BABYMETAL

BABYMETAL are a Japanese kawaii metal group from Tokyo, formed in 2010 and active since then. The group combines heavy metal with Japanese idol music and is produced by Kobametal of Amuse Inc. Their live shows are supported by session musicians known as the Kami Band.

Line-up and development

The current group includes Suzuka Nakamoto as Su-metal on lead vocals and dancing, Moa Kikuchi as Moametal on backing vocals and dancing, and Momoko Okazaki as Momometal on backing vocals and dancing. The original line-up also includes Yui Mizuno as Yuimetal. BABYMETAL begins as a sub-unit of Sakura Gakuin, an idol group whose members graduate when they finish compulsory education. After Suzuka Nakamoto graduates in 2013, BABYMETAL becomes an independent act. Yui Mizuno leaves in 2018 after a prolonged absence from live performances and health-related issues, and the group performs with rotating backup dancers before Momoko Okazaki joins as a full member in 2023.

Releases

The group releases five studio albums: BABYMETAL (2014), Metal Resistance (2016), Metal Galaxy (2019), The Other One (2023) and Metal Forth (2025). The group regards The Other One as a concept album rather than its fourth main studio release. Metal Forth includes collaborations with artists from several countries, including Electric Callboy and Tom Morello, and marks a new creative direction for the group.

Style and touring

BABYMETAL are associated with alternative metal, heavy metal, j-pop, j-rock and kawaii metal. They tour extensively, with many performances taking place in Europe and the Americas. Their recordings are issued through Capitol Records.