BABYMETAL: Shanti Shanti Shanti

Babymetal has both inspired and been informed by video games, anime and cosplay. As pioneers of the kawaii (cute) metal genre, they manage to stay safely cute, even in their punk Lolita outfits. There is no Miley Cyrus twerking, but there are a lot of batting eyes and squeaky voices.



The stage production was beyond spartan. Other than a line of musicians in the back, there was nothing but open space, carefully swept before the girls came out. This puts even more pressure on the three young ladies to hold the audience, and they pulled it off with an endurance that would make a fitness coach envious.



Opening the night was Avatar, a Swedish band also known for their theatrical presentation. They too have taken their share of criticism for putting style over substance. But at this point in their careers, they have developed a solid sound that can stand on its own, and their set was a great fit. The photographers especially appreciated the visual effort.



Is Babymetal the future of metal music? Probably not. They are genuinely sweet, but you can’t get all your music calories from sweets. On the other hand, it’s not healthy to stomp around all day with your Viking sword and greasy beard, gnawing on the leg of some recently killed animal. Lighten up, and have a treat once in a while, you grumpy old fucks. Horns up for Babymetal.