For 15 years, BABYMETAL have carved out a unique space in metal, injecting a scarcely seen playfulness and providing blistering instrumentals that give some of the heaviest names a run for their money. But trust the Japanese trio to continue giving everything they have, especially considering the year they’ve had so far. In 2025 alone, they signed with corporate giant Capitol, headlined their first European arena tour and announced their biggest US shows with Black Veil Brides.
Building on that momentum, the band’s fourth album, ‘Metal Forth’, sees them continue to push boundaries and enlist some huge collaborations to take things up a notch. Tom Morello’s work on ‘METALLI!!’ captures a sonic new sound that complements their respective styles, and Bloodywood’s appearance on ‘Kon! Kon!’ introduces an invigorated folk element that makes it more captivating than many of their past releases. The collaboration with Slaughter To Prevail on ‘Song 3’ showcases eruptive riffs and unforgiving growls ablaze, and the two distinctive styles blend seamlessly to reach experimental new heights.
The same can be said of ‘KxAxWxAxIxI’ and the whimsical partnership with Djent heavyweights Polyphia, ‘Sunset Kiss’. In less than three-minutes apiece, SU-METAL, MOAMETAL and MOMOMETAL substitute pure, unbridled heaviness for more substance than usual. Instead of back-to-back intensity, the emphasis shifts towards the flow of the song. Scathing aspects are introduced gradually and eloquently, and the end result is more satisfying than an abundance of metal clichés.
While some tracks on ‘Metal Forth’ showcase the best aspects of each artist, others feel forced, and the end result dilutes the signature sound of the group. The collaboration with Poppy on ‘From Me To U’ struggles to locate a common ground, and instead focuses on creating a whirlwind of heavy metal tropes that lack purpose. The same can be extended to the energy-laden ‘RATATATA’ with Electric Callboy; just because BABYMETAL can join forces with some big names in modern-day metal, that doesn’t mean they always should.
There is no doubt that BABYMETAL are looking to make their biggest statement to date with ‘Metal Forth’, and no one can accuse them of playing it safe. The choice to join forces with so many artists was always a huge risk, and unfortunately, it sometimes ends up dampening the charm that first set them apart from the masses. But in the moments where it does come together, it’s both epic and intriguing as hell. If there is one thing to take from album four, it’s that, even 15 years into their discography, BABYMETAL are not afraid to push boundaries and are still looking to rewrite the rules of metal.
