Latest news with #Babymetal
The Hindu
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Bloodywood is India's first metal band to collaborate with Japanese kawaii metal band Babymetal
There is a method to all the madness about metal music, and folk-metal band Bloodywood has cracked it. With two albums under its belt, the recent one being Nu Delhi, this is the first Indian band to have collaborated with Japanese kawaii metal band Babymetal. Comprising Suzuka Nakamoto, Moa Kikuchi and Momoko Okazaki, Babymetal blends elements of heavy metal and J-pop, which is the essence of kawaii metal — a musical genre that was pioneered in Japan in the early 2010s. 'The song that we worked on with Babymetal features on our new album. Babymetal's producer attended our concert in Tokyo in 2023 and gave us the brand's merchandise, but we got talking to them while writing 'Bekhauf' in 2024. I think, we manifested it,' says Jayant Bhadula, who is assigned to vocals and growls of the three-piece band. Its other two key members are Karan Katiyar on guitars, flute, production and composition and Raoul Kerr on rap vocals. On tours, they are joined by Sarthak Pahwa on the dhol, Roshan Roy on the bass and Vishesh Singh on the drums. 'Karan, when listening to 'Bekhauf', suggested that the song would sound better with Babymetal on vocals. Within two-three days, we received a serendipitous message from the band's producer and instantly sent them the project. The curation of the composition was followed up on e-mails, and their Japanese vocals were later mounted on the song,' shares Jayant. Known for its compelling lyrics, Bloodywood, which started out as a parody band in 2016 and rose to the front burner of fame in 2018 with the success of singles like 'Ari Ari' and 'Jee Veerey', was nominated for the Breakthrough Asian Band title at the 2021 Global Metal Apocalypse awards, finishing second. Its first album Rakshak was released in 2022. The 10-track album is known for sensitive lyrical narratives, the subjects of which swing between addressing mental-health issues ('Jee Veerey'), bullying ('Endurant'), and a commentary on the politics of hate ('Gaddaar'). Its new album too stands testimony to the band's creative arch — that of creating conscious content. The eight-track album features songs like 'Halla Bol', which brings to mind the eponymous play by Safdar Hashmi, a pioneering figure in Indian street theatre, but Raoul explains: 'We wrote this from the Indian perspective having survived Colonialism, for people all over the world who have survived oppression of any kind. It's a testament to their resilience. It's about drawing on that knowledge and experience of how power can be abused and using it to break the cycle of oppression forever, rather than becoming the next chapter.' Another compelling track, 'Daggebaaz', from the album takes a jibe at 'Plastic Influencers'. 'Plastic Influencers who rely on the superficial sides of life are annoying. It takes skill to get people to follow you; we see a lot of these people using their skills for the wrong reasons and abusing the trust they manage to manufacture. It's also about calling people out for this gullibility because that's what gives these influencers power. The culture of idol worship and the tendency to blindly follow is something that needs to die fast so we're helping put one of the nails in the coffin,' says Raoul. When asked to list his top picks from the album, Jayant points at 'Nu Delhi' (the title track), which he says is a love letter to Delhi, the city the band was formed in; 'Kismat', which is about kids who had to grow up too fast because of the life's circumstances; and 'Bekhauf', which is about unlocking and overcoming our fears. 'Interestingly, most metal music is characterised by profound lyrics; take, for instance, 'Rage Against The Machine'. But then, the genre also has 'Pizza Thrash'!' laughs Jayant. The band started working on Nu Delhi in 2023 during its performance in Chicago and recorded the tracks in Noida at Karan's home, where the band's studio is. The album art has been created by Anirudh Shekhawat, says Jayant. 'The album has been released by Fearless Records, an American independent record label, which is looking after the distribution and production of vinyls and CDs. Besides the general instruments you find in metal bands, the ethnic Indian instruments used were dhol, sarangi, tumbi, esraj, harmonium, and many regional percussive instruments. Also, the recording software includes RME Interface, sE mics, Ibanez guitars, Adam Monitors and Line6 guitar processors,' says Jayant. He leaves us with the news of the band's next collaboration with Babymetal. 'The song is called 'Kon! kon!' and it will be featured on Babymetal's upcoming album called Metal Forth, which is set to release on June 27. It has collaborations with artists like Tom Morello, Poppy, Electric Callboy, Slaughter to Prevail, Spiritbox and more,' informs Jayant. Till then, mosh on, metalheads! The album Nu Delhiis now streaming on all online music platforms and its CDs (₹1,400) and vinyl records (₹2,700) are available on
New Straits Times
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Babymetal to rock KL on Oct 6
KUALA LUMPUR: Japanese metal sensation Babymetal is set to electrify Malaysian fans at Zepp KL in Jalan Hang Tuah on Oct 6. As part of their ongoing Babymetal World Tour, the dynamic trio is returning with renewed vigour, promising an unforgettable night. Known for their distinctive blend of heavy metal riffs and sweet melodies, performed by a trio of school-uniform-clad girls who dance with captivating synchronicity, Babymetal promises attendees more than just a concert – but a true Japanese rock festival. In a statement released yesterday, the band declared: "On this stage, no one is an outsider. You are who you are—and that is your power. We promise an immersive, transcendent experience with blistering musical arrangements and flawlessly synchronised choreography." Comprising Suzuka Nakamoto, Moa Kikuchi, and Momoko Okazaki, Babymetal was formed in 2010. They have since released four studio albums, with their latest, The Other One, launched in March 2023. The concert is organised by Cuncun Media, co-presented by LLAVE Music, EA Stars, 10S Live Music and Jiao Studio, and co-organised by Rock Promotions and ACO Media.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Babymetal are on the cover of the new Metal Hammer as they prepare to unleash star-studded new album Metal Forth
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. As Babymetal hit London's O2 Arena and prepare to release new album Metal Forth, we speak to the trio about why they've gone collab crazy! Metal Forth features a whopping seven guest stars from the modern metal scene: Poppy, Spiritbox, Electric Callboy, Slaughter To Prevail, Bloodywood, Polyphia and Tom Morello. Babymetal singer Su-metal says they formed friendships with the artists through touring, resulting in an album that's 'incredibly rich and diverse'. The trio's ambition now is to inspire others. 'During the making of the new album Metal Forth, and throughout these past few years of touring, we've really felt that Babymetal is being recognised within the metal world, and that there are people we've influenced who are now becoming the next generation of metal artists,' says Su-metal. 'Our next goal is to help lead that next generation.' We also speak to the guest collaborators themselves, about what it's like to work with Japan's biggest and brightest metal band. 'After so many years of writing music mostly on our own, it was refreshing to have totally different influences come into play,' explains Electric Callboy's Kevin Ratajcazk of hit song Ratatata. 'It made us more aware of how easy it is to get stuck in your ways, and it helped us to think more outside the box.' Also in the issue, Metallica guitar legend Kirk Hammett reveals why he doesn't believe in retirement, why he's working on a new solo album – and why he cooked breakfast for Hollywood hotshot Jason Momoa. Volbeat's Michael Poulsen gets The Hammer Interview treatment, opening up about his friendship with King Diamond, his deep-dive into Satanism, and his weird obsession with… goats?! Plus, ahead of Linkin Park's show at Wembley Stadium, we investigate their triumph, tragedy and unlikely resurrection. Elsewhere, Opeth uncover the story behind their anthem Ghost Of Perdition, and System Of A Down bassist/Seven Hours After Violet man Shavo Odadjian talks deathcore, Cuban cigars and nonsense lyrics. We also remember the chaos of Nine Inch Nails' infamous Self Destruct touring cycle, find out why The Conjuring star Vera Farmiga has formed metal band The Yagas, and watch symphonic metal band Plague Of Angels take on a bunch of irate Christians by playing York Minster. All this, along with Sleep Token, Ghost, Bury Tomorrow, Confess, Kuunatic, Malevolence, Vexed, Kalandra, Incineration festival, Inferno festival and much, much more. Only in the new issue of Metal Hammer, on sale now. Order it online and have it delivered straight to your door.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Why Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello loves Babymetal
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Babymetal's upcoming fourth album, Metal Forth, features some seriously high-profile collabs, with stars including Poppy, Slaughter To Prevail's Alex Terrible and Spiritbox's Courtney LaPlante guesting alongside Su-metal, Moametal and Momometal. Also making an appearance is former Rage Against The Machine man Tom Morello, who adds some incendiary guitar to the song Metali!!., originally dropped as a single in 2023. The title is a portmanteau of 'metal' and 'matsuri' – the word for a traditional Japanese outdoor celebration, hence the cries of 'wasshoi wasshoi' and 'dokkoisho', which are a signature of matsuri-inspired songs. In the brand new issue of Metal Hammer, we speak to the guests on the album, including Morello who discusses his admiration of Babymetal and how his appearance on Metali!! came about. This is what he has to say. How far back does your relationship with Babymetal go? Tom Morello: 'I've been a fan of Babymetal since I first heard them. I reached out to their management when I was making my Atlas Underground album [in 2018], which was a collaborative work with various artists, and at the time they were unavailable, and I was disappointed. Later on, they reached back out to me, asking if I was still interested in collaboration. Of course, I jumped at the chance.' What was the brief for your contribution to Metali!!? 'I love heavy riffs, and the Babymetal Metali!! song has a collaborative heaviness that I think in many regards fits very well in my riffology catalogue. I also shredded some solos on the track.' What's your standout memory of working with them? 'One of the most amusing parts about the collaboration was making the video, which I shot remotely. Normally you're asked to do a video on a green screen, and when you do a video on a green screen you can't wear any green. Well, this was a video that they wanted me to do on a black screen, so I just assumed I couldn't wear any black, which of course is the standard colour for all rockers to wear most of the time. So, I ended up in an outfit that looks like I'm on vacation in Cuba or something like that!' What do you think about Babymetal being on the scene? 'I love what they have brought to the metal scene. It is an absolute breath of fresh air to have a band that has a completely different spin on a genre that often runs on the same cart tracks.' Have you had much of a chance to hang out with them? 'I had the chance to meet Babymetal backstage at a European festival last year, and they could not have been more lovely and demure, and just a delight to talk with and to hang out with. They were very sort of giggly and excited, and then they went onstage and they did their dances in their somewhat giggly and excited way, and all these massive riffs came crashing down on a crowd that just went absolutely bananas. Babymetal – thumbs up!' Read our exclusive new interview with Babymetal and a full track-by-track breakdown of Metal Forth in the brand new issue of Metal Hammer, available now. Order it online and have it delivered straight to your door.
The Guardian
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
From Mission: Impossible to Stereolab: your complete entertainment guide to the week ahead
Mission: Impossible – The Final ReckoningOut now The impossible mission of creating a bankable movie franchise lasting almost 30 years out of a 1960s TV show has been well and truly fulfilled, and all that remains is to wrap things up in style, with the last chapter in the epic saga (though director Christopher McQuarrie says the franchise may continue). Tom Cruise returns – naturally – and he's joined by Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames and Simon Pegg. The Phoenician SchemeOut now Wes Anderson's latest, a tale of espionage involving a businessman who appoints his daughter – a nun – as his successor, comes fresh from its Cannes premiere. As usual with Anderson, the cast is A-lister heaven: Benicio Del Toro, Michael Cera, Riz Ahmed, Tom Hanks, Richard Ayoade, Jeffrey Wright, Scarlett Johansson and Benedict Cumberbatch all feature. When the Light BreaksOut now Icelandic writer-director Rúnar Rúnarsson's tragic romantic drama centres on the events of a single day, when a road tunnel collapses, with devastating effects for a young couple. Bring tissues. MongrelOut now An exploited migrant worker in Taiwan (Wanlop Rungkumjad) operates as right-hand man to a gangster who runs the local operation of undocumented workers providing care to the elderly or disabled. Award-winning drama from Wei Liang Chiang. Catherine Bray BabymetalThe O2, London, 30 May Formed in 2010, when its members were aged 11 to 13, Japan's enduring rock trio Babymetal fuse heavy metal fury with the explosive choreography of J-pop. Ahead of June's Metal Forth album, which features Poppy and Tom Morello, the band play a one-off arena show. Michael Cragg John Legend27 May to 1 June; tour starts Glasgow After celebrating his debut album Get Lifted's 20th anniversary at the end of last year via a deluxe reissue, John Legend continues the party with this celebratory tour. Featuring the soulful classic Ordinary People, it's still the best showcase for his rich and expressive voice. MC Wahnfried: The Birth of the Wagner CultLongborough, nr Moreton-in-Marsh, 27 May to 14 June The UK premiere of Avner Dorman's opera opens the Longborough festival. Beginning with the death of Richard Wagner in 1883, it explores the ways in which his descendants created a myth around him. The production is directed by Polly Graham and Justin Brown conducts. Andrew Clements Sarah Tandy Ronnie Scott's, London, 29 May Former classical pianist Sarah Tandy has partnered many local jazz stars, including Nubya Garcia and Yussef Dayes. Her fine band, including trumpeter Sheila Maurice Grey and saxophonist Binker Golding, preview her latest release. John Fordham Cecil BeatonGarden Museum, London, to 21 September The photographer and high society star was also a keen gardener who created foral fetes at his homes in Wiltshire. This exhibition shows how horticulture informed his creative life – from the flower arrangements he conjured for Bright Young Things parties to his floral fashions in My Fair Lady. Leonardo DrewSouth London Gallery, 30 May to 7 September A spectacular, apocalyptic installation by this American artist whose trademark is to make it look as if there's been an explosion or natural disaster in the gallery. Drew takes pieces of wood and other materials and smashes, splinters, chars and scatters them until you wonder what the hell happened. Helen ChadwickThe Hepworth Wakefield, to 27 October A retrospective of the brilliant British artist who died in 1996. Chadwick pioneered a new kind of art mixing conceptualism with a passion for flesh, earth and the senses. Her art shoves bodily existence in your face. Cuts of meat become sexual and she carves holes in snow by urinating. Elisabeth FrinkSalisbury Museum, 24 May to 28 September The bronze sculptures of Elisabeth Frink are deceptive. At first glance she may look like a doggedly dull figurative artist. However, her simplified, intense images of people and animals are, in reality, enflamed by a vision of the primeval essence of humanity and nature. She fits well with nearby Stonehenge. Jonathan Jones Amy AnnetteLeeds, 27 May; Manchester, 28 May; Bristol, 30 May; touring to 31 May Incessant body shaming and ludicrous beauty standards made the 00s a terrible time to be a teenage girl. Combine this with the recent Y2K style revival, and you have a perfect storm of problematic nostalgia – something Annette mines to silly, cathartic effect in Thick Skin. Rachel Aroesti Dear Loll: A Wartime Marriage in LettersWilton's Music Hall, London, 30 & 31 May In the summer of 1940, the Manchester Guardian journalist Gerard Fay joined the army and his wife 'Loll' stayed home. This is their intimate wartime story, based on thousands of letters discovered by writer Rosanna Greenstreet. Miriam Gillinson The Beautiful Future Is ComingBristol Old Vic, to 7 June Flora Wilson Brown's crisscrossing new play looks at three couples over 250 years of climate crisis. It's a haunting but hopeful work about holding on to humanity against the odds. Nancy Medina directs. MG Flamenco festivalVarious venues, London, 27 May to 8 June This year's festival opens at Sadler's Wells with one of Spain's biggest dance stars, Sara Baras, her technique still blistering at the age of 54. Other acts include trailblazing queer choreographer Manuel Liñán and virtuoso dancer Farruquito. Lyndsey Winship Sign up to Inside Saturday The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. after newsletter promotion Dept QNetflix, 29 May The team behind The Queen's Gambit relocate a hit Danish novel turned film series to Edinburgh for a darkly irreverent spin on the maverick cop drama. Haunted detective Carl Morck (Matthew Goode) is consigned to a cold case basement office, but soon embraces his new role – and its potential to unearth deep conspiracies. The RehearsalSky Comedy & Now, 26 May, 10pm Nobody pushes TV's boundaries harder than Nathan Fielder. The first season of the comedian's twisty reality series simulated stressful life events for its participants in surreally granular detail. In this second outing, the rehearsals come flight-themed as Fielder restages the life of Hudson River pilot hero Sully Sullenberger. Death ValleyBBC One & iPlayer, 25 May, 8.15pm Actual national treasure Timothy Spall is fictional national treasure John Chapel – who plays TV detective Caesar – in this cosy Welsh drama. A murder close to home prompts Chapel to investigate for real, and soon he's formed a precarious partnership with DS Mallowan (Gwyneth Keyworth). The Better SisterPrime Video, 29 May It's Jessica Biel v Elizabeth Banks in this bonkers new thriller about a woman whose husband was murdered in mysterious circumstances – circumstances that appear far more mysterious once we discover the bereaved effectively stole her sister's entire life. RA To a TAll platforms, out 28 May Designer Keita Takahashi is known for his eccentric games, and this one is about a teenager trying to live a normal life with their arms stuck out in a T-pose. Also, it has gentle-hearted singing giraffes. Onimusha 2: Samurai's DestinyAll platforms, out now A PlayStation 2 classic about a sombre guy with a cool sword standing alone against an army of demons. More thinky and slower-paced than modern action games, with upgraded graphics to tempt in new MacDonald Stereolab – Instant Holograms on Metal FilmOut now The Anglo-French avant-pop band return with their first album in 15 years. Built round original members Tim Gane and Laetitia Sadier, and fleshed out by their touring band, the album's gleefully unorthodox 13 songs – merging post-rock, lounge and indie – feel as timeless as ever. Louise – Confessions Out now The Shut Up & Kiss Me hitmaker follows up 2020's comeback album Heavy Love with this collection of Radio 2-flavoured dance bops. Featuring a coterie of British pop alchemists – MNEK, Miranda Cooper and Karen Poole – its highlights include the sassy kiss-off Love Me More. These New Puritans – Crooked WingOut now Essex-born twin brothers Jack and George Barnett make epic music to soundtrack life's biggest moments. On this fifth album, they offer up the delicately romantic seven-minute Bells, while the jagged industrial cacophony of A Season in Hell feels ripe for something darker. Sports Team – Boys These Days Out now London-based sextet Sports Team channel Prefab Sprout on this third album, specifically on the delicious sophistipop of lead single I'm in Love (Subaru). A song about fetishising cars, its surreal subject matter is par for the course for a band dubbed 'the world's most serious unserious band'. MC Writer's RoutinePodcast The long-running series dissecting the ways writers get to work and hone their craft is a fascinating insight into the often difficult balance between practicality and creativity. Highlights include bestseller Jodi Picoult on writing as therapy. The Craft of CarpentryJapan House Online The latest exhibition at London's Japan House museum examines the intricate and labour-intensive art of Japanese carpentry. This online guide takes users around the display, including a remarkable life-size replica of a 18th-century Kyoto teahouse. ToastRadio 4, Thursday, 12.30pm This insightful, business-focused documentary delves into the downfall of UK high street stalwart Woolworths, speaking to the consultants, floor staff and marketers who tried to save the brand as it went into administration in 2009. Ammar Kalia
