.

[@JP-1990]

The Japanese really do put a lot of emphasis on melodies in their music that we don't get nearly enough of here in the West.

[@Bryanpeacock33]

I love the metal band backstreet boys

[@snefansson]

@@JP-1990 I'd suggest you take a peek on Finnish metal in the 90s-2010s(not sure how it sounds now a days) and tell me there isn't enough melodies lol

[@Compic]

the main thing which stops me from liking BABYMETAL is vocals, go figure

[@Scrowlock12]

Alestorm definitely holds up. Makes me want to get drunk and steal treasure.

[@kyleuhlig1529]

Definitely agree. They're a legitimately good folk punk band, just with a pirate theme. Also, how can you listen to Fucked With An Anchor after a few beers and not have a good time?

[@unleashsentinel]

The title track off Black sails at midnight. Same name obviously. Just drink beer and bang ya fkn head....

[@drexelmarz7144]

If you guys like Alestorm, you should check out Turisas. They're like Alestorm's rivals in parody sense & they're great live

[@jhutt8002]

Exactly! There's no better music to listen while getting hammered on whishkey, rum and beer and smoking cigars.

[@feroxk.9266]

@@kyleuhlig1529 people forget how Thrashy the old stuff was. and then... Keelhauled ftw

[@CherryWallflower]

For Babymetal, you have to also consider that they have female fans too. I'm Asian-American and the rock-scene, let alone metal scene, in America is very white and male. Sure, the girls didn't know about metal before the project, but it's not like we were born knowing what metal was lol. Seeing the girls rock the stage and absolutely kill it every time makes me feel so inspired and proud. I like the fact that they're still cutesy and girly but very POWERFUL at the same time. You also have to consider too that with idol groups, yeah looks are important, but skill is important too. Su-metal is an amazing vocalist and the groups total dancing skills and stamina to be so sharp for full concerts is true athleticism.

[@pancakeburglar9361]

Dethklok was definitely a gateway band for me to get into more extreme metal sub genres. I really like Sleep Token, I don’t really care about the lore but they’re great musicians and I really hope they continue to succeed.

[@UltimateGamerCC]

same Dethklok was hard but the Lyrics were never illegible or mumbling in any way, i loved that and they helped me get into Death Metal where Dethklok is the bar and the bands i listen to have to get over that bar.

[@satanicgrizzlypuss8737]

Two words. Nickle back

[@UltimateGamerCC]

@bifteque agreed, he deserves to be with the other metal gods.

[@GeeVanderplas]

I think the problem with Ghost for many metalheads is they expected some kind of black metal but got 70s occult hard rock. Within that genre they are actually pretty decent, especially now that they are mixing it up with disco and new wave influences to create a more unique sound.

[@notyourjakey]

It's so annoying to see people go into something with certain expectations, find out they were wrong, and then call the thing bad just because they thought it was something different instead of judging it based on what it actually is. It's like someone saying "my pet likes to run all over the place when new people are around" and then you visit them expecting a dog but instead it's a very excited cat, and saying 100% seriously "damn, this dog sucks"

[@floydsemlow8253]

I wasn't really looking for black metal or call 70s rock I was looking for something dark and sinister like #portal if you never heard of please check them out because that's what I was kind of gearing for with Ghost

[@QuestNation3221]

Hmmmm maybe boring metal elitists should stop being utter pricks. Ghost are one of the most successful bands of the last 10 years. All of their albums are amazing and they are fantastic live.

[@transsexual_computer_faery]

for me it was just really jarring because i never expected that visual theatricality to go with what is essentially just prog rock. listened to the first album and was like "hmm, weird, moving on" lol. PERSONALLY i would not understand why they are successful in the first place because the music didn't seem anything special (tho well executed), but then again art is subjective and whatnot. i did 100% think "some kind of black metal" when first saw the promo photos years ago.

[@brodieyake7735]

I purchased Ghost's first album on January 20th, 2011 only two days after it was released in America and one day before my sixteenth birthday. I purchased the album based solely on the cover art and band name alone expecting 45bpm doom metal and a vocalist who incoherently growled like Cookie Monster, but what greeted my expectations was nothing shy of a surprise. Evil melodic hard rock whose genre identity seemed to recline comfortably between the attitude of early Black Sabbath and musicality of Blue Oyster Cult wasn't what I was expecting, but I was hooked. I didn't LOVE the album, but I was a semi-regular listener and recommended the album to other metalhead friends of mine. It wasn't until I found out about the band's cover of The Beatles's "Here Comes The Sun" that really made me love them. I thought the idea of a doomy satanic rock band clad in skull face paint and druid hoods covering one of the most beautiful songs of all time seemed completely ridiculous, but I was surprised once again. It's absolutely fantastic and still stands as one of the best song covers I've ever heard; a cover that alters the mood and tone of the original in a way that both honors the original while organically inflecting it with the artist's own style. I absolutely loved it and have been in Ghost's corner ever since.

[@-Zer0Dark-]

I was introduced with similar expectations, and was equally surprised. They might trigger the Metal purists, but Ghost is legitimately good music regardless of genre or gimmick.

[@UltimateGamerCC]

i definitely adore how Ghost messes with expectations, i been hooked ever since catching Square Hammer.

[@kuromyou7969]

I've never seen a band fandom as active as Ghost's.

[@Humongous420]

GHOST sucks ALL the Richards. Worst band in the world second only to Brain Tentacle and current Vince Neil/Bon Jovi

[@holylibations]

I'm an OG fan as well. Bought Opus in 2010 after seeing an ad for the album/band in a magazine and bought it based on that alone. Honestly didn't know what to expect other than occult-esc something. I was blown away. One of my top fave records. Not as into the newer album but Opus still is a go to.

[@kyleohlmann3488]

I really enjoy when bands have some level of gimmick to them, even just a surface-level aesthetic. BAND-MAID’s outfits are a hook and then their music blows you away, Starset’s sci-fi trappings give a really neat context to solid music, and Babymetal is just FUN which too much western rock/metal is lacking. Tbh that’s probably why I like the gimmicks, lets there be some fun and not all deadly serious, even though that’s fun in its own right at other times

[@kurrupoppo6937]

Agreed, Band-Maid is truly mind blowing how good they actually are.

[@ManticoreSigma]

Thanks for mentioning Band Maid! They've become one of my favourite bands ever (and my daughters). And I'm more of a tech death guy ;) But it's true: Came for the gimmick, stayed for the music.

[@greygreygray]

Starset is dope

[@Ravenz91]

Bold to mention BAND-MAID considering Finn’s take on Japanese Metal bands recently. I love them too. BabyMetal were absolutely great live too. And their music is so diverse. People just got so caught up in the Idol thing when they first started, that they were just so dismissive, and that tended to stick for a lot of people.

[@AJ-wh1tw]

Absolutely was here looking for Band-Maid comments, did not take long.

[@lupo3694]

When you you said "Would anyone listen to Tenacious D without the goofy lyrics, no" I thought, well there is a lot of music, I wouldn't listen to without their lyrics. Lyrics are really important to me. Are lyrics, in general, just a gimmick to you? Or are they just a gimmick, when they are funny? I'm having trouble with your line of argumentation here.

[@bernardocatrilef2846]

Tenacious D songs without the lyrics are Great, the guitar work is amazing.

[@CeeJayThe13th]

I pretty much won't listen to anything without vocals. At least not for very long.

[@buffalothebison4850]

I'd listen to jack black sing anything. He's just that vocally talented.

[@Chic_Ken]

Lyrics are overrated

[@johnterpack3940]

I took it to mean that the same vocals with "serious" lyrics wouldn't be successful. Jack Black is not a good singer.

[@starman6468]

I remember listening to only a couple babymetal songs because of the cute girls gimmick but the more inquired into their material I fell in love with their music and live performances. Fucking masterpiece of a band

[@moonman6487]

Guga foods

[@blakethetank]

yep, same but he's right the 'gimmick' hooks you in

[@Roanmonster]

Honestly the fact that they're supposedly nothing behind the "gimmicky" part really says more about the fans than about the musicians themselves.

[@bobbydrex5268]

Steel Panther are incredible live, they're ridiculous (the point) but they are incredible. Satchel is a top-tier guitarist also.

[@alexscheuerman8899]

Steel panther easily tops the list of worst live performances I've ever seen. Dude would not shut the fuck up. Yeah great to your fanbase they know that you're just a mockery of everything but to someone who has never seen their band or know anything about them hearing some guy address the audience more than any music leaves a horrible taste in your mouth.

[@kilsoo]

lol saw them in hollywood many years ago. Satch hooked up to suspension cables and was raised up above the stage. The immediate image I saw was a grown man hanging from the cables like how an infant hang from those front facing backpacks for babies. Arms and legs dangling just like it. Ridiculous is a great word.

[@Mu4dD1b15]

I saw them right before the pandemic they're still pretty damn good. But they are still incredibly ridiculous.

[@bennymountain1]

For real, they're like half stand up comedy, half live show.

[@briansutton6354]

im usually in tears laughing

[@starcloister4651]

I honestly don't mind bands that dress up or that have a gimmick. I love stuff like that. Why the heck would you be boring and wear your normal clothes when you perform? And I like bands like Coheed and Cambria where the albums have an overarching story and lore. One of my favorite bands of all time is Genesis back in the Peter Gabriel days when he would wear elaborate costumes. It doesn't make the music worse or better, but IMO it makes the performances better.

[@kriskeen6739]

Ghost are, in my opinion, the best thing to come out of guitar music in the 2010s. Full stop. They've gone from basically nothing to doing arena tours, which is incredible given how few rock and metal acts that aren't rooted in, at the latest, the early 2000s, actually manage to do that. And they're just fun.

[@everthealtruist]

They also showed how metal doesn't have to be inaccessible by design. Like it doesn't have to be all pig squeals and blast beats to be good modern metal.

[@777malkavian]

@@everthealtruist But it's rock?

[@lolokbr]

Tobias Forge is a branding genius. He really embraces the wholistic approach to developing an image for the product or service you're trying to sell, and I think it's this mentality that has allowed them to take the path you described from obscurity to fame. The costumes, lore, music videos, live-performance theatrics, parody, intrigue, and just plain fun all work seamlessly together to enhance the music. Really takes them beyond being just another metal band.

[@DeadzoneMusic]

Bring me the Horizon tho

[@staruletto9194]

@@lolokbr Sweden in general is just good at branding. I live in Norway and a good majority of the big chain stores are from Sweden, not to mention H&M and ikea being huge globally. Swedes can fucking market.

[@enterthenameyo]

BABYMETAL and their musical journey and growth have been such a delight. They're really an iceberg of a group where your first impression can never prepare you for the rabbit hole you'll fall into

[@amulet2235]

Not even a huge babymetal fan but I don’t see the importance of the fact that their attractiveness helps them. It’s no different than oli sykes being attractive helps his band. The music still has to be good or people won’t listen

[@fargieindra86]

Exactly. Imagine if they were 3 boys rather than girls. Nobody would even want to bat an eye on them.

[@flbpgaming6375]

Their essentially a kpop band for metal. Yeah, it's about their attractiveness as well. I'm more in arms he called them a weefu? He really wasn't lying about the nerdy stuff. But we all do love a good waifu

[@JoshuaKieschnick]

I only found out that sleep token was a gimmick band from this video. I just found them randomly and legitimately liked their music without even knowing this. I think that's also a good sign when their music stands on its own

[@wg5331]

Good takes on these bands but I need to disagree with Tenacious D. To this day, when their songs are played at bars, the customers all sing together and enjoy the music. It’s music that still has its place like all bands do.

[@kgonlaostia]

This is not a disagreement, it does not invalidate what Finn said about Tenacious D. He said their lyrics are their gimmick; being popular doesn't mean that they are not. And I agree with both points: their fun lyrics are their gimmick, and they are popular and good musicians. :)

[@jakechinatown]

Yeah, Tenacious D rules.

[@jakechinatown]

@@kgonlaostia Funny lyrics aren't a gimmick what he hell lol

[@kgonlaostia]

@@jakechinatown, if your lyrics are just for fun, of course they can be. Ask Attila, Electric Callboy or We butter the bread with butter if they are serious about what they sing, hahahahahahaha.

[@jakechinatown]

@@kgonlaostia is Ween a joke band?

[@butterbagboy]

The thing that struck me when I saw Mac Sabbath live was how good they were able to play in those very restrictive costumes

[@michaelbarbarich3965]

GWAR's albums from the early 2000's through the early 2010's are AMAZING. Corey Smoot was an incredible musician. They definitely hold up.

[@satanicgrizzlypuss8737]

Waht Boot photograph by Nickelback?

[@mattmatthews5414]

I just posted that Violence Has Arrived is really a standout metal album.

[@jonlucas22]

yea if he's talking about scumdogs it's only the real gwar fans that like that stuff, but their later stuff like war party definitely does hold up kinda bad take that ghost holds up but gwar doesn't imo.

[@contagiouschipmunk]

Our lords and masters shouldn’t be reduced to “ gimmicks.”

[@chrissandoval7675]

don't discount their works in the '90s. that first album was beautiful low-fi rock. jacques cousteau is an all time classice.

[@andyhillhouse9813]

Gwar is hands down one of the tightest bands I've ever heard. Saw them live in 2019 and even with all the costumes and the fact they were down a guitarist they didn't miss a note all night!

[@marcstromberg]

I almost always react with positivity when I hear about a gimmick band. I am more provoked by guys in t-shirts and snapbacks standing onstage looking down at their instruments, demanding that you are entertained and respect them. Gimmick bands knows exactly what this is: Pure Fun Entertainment. I will greet every gimmick band with open loving arms. Thanks for the great video, Finn!

[@JBabyLeather]

Same

[@Zeeangelofdeath]

To me Ghost are the real deal. Their music can stand on its own. The visuals are the extra touch. They have a bit of everything 70’ spooky sounds, 80’’s glam, doom metal, ballads, progressive, but within the same theme, the occult. I feel the problem some elites have is they think they have to put them in a category, when they don’t really belong in any category because they are comfortable playing it all. To me they are a music lovers delight because you must like all music and not just one kind

[@teddyfartypants]

I like them but they're not metal

[@teddyfartypants]

Also, look up Repugnant, their singers death metal outfit ca 2004

[@barricademadness]

​@@teddyfartypantsno one asked.

[@dingleburg2665]

@@barricademadnessno need to be a douche

[@barricademadness]

@@dingleburg2665 im sorry i suffer from bofa :( incurable

[@v-eye-p8444]

I been working security at rock shows since the 90's BABYMETAL puts on a great show from start to finish

[@FleaMarketFalcon]

Tenacious D has super catchy songs and the goofy lyrics just make it even more enjoyable, IMO

[@FatShants]

Jesus Ranch and Rocketsauce are my jams.

[@justinchastant9246]

Tenacious D are actually good musicians and much more skilled than many of the bands on this list including ones Finn says hold up.

[@gracekindred7510]

Unpopular Opinon: I really like Ghost, I dig their sound and their gimmick is very interesting to me.

[@lightningmonky7674]

That's a very popular opinion

[@michaelrichardson2391]

Hardly an unpopular opinion, they are one of the biggest rock/metal bands of the moment

[@keepmovingforward1722]

It’s only unpopular within metal

[@CtrlAltFrog]

Meliora is an actual masterpiece and no one talks about it.

[@gracekindred7510]

@@michaelrichardson2391 To each their own. Just my thoughts, I know a lot of people in the metal community who don’t like them for the fact their image doesn’t match the sound in their eyes.

[@ivettesmile]

I had no idea ghost was a hated band lol. I saw them at a festival many years ago not knowing who they were, front row… was amazed at the theatrics which made their music even better! I was hooked from then.

[@DaviFJ]

I remember the first time I heard Baby Metal's Give Me Chocolate, I thought it was hilarious in a ridiculous kind of way. I would go back to watch it once in a while just for shits and giggles, but one day decided to look them up on Spotify and listen to an album. Nowadays, I don't care much for their appearance, I just listen to their music cuz I think it's pretty awesome and inspiring.

[@jaglemans6778]

I think that’s the case for many people. There is undoubtedly an initial shock value with a track like Gimme Chocolate. In fact it was written to illicit that reaction. Thanks to KZbin, they just happened to become a worldwide phenomenon, rather than just break through in Japan. What I don’t get with this guy is him doubling down on the idea people only listen to BABYMETAL because they’re ‘cute girls’. Let’s also put aside the fact they’ve been in this industry for over a decade. Anyone who’s into music can acknowledge there’s great stuff out there. Even if it’s not for them. To break through and have a long lasting, successful, career you need talent and great music. The gimmick will only get you so far.

[@ImaginaryAlchemist]

I love Babymetal! Their music is fun and energetic

[@pro-v7500]

@@jaglemans6778 in the case of Baby Metal, I think a lot of it stems from the fact that they are a j-pop idol group assembled by a bunch suits in a board room. What differs Baby Metal from other j-pop idol groups is that BM happens to have a band of session musicians playing metal music as a ancillary.

[@laughingbuddha2948]

@@pro-v7500 They are NOT assembled by a bunch of suits in a board room. You don't know shit about them. It was an idea of one metalhead working as a producer, who launched his idea, was NOT backed up by the corporate, started the project with borrowed clothes, very little money and a mime band behind the girls. STILL it took off and after a year of playing at shopcentres and small theatres, all in the day because of the girls ages, they were famous enough to get a real band and real concerts. Next time inform yourself before blabbing your mouth.

[@KuhKronus]

@@ImaginaryAlchemist that’s why I like them. It’s just a breath of fresh air from other more serious metal, but without sucking

[@ikedogman1]

Mac Sabbath is actually more than what it looks like from a quick glance. I saw them open for another band and was actually surprised by how much they hold up beyond the basic premise of what they are. When you look at the lyrics and the live show along with the gimmick there’s really a bunch of layers to it. It’s actually kind of a performance art type deal making statements about consumerism and the dark side of capitalism wrapped in a silly concept. I met the singer after the show and said something about them being multilayered and without breaking character (which he seems to never do while in costume) he laughed and said in his best Ozzy voice “I’m glad someone gets it!”

[@RockiesCanada]

I ADORE gimmick bands, as long as their music is also good. BABYMETAL genuinely has great, heavy AF metal once you get past the cutesy exterior. I mean they LITERALLY crucified their singer on stage so that's pretty metal. And Ghost is supposed to be parody of all the 70s rock bands your parents would tell you were "satanic", and they write insanely catchy dad rock.

[@timoratus_music]

Word

[@lynnginn7817]

Agree

[@UltimateGamerCC]

yeah, Square Hammer definitely had Black Sabbath vibes, which i dug IMMEDIATELY.

[@PJBonoVox]

"Literally"

[@Capnsensible80]

Eh, why "get past the cutesy exterior" when there are thousands of other "heavy AF metal" bands that aren't a manufactured, industry plant gimmick with (to me) unappealing vocals and aesthetics. If you like them, awesome. But they're one of those divisive bands you either love or hate.

[@lukedemoss4899]

So glad to hear you talk about Sleep Token. When I first heard about them and saw what they looked like, I kinda wrote them off. But then I saw them open for Issues and Polyphia and they BLEW ME AWAY! The visual component alongside of their music was a very powerful and unforgettable experience.

[@michaelsoltesz3779]

BabyMetal encapsulates FUN. It actually reminds me of how I felt listening to metal in the 80s. The dancing girls, high pitched voices, and pop melodies open them to a wider audience…but there is plenty of old school metal in the mix. They aren’t for everyone but it was a natural evolution to combine Jpop with metal. Metal always mutates and keeps spreading. 😉

[@TheKnyghtblade]

Biggest issue i have with Babymetal is how messed up and creepy tier controlling the idol industry is. it's really hard to be into them knowing how messed up shit is behind the scenes.

[@michaelsoltesz3779]

@@TheKnyghtblade Absolutely. But to be fair…show business of any kind is a nightmare for so many people involved. So many artists ground into dust in the name of profit for their handlers. It is depressing. But at least the cat is out of the bag. The glamour of fame is a double edged sword.

[@TheKnyghtblade]

@@michaelsoltesz3779 Very true, but having both done a ton of research on the subject, and then later having met some former idols, the jpop scene takes it to completely different level. It's the price of stardom i guess, but like, it's definitely worse than western pop stardom, and that should say something considering how toxic it is as you have rightfully pointed out.

[@satanicgrizzlypuss8737]

Is that so?

[@yukino4636]

@@TheKnyghtblade if the jpop idol industry disgusts you, heaven forbid you find out the kpop idol scene is worse! Japan's idol scene is a ghost of what it used to be, it's still awful in several aspects but if you want to see what it can be at its worst, Korea is a beautiful example of greed and disgusting practices

[@JustinLeeper]

I love GWAR, Tenacious D, Babymetal, and Lonely Island. In fact, GWAR is my favorite band ever, and I befriended them, worked with them several times, and even toured as a “slave.”

[@DBSG1976]

I always appreciated how Helmet never really looked the part, but were successful nonetheless.

[@Samurai_Stoner]

The only gimmick band I can't stand is kiss

[@Pahhu]

I feel like the only reason people hate Ghost is because they were somehow branded as "Doom metal" when they are actually far from it. Yeah sure, thematically and image wise they are... but musically they're closer to classic rockers like Blue Oyster Cult than to an actual Doom band. They're their own thing and it's fucking sick. Ghost are unapologetically in my top 5 bands, they make good music.

[@Kotsoros37]

Also the heavy abba pop influence that Tobias talks about being his favorite band, love them.

[@mariki3]

Ghost is getting amazing recognition, my new sect.

[@misfit151]

It's exactly why I can't stand them. They are always on the top "metal" charts. There is nothing metal about the sound at all.

[@markjames8664]

Maybe the actual gimmick is that they appear to be a gimmick-metal band but actually play mainstream rock?

[@GonzoCiosain]

One of my friends from work used to be a roadie for GWAR and was denied use of the showers at a truck stop for being just THAT slathered in fake blood/viscera.

[@1980s_CC]

Back in the 80's all the critics could talk about was our image, our makeup 'gimmick'.They never talked about how great our songs were and our stellar musicianship.

[@rycolligan]

I have seen GWAR live three times spread out over three decades, and I can honestly say they’ve never lost a step, and they’re still one of the best shows you could ever pay money for. If anyone reading this ever gets a chance, you should absolutely go see them.

[@matthewmalleus7135]

Seen them 15 times since 91,but not since Dave died.

[@rycolligan]

@@matthewmalleus7135 It's not the same, but they are still great. You should try to see them if you can!

[@thommysguitarcorner4687]

God, I love Sleep Token. They're just awesome songwriters, and not only the vocalist but also the drummer are absolutely outstanding musicians.

[@wlittle84washere]

I checked them out because of this video and holy shit….

[@FiZ]

I remember when the first Dethklok album was released, it felt like a lot of reviewers didn't quite know what to do with it. I saw a lot of things like 4.5/5 because it was one of the best metal albums in years, but people felt like they needed to take a little off the score because it's ...kind of a parody? I've seen them live three times, and they are phenomenal.

[@galdanag]

Regarding BABYMETAL, you got the origin close enough to what it was. They were not into metal just like most girls their age aren't into that kind of music. What you fail to acknowledge is that they, like any other person, evolve and change through time. They have been with BABYMETAL for almost 12 years now and are heavily invested in the group, so it's not fair to say that they are just a performers anymore. If they didn't like what the are doing, they would have left long ago.

[@jakegunning61]

They still are really anoying

[@galdanag]

@@jakegunning61 That's a personal opinion, they are not for everyone... but then again no good band is for everyone.

[@galdanag]

@Lalogue I probably know more than you do about BABYMETAL in particular, but all the evidence I need is that one of the original members decided to walk away a few years ago and was "allowed" to do so. BM continued without her because the other two girls decided that they wanted to continue. There are some horror stories about the Japanese and Korean music industries, but there's also a lot of generalizing and sensationalism when reporting about them.

[@TheLeomarti]

@Lalogue And you obviously know only the sensationalist click bait scandal article about the idol industry, all of which is true though, for only a specific part of the industry, with tons and tons of exact opposite examples in other idol groups. Korean idols and Japanese idols are very different by the way.

[@satanicgrizzlypuss8737]

Babymetal bro.

[@DamnDealDone]

Your videos are why I wish KZbin would fix their 'don't recommend channel' settings. Garbage opinions formulated from ignorance.

[@CaptainAugust]

Babymetal Starlight goes harder than 80% of "real" metal bands ☺️

[@satanicgrizzlypuss8737]

Nowhere near as hard as Nickelback

[@markwrenn5965]

GWAR was one of the coolest shows I've ever seen. Also, I'm not a huge fan of Ghost. I like some of their songs, but their live show was really great.

[@crimson0119]

I always find it rather funny how people like to equate being a "gimmick" as to be the opposite of being talented/good, especially in the music industry.... Sometimes a gimmick is whats needed to break the mold, look at KISS and Slipknot, though they might not be considered gimmick now, but their whole presentation and look was can definitely be seen as a gimmick when it started.... Babymetal is definitely a gimmick, but more than that, it was a handcrafted supergroup. The producer Koba, wanted to refresh the metal scene, so he found the best young talented vocalist he can find (Su) and paired her with her two friends (Yui and Moa) who would be backup singers/dancers/hypewomen to get the crowd involved, and then found the best session musicians in Japan to form the Kamiband to back them up in live shows.... If you look at the some of the best guitarist, bassist, drummers in Japans rock/metal scene, you would find some of them have played in the Kamiband at one time or another. Babymetal definitely kicked open the door for all the recent female Japanese metal/rock bands that's making their way to western audiences..... I think Saki from Nemophila said in interview that Babymetal's success is what paved the road for female jrock/metal groups to have greater recognition overseas. And Babymetal is not what you would consider to be a traditional band... Lovebite, Band Maid, Aldious, TriDENT those are bands but Babymetal is a rock opera broadway show. In the end, a gimmick is only as good as their foundation. If their foundation (instrumental, vocal, performance) is good, then they can grow and thrive, if not then they burnout and disappear. Babymetal is 10yrs and still going.... Ladybaby, a group that tried to capitalize on Babymetal's success, has not faired as well. Babymetal's metal creds were in question when they started because they were seen as a gimmick, but having been defended, supported, toured with, and/or collaborated by the likes of Rob Zombie, Cory Taylor, Rob Halford, Red Hot Chili Pepper, Metallica, Sabaton, Bring Me The Horizon, their gimmickness is less talked about, and their Metal cred is only questioned by a very small minority. 😁😁😁😁😁🤘🦊🤘

[@timoratus_music]

More often than not it seems that people equate gimmick band or comedy band with low effort.

[@crimson0119]

@@timoratus_music In the end, it's the effort and how much work you're willing to put into it that counts. If you work your ass off for it, gimmick or not, people can tell and will appreciate. Like a lot of people commenting on Babymetal, yes there are still people who don't like them, but very few will say that the girls don't work hard and or put great effort into their performances...And those that do, they probably don't know what actual hard work is.

[@MrChristianDT]

Hey, don't you diss Ladybeard! Lmao I will never understand how that band managed to come into being in a million years.

[@crimson0119]

@@MrChristianDT I can only applaud the guys courage to wear those dresses.... the colors clashed too much with his beard. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤘🦊🤘

[@timoratus_music]

@ghost mall I agree to those who are in that special group who've had a good unified vision of the bands image, but unless you have that people think it's low effort.

[@maciejnowak666]

Gwar was one of my favourite bands in high school. Having just heard the name and their reputation i bought their 2001 album Violence Has Arrived. What got me was the music and the thought provoking lyrics. The show was secondary to me. I think they certainly hold up musically they are as good as any sort of thrashy bands like Lamb of God for instance. Scumdogs and Hell-O, they were figuring things out at the time. If you listen to their later albums, Battle Maximus, Beyond Hell, Lust in Space, thats some really good shit.

[@michaelbarbarich3965]

A man of taste!

[@brettcooper3893]

I always point to Alice Cooper as the right way to do "gimmicks." He basically wrote the book on theatrical rock. Yes, he has props, tricks, makeup, but it's all icing on the cake, with the cake being good, hit songs. You have to back up your theatrics with good music, or you'll look silly. Also...I can't stand theater kids. EVERYTHING is so over-the-top with them.

[@jakechinatown]

Alice Cooper has terrible music.

[@lueysixty-six7300]

@@jakechinatown he has one good song

[@jakechinatown]

@@lueysixty-six7300 even that’s just the chorus let’s be honest

[@brettcooper3893]

@@jakechinatownlet me guess: you're a Prog-rocker?

[@brettcooper3893]

@@lueysixty-six7300 u black?

[@niklashutt7208]

My guy's not only disrespecting Alestorm but also Windrose. U guys over in America just don't know how to throw an actually good party

[@fivoskyprianou5678]

The gimmicks simply adds to the magic of a band. If the music sucks, then the band will look gimmicky. Not a Slipknot fanboy but they make awesome music. Their masks, costumes and crazy on stage antics improve upon the experience.

[@rubeeverno9062]

Especially when the drummer gets strapped in and flipped upside down lmao

[@fivoskyprianou5678]

@@rubeeverno9062 Exactly, it is a show it's supposed to be entertaining

[@rubeeverno9062]

@@fivoskyprianou5678 I love it and I like the band

[@trvshbxvt3146]

Not all of these bands are my favorite musically (except Tenacious D and Dethklok they're goated lol), but I still respect what they do a lot! I want more non-gimmick bands to embrace theatrics a little bit, because all of these bands still seem like they would be more fun to see live than a bunch of dudes in t-shirts and jeans standing around.

[@UrinationNation]

Clown Core is my favorite band that falls into this category, you can enjoy their videos, but the music is so high level creative that I don't need the visuals. Their last album has no videos and it's excellent especially the third track which is by far the longest of their discography, but also emotionally resonant.

[@DareZero]

These guys are S-tier when it comes to skill, the drumming and the sax solos are some of the best I've ever heard - and this is from a duo who play their songs in porta potties and moving cars! (Flat) earth, Computers and the entirety of 1234 are just pure bliss.

[@transsexual_computer_faery]

@@DareZero S tier? what's taht

[@wolfsbane1991]

The point of Alestorm are the live shows. I don't have one single song of theirs on my playlists, but you bet I'm front row at the European festivals when they're playing. Get drunk on beer and go see them live - it's a fucking good time, hilarious, people are dressed up and throwing around beach balls, blow-up sharks and the likes. I'd never sit down and listen to them at home, but I saw them as late as Copenhell 2022 and they DO hold up. Great entertainment, and that's coming from a black metal fan.

[@megmcguigan3857]

I first heard Scumdogs Of The Universe around 91 and to this day I love the hell out of that album. It's fun! I saw the Brockie lead band over twenty years ago and it was a very fun show.

[@ShannonHumphreys]

Love that album!

[@amberlinmchugh8115]

The subsequent phallus in wonderland VHS was hysterical

[@dsnodgrass4843]

Some things folks resent about gimmick bands: 1. They frequently just show up at the mid-tier/ national-touring level out of nowhere, which indicates a bunch of money went behind them; 2. They get taken seriously and talked about right away, in a way that takes regular bands ages and several lucky breaks to attain; 3. People sign on to their fandoms and seem to compete for status with their insufferable ardor over these bands, to the point of willfully dogging down on bands that don't have the same resources to build and maintain a gimmick (or the luck to hit upon one that sticks); and 4. Their success and the "media bandwidth" they consume change the expectations of audiences in a real way, provoking an "arms race" of labor-intensive and expensive infrastructure that's far out of reach of bands who are only great at playing music. Being an objectively "good" band is already a demanding and frequently unrequited endeavor; layering additional demands upon the pile of things it takes to be accepted and not ignored by gatekeepers, and even ordinary music fans, tends to provoke resentment in those continuing to hit the wall of indifference (or seeing their favorites continually denied relevance by the industry) over time. Put another way, if everyone has to be a Mac Sabbath -level gimmick band to succeed, soon no one can be anything else but that. That's a high barrier to entry, requiring way more than even elite musical skills.

[@ThePunkRockMBA]

Well said

[@GrazCore]

Alestorm is a prime example of what I would call Bam Margera-Core. Basically a band you would see on that show or in a montage.

[@rubberlover666]

Is "comic-con core" a thing? I'd put them there too.

[@hazepheno925]

They just sound like Dropkick Murphys to me, with beer lyrics.

[@UltimateGamerCC]

lol you could totally see them doing a Jackass Skit. XD

[@SlimeGPT]

I'm so glad you mentioned GWAR. I fucking love them. People tend to overlook how tight they are musically.

[@RabieTeen]

Ghost has consistently been one of my favorite bands to see live with the gimmick adding so much to the stage show and banter. Currently, Sleep Token is probably the only band I would be willing to travel a long distance to see live, I am a massive fan. Power metal is like a blue collar opera and I am here for it. I was wondering if Green Jello was gonna show up in this video but I guess their 15 minutes of fame was too long ago haha.

[@dalekay9ine]

They've been touring recently.

[@doomusrlc]

@@dalekay9ine Green Jellö has been touring on and off for years. Heh

[@vincenthamilton09]

I guess I just don't get Ghosts musical style. Is it like Dio or something?

[@doomusrlc]

@@vincenthamilton09 not at all like Dio. Haha. Just catchy retro occult rock.

[@mwheeler138]

@@doomusrlc Sort of. Their sound it hard to pin down, and it's only gotten harder with each release. Occult rock is a fair description, especially in the early days. But there's also an undeniable heavy metal influence. And these last two records have included hair metal and show tunes. I do prefer those early records more but these last couple totally won me over. I think they're fantastic.

[@reubenseldo1048]

I've never heard of Sleep Token until now. They sound amazing! Thanks for introducing me to a new band!

[@twall91]

I absolutely Love seeing this… I need them to get bigger and play the US again! Share the message with all you encounter!

[@The-Punnkk]

Tobias from Ghost is a genius. He has an amazing talent in creating beautiful melodies.

[@dennisfox8673]

I’m really glad you brought this up, as it’s similar to a few topics you’ve touched on before, so I’ve pondered along these lines for a while now. I’m an old enough metalhead that I remember Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All when you had to order it from Circus magazine! Anyhow, I think some of the real “all music no imagery!!!!” attitude might come along after thrash metal. (More recent metalheads may be able to shed light on this). But at any rate, as a kid in the early 80s I remember reading an interview with Judas Priest about the evolution of their leather and studs look, and KK Downing mentioned that since your fans have waited for, and paid money to see you, he felt he owed them more than jeans and a T shirt. With that in mind, and thinking along the lines of this video, my friends and I never got too worked up over elaborate and thematic dress and image; what drew our ire was a sense of “phoniness.” If it seemed like the band came up with their own shtick and honestly felt committed to it, it was cool with us. Whether this was Twisted Sister’s throwback to glam rock androgyny, WASP’s Kiss-meets-Alice Cooper, or Priest’s steel and leather Having said that, you didn’t want the band’s music to be to constrained by their gimmick, so a band that only sings about fast food, or being Ned Flanders, might give us some good chuckles, and potentially even some good music, but I’m probably never going to listen to their albums hundreds or thousands of times like I have with Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, or Ghost for a more recent example. I think I’m just too old to really have much of a reaction to Babymetal, the musicianship is top notch, but it doesn’t really hold my attention. Having said ALL of that, I’m glad I have grown to a place where I’m just happy for people if they’ve found something that they dig, it’s their life and time so they might as well enjoy it. Please don’t make me listen to Reggae or the Grateful Dead at my own house party though! ;)

[@Bizarro69]

Some people are just comedians who can play instruments and want to have fun, make people laugh, and I really get behind that.

[@knotletis]

A gimmick can be great, but you gotta have the music to back it up. Slipknot had an amazing image and gimmick, but kept people with their music, same for Kiss. While a lot of gimmicky bands don’t have anything to back their gimmick so people leave once the gimmick gets old

[@mbsisktb9045]

Kind of shocked Lordi wasn’t mentioned I don’t know how extreme their music is but the fact that they have a 20 year career with minimal leaks to their real identities is impressive. Plus Mr Lordi doing all the concept and costume work.

[@HenritheHorse]

Their music sucks and the costumes are definitely a gimmick. Also their identities have been known for decades. Cool costumes, but shitty music.

[@MiikeyLawless]

they are just walmart brand Gwar

[@HenritheHorse]

@@MiikeyLawless Kiss was his biggest influence.

[@KattMurr]

Lordi are just GWAR wanna bes....

[@roderickcortez138]

I didn't know Ghost was a gimmick band. I just thought they were a shitty band that got popular.

[@Scrinwaipwr]

Nearly all metal artists have a gimmick. Most artists outside metal have one if you have a broad enough definition for the word. The question is how much do these artists use that gimmick to compensate for their music and how much do they use it to complement it instead?

[@CamRebires]

Do they though? People say this a lot in the comments, but what about Metallica for example? Iron Maiden, Pantera? System of A Down? And outside of metal, the only gimmicks I can think of are Harry Styles (or similar ones) as the pretty boy for girls and Billie Eilish as the sad f*ck, other than that I think it's pretty loose

[@Scrinwaipwr]

@@CamRebires you think Iron Maiden have no gimmicks?!

[@rodrigocampo9014]

@@CamRebires Maiden and SOAD of course, even Metallica has "an image" they will never play live dressed in orange or yellow shirts...

[@Scrinwaipwr]

@@CamRebires Yes they all have gimmicks. Iron Maiden have Ed and all that spooky aesthetic stuff, Pantera have that southern badass "cowboys from hell" aesthetic, System Of A Down have the whole crazy political prophet thing going on, etc. Just because it isn't full blown costumes doesn't mean there is no gimmick. Pretty much every artist taylors an image of themselves to match the tone of their music. Even the grunge bands who were overtly trying not to do that ended up doing that eventually. Metallica just don't have a *consistent* image but instead have changed it many times as they've changed their sound.

[@CamRebires]

@@Scrinwaipwr I can agree on Ed, but I'm not sure if I'd call the rest a gimmick already, Pantera were definitely proud of their southern heritage, but it's really not that prevalent apart from a confederate flag here and the song CFH there. System of A Down has a political appeal, but is that a gimmick? Is it a gimmick if you write more than one song about a certain topic? I just wouldn't say any property a band as a whole has, automatically becomes a gimmick. I'd describe it as something that's immediatly noticable, I'd even agree on Metallica being the "thrash guys" in the beginning, but after that, I don't think they kept any gimmick other than being a rock band.

[@timhoule8697]

I like Babymetal and ghost. Though I don't speak Japanese, Karate and Pa Pa Ya are pretty good songs. The newest song is kingslayer by Bring Me The Horizon and Babymetal. It's pretty good as well. Never really listened to GWAR and steel Panther. Never heard of Alestorm or Mac Sabbath (they sound hilarious so I need to check them out!) I've been listening to ghost's new album and I gotta say that Hunter's Moon,. Call Me Little Sunshine and Twenties are all awesome new songs. Thanks for sharing and have a good night.

[@mohnjayer]

The best gimmick/joke/but actually good band right now is Wheeler Walker Jr. Dude plays legitimately great country music with the wildest lyrics you’ve ever heard. It’s awesome.

[@Bartholomule01]

Babymetal doesn't quite do it for me, but that Anti-Idol scene has some really enjoyable stuff. Recently the band Dai Dai Dai has been one of my faves in that vein. They are J-Pop with Digital Hardcore and they do it so well.

[@XiomaraThaGoddessMeow]

After seeing documentaries made on them, and then seeing their live performances on KZbin.... I adore Babymetal 🤣

[@itcheebeard]

I'd argue Ghost go beyond just being gimmicky. There's a continual lore to their music and presentation. They're ultimately not just releasing concept albums but are a concept band. They've got some crazy good songs, too. I honestly don't get why they're hated. I don't even really see much hate for them but I'm not steeped in the metal scene like I was in my late teens and early 20s. Most metalheads I know like them.

[@wizzardx666]

How many of these bands wouldn't have gotten anywhere if it wasn't for Weird Al? I think he paved the way for stuff like this

[@twall91]

Small Correction: I’m incredibly happy to see that Finn talked about Sleep Token because they need the exposure! But it’s pretty easy to tell he doesn’t actually know a whole lot about them. Understandably so since they’re probably not his thing. But for more context, It’s ALL Vessel’s vision. He does everything himself except that monster of a drummer I think. And you actually realize especially with two full albums out now that the whole Lore or the deity and stuff is just a surface level attention grabber and all of the music is actually deeply personal and cathartic. It would absolutely hold up without a gimmick. Because the gimmick isn’t even what the music is about if you’re paying attention. There’s just no denying the God Tier talent Vessel has and how incredibly passionate he is about his expression of vulnerability. That’s why most of us love them so deeply. Not because we care about the lore that much lol

[@ShannonHumphreys]

Ghost are absolutely AMAZING live! Probably my favourite band right now. I came to Gwar in 92, I think. Love them as well. Both those bands are just a really good time, but with the skill to back it up.

[@CarlStacey]

I seen Sleep Token live the other week supporting Architects and I had no idea who they were in any way at all, they put on an outstanding show and I was definitely shocked at first especially as they had 3 back up singers stood side by side that didn't move throughout. They reminded me of ghost in a lot of ways, not stylistically but yeah, awesome video!

[@TermiJP]

Babymetal did start off as just an industry plan, but taking into account interviews, documentaries, and live performances I’d say they’re more than that now, they’ve written verses, or even (I might be wrong on this one) entire songs lyrics themselves, and also they prob would’ve left by now if they didn’t like metal themselves

[@dankoz5975]

They still are. A bunch of cool musuicians which write everything, and some girls which just perform vocals and having looks.

[@panterafanloco1600]

@@dankoz5975 nah, it's still shit

[@ionianblue31]

Right on. The one song I’m aware of that was written by the actual frontwomen was “4 no Uta”. Yui and Moa wrote most of the song. I think I recall Su saying she had notebooks of stuff but was waiting for the right time to where she felt she was good enough to get them out there. I’m recalling from memory here since I was years ago.

[@marekmeciar3148]

Well i think even if they would not like metal that much they sure like money they are getting from it so I would not say they would quit just like that because they dont Like metal :D

[@TermiJP]

@@marekmeciar3148 one of the OG members has quit (but it was due to illness), and how do you know they “sure like the money they are making from it” anyone would like to be part of a successful project… doesn’t mean they’d stay just because of it

[@sapiencespits]

He was not lying about Babymetal fans in the chat.

[@Room-uc5se]

All I have to say is the drummer from sleep token is a fucking machine. He’s so goddamn good, it’s a huge part of why I listen to them.

[@drexelmarz7144]

Hey what about Turisas? Can't ignore a band like that once you mentioned Alestorm. Funny thing about both of them is that they have a rivalry for each other when they're on tour together, as Turisas are vikings & Alestorm are pirates. They're worth watching live too, lemme tell you that!

[@ramsgolf11]

Bryan Capelle here! Just saw Okilly Dokilly in Columbus a few weeks back! They were amazing! It was a fun show! Seen about half the bands you mentioned! I enjoy it for the fun of it! It's a experience unlike your typical metal band! Just all part of the great talent out there other than just the music! Thank you for the episode!!!

[@psexnyc]

BabyMetal is not necessarily “Japanese girls playing metal music”….it’s more like Japanese girls performing to hard-hitting metal music played by a kick-ass heavy metal band. The Kami band, both the Japanese crew and the North American BabyMetal touring band are made up of some seriously awesome virtuoso metal musicians. When BabyMetal tours, they have a roster of virtuoso musicians to choose from. By the way, those BabyMetal Japanese Idol girls aren’t “dancing” when they’re singing…they are re-interpreting song lyrics thru dance. Blew my mind when I found out. I’m a BabyMetal fan for Life now….

[@jasona522]

I am a 51 year old Man who cut my teeth in the punk rock thrash metal scene of the eighties. Present date Gwar is my favorite band. Quite often think of this channel host as being what we would call poser back in the day. Quite often a disagree with your opinions for I am somebody who lived through the scene not somebody who looked back at it.

[@ThePunkRockMBA]

I’m 43 and I lived it too, nice try

[@EdwinJayLatama]

Critics are posers who seek the legitimacy they never could earn at their interests. Kinda like the saying, "Those who can't do, teach." They were never that successful in their 'area of expertise' so they turn to criticizing those who are successful. It's an easy way to get the attention they desired but failed to from their original pursuits.

[@jasonashley9853]

I saw Steel Panther in Cleveland with a few friends years ago. It was a good show. I believe it was the lead singer who mentioned where we live. He went "who of you live in Medina county?". Naturally we all raised our hands. Then he said "Haha yeah, that's where all the fat chicks live!". Totally priceless moment that I won't ever forget.

[@DeweyManloveX]

Sex Pistols were put together in the exact same way as BabyMetal or The Backstreet Boys...minus the cuteness. It really bugs that John Lydon has appointed himself the arbiter of what is "real" punk (such as saying Green Day aren't punk because "look at how they dress"). Pretty random and unrelated, but just sayin'.

[@Ninjamanhammer]

John Lydon is the epitome of fake punk.

[@Cameron23949]

Green Day aren't punk tho, but not because of how they dress its because their music is watered down and pop oriented, it can hardly be called "Punk". Their first few albums were definitely punk albums but then they watered down and became a pop band

[@KingMasadaX]

I know this channel is called "Punk rock MBA," so youre forgiven for not knowing, In the Heavy Metal community, you don't talk negatively about Baby Metal or Ghost, fans are rabid as hell.

[@musashihumar]

I think bands with a gimmick/schtick are fun. They offer something unique and interesting that most other bands don't, and it sets them apart and gets them more attention. They are a cool break from just another band of a few ordinary looking guys just playing music. Novelty bands give you a spectacle and something that grabs and keeps your attention. Naturally if their music actually doesn't do it for you, then the schtick will only take them so far with you, so any of these bands that actually have stuck around for a while are clearly doing something right while also doing something fun.

[@timoratus_music]

Completely agree! That's why we strive for both!

[@NexNavarus]

Having seen Babymetal, MacSabath snd Okilly Dokilly live... I gotta see even though I'm not a fan per se of any of them. I did not regret going to see them. Each was pretty fun and entertaining in their own way

[@satanicgrizzlypuss8737]

You love Babymetal

[@NexNavarus]

@@satanicgrizzlypuss8737 lol, they're an occasional listen for me. Archspire, Aversions Crown, Angelmaker are more along the lines of my regular listening

[@satanicgrizzlypuss8737]

@@NexNavarus ignore me I'm drunk. I don't even remember what j said. But i bet it something to do with Nickelback or the greatest song oglf alda time. Look at this photographhhhh by Nickelback

[@satanicgrizzlypuss8737]

Look at this Nickelback. .

[@satanicgrizzlypuss8737]

What the help son jobies thread

[@darkdudironaji]

I would absolutely listen to Babymetal if it wasn't young Japanese girls in cute matching outfits. It's a cool mix of music. I don't even watch the videos most of the time, just listen to the music. It's good music.

[@brandonlm0125]

I feel like a baby metal show in America would just be a bunch of weebs Naruto running a circle pit, tripping over their chain wallets.

[@Iyashikei-t4u]

I was a massive weeb back when I discovered Babymetal but funny enough I didn't really like them at first. Sure I thought Gimme Chocolate had a funny dance but that was about it. It was only when they really started gaining traction that I started to wonder what was so great about them. So I put on a random song by them and I got hooked! That song was Akatsuki.

[@satanicgrizzlypuss8737]

Did you enjoy buckcherry? What about hinder? Lips of angel bra

[@Iyashikei-t4u]

@@satanicgrizzlypuss8737 I never really listened to Buckcherry

[@satanicgrizzlypuss8737]

@@Iyashikei-t4u I'm drunk trolling ignore me

[@aspexpl]

Once I listened to Gimme Choco and thought "wtf this shit?" Seven years, fourteen concerts, two trips to the US, two more to Japan and one full-sleeve Megitsune tattoo later I don't know if I could call myself a fan but I don't dislike them.

[@nagatotoro]

Yall should check out Mergingmoon. Yu Umehara, the vocalist, while she may not look it, has some killer vocals. I recommend the live performance of Greyen

[@BockwinkleB]

"Gimmicks, gimmicks, I'm tired of people saying we rely on gimmicks. The world is nothing but a big gimmick. Yes, we do..." - Jimi Hendrix

[@thewal1ofsleep]

Gwar is one of my friends absolute favorite band. She even went to Dave Brockie's funeral.

[@underworlddreams9511]

GWAR has been known to play as their human counterparts without the costumes or gimmick as RAWG. That is the _very definition_ of a gimmick band still working without the gimmick. I can't help but find it curious how no one ever mentions Rammstein when talking about gimmick bands. Their music is incredible nonetheless, but I see them as the ultimate gimmick band with all their fire & pyrotechnics.

[@sdiablo0]

A gimmick draws attention, but doesn't hold it. So if there is nothing else beside a gimmick, like for example good music, then people will lose interest pretty quickly. And seeing that many of the names mentioned are poplar for many years I think you can only conclude that all those acts are greater then there gimmick.