BABYMETAL - KARATE Review

BABYMETAL is a group who needs no introduction at this point. Still, let's introduce them. They're one of the torchbearers for the ever-so-popular Metal/Punk Idol trend going on lately. They're one of the most internationally successful Japanese bands currently active and they're also just pretty all-around amazing! They released their debut self-titled album in 2014 and, besides heavy touring, were pretty quiet throughout 2015. Finally, we got the announcement that their next album "METAL RESISTANCE" would be coming out this year on April 1st (no joke). To kick off this release, "KARATE" is the first single from that album. "KARATE" is an AMAZING song and a great way to bring the group back into form!

"KARATE" brings back the heavy metal pop we've come to expect from BABYMETAL, but there's actually a much more mature sound here. Gone are the kids asking for chocolate, they are replaced by some seriously heavy and emotional rock music. It's always a cliche to say that a band matured, but that's really what happened here. As amazing as their first album was, a lot of Americans saw it as a fad, or a joke, or even a meme (too much baby, not enough metal?). Obviously not everybody thought that, otherwise we might not be writing about them in 2016, but it was enough people thinking this way that it made an impact. I think "KARATE" is a song that long-time fans can definitely enjoy, but it might even serve to bring in those people who previously wouldn't take this group seriously.

Maybe "KARATE" isn't quite as catchy as some of BABYMETAL's past singles, but I think it's a fantastic next step in their discography. I can't wait for "METAL RESISTANCE"!

UPDATE 3/18: BABYMETAL has released a music video for "KARATE". It's a bit minimalist, which has caused some A-To-J staff to voice some concern over the quality vs the assumed budget. We also wonder if BABYMETAL is ever going to alter their aesthetic, even slightly. Still, I'm enjoying this video, personally.

"KARATE" Official Video

-Justin

BABYMETAL Is:
SU-METAL (Leader, Main Vocals)
YUIMETAL (Vocals, Screams)
MOAMETAL (Vocals, Screams)

For More Information:
Website: http://www.babymetal.jp/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/BABYMETAL
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BABYMETAL_JAPAN
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BABYMETAL.jp

BABYMETAL - METAL RESISTANCE Trailer