BABYMETAL brought their Metal Galaxy World Tour to a jam-packed show at NYC’s Terminal 5. Ahead of their upcoming new album Metal Galaxy (set to be released next month), the Japanese kawaii metal outfit showcased some blistering new cuts, as well as beloved hits from their first two records.
Avatar took the opening slot ahead of BABYMETAL. The Swedish metal rockers were dressed to the nines, bringing a vaudeville, carnivalesque feel to their thrashing set. And singer Johannes Eckerström played the charismatic ringleader, marching baton, top hat and all. (He even broke out a trombone solo before giving way to the screaming riffs of his guitarists on “Puppet Show.”) The pummeling guitar work and synchronized headbanging were fierce throughout. The band ultimately unleashed “Smells Like a Freak Show,” their closer. “Remember this promise,” growled Eckerström. “Avatar will return!”
Then it was time for BABYMETAL to take the stage, and they opened with “Megitsune.” From the get-go, vocalists Su-Metal and Moametal (alongside backup dancer Riho Sayashi) showcased their electrifying and acrobatic choreography.
The band hit their stride midway through their set with the crushing combo of “Gimme Chocolate!!” and “PA PA YA!!”, the former being one of their most recognizable hits and the latter seemingly destined to be a setlist staple for years to come. The set also proved to be a rocking showcase of the versatility the backing musicians, known as The Kami Band, bring to the table. From the soaring power metal of “Starlight” to the crushing riffs of “KARATE”, these cloaked and masked musicians may have faded into the background visually, but still certainly made their presence felt.
On the latter, the three leaders brought their most mesmerizing moves, reminiscent of kata sequences in martial arts. Towards the end of the track, Su-Metal roared, “Everybody jump!” The crowd gladly obliged as they pumped their fists in unison. For the set’s penultimate song, BABYMETAL dialed things back with the (relatively) low-key “THE ONE”, which showcased their soaring vocals. They ramped the energy back up one more time for the closer “Road of Resistance.” After unfurling black BABYMETAL flags to raucous cheers from the crowd, the band led the crowd in a triumphant “whoa-oh” chant to cap off the evening.
