BABYMETAL – “Live at Budokan: Red Night Apocalypse” (2015)

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Label: earMUSIC

Review by Warren Mayocchi

BABYMETAL have become well-known around the world. Their combination of heavy metal and Japanese pop is catchy and, as with many Japanese bands, there is a lot of personality in the visual appearance of the band. Live albums are a way to hear your favourite songs in alternate ways, though they are usually created after a band has released a few albums. So, “Live at Budokan: Red Night Apocalypse” demonstrates the hard work the band has been doing since their formation in 2010, and the strength of their first album.

The live audience have a constant presence on the album – the chanting during songs becomes part of the musical experience. It has been mixed well, and the band shines throughout. The interplay between the band, and the vocals of SU-METAL, YUIMETAL and MOAMETAL is disciplined – they are impressive and energetic. The songs are all of those on their studio album, but with the live performance there are differences. It may be partly due to the live performance energy, or maturing of the vocals, or maybe the band has been playing together for some time now. Or maybe they are just having fun – it sounds like they are enjoying the concert as much as the audience.

I would not expect that new fans will pick up this album – they are more likely to go for the studio release. But they would not be making a bad choice if they did begin with “Live at Budokan: Red Night Apocalypse”. From their name – BABYMETAL – to the combination of metal with Japanese “idol” music, the contrasts are brilliantly executed. Everything that I have experienced from them so far has been awesome, and “Live at Budokan” continues the excellence. It may be repeating the songs off their only album, but that album is a classic that made the whole world pay attention – it should be honoured with a live recording. (Also, with a song titled “Gimme Chocolate!” they deserve unreserved support.)

Rating – 90/100

 

Tracklist

  1. Megitsune
  2. Doki Doki X Morning
  3. Gimme Chocolate!!
  4. Iine!
  5. Catch Me If You Can
  6. Uki Uki X Midnight
  7. Rondo of Nightmare
  8. Onedari Daisakusen
  9. Song 4
  10. Akatsuki
  11. BABYMETAL DEATH
  12. Headbangeeeeerrrrr!!!!!
  13. Ijime, Dame, Zettai

 

Line Up

  • SU-METAL – Vocal, Dance
  • YUIMETAL – Scream,Dance
  • MOAMETAL  – Scream,Dance

 

facebook.com/BABYMETAL.jp

twitter.com/BABYMETAL_JAPAN

babymetal.jp

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