Washington DC – I remember my first random Babymetal YouTube video back in 2019 like it was yesterday. I recall watching “Gimme Chocolate” and asking myself, ‘What on earth did I just see?’ Little did I realize the journey this fun Japanese Kawaii metal band would lead me on.
I caught them for the first time in September 2019, also at The Anthem in Washington DC. As a first timer, the energy was amazing!! I could honestly say I had never experienced anything like it, before… or even since that performance. I admit, at the time, I was still pretty new to performances of the Kawaii nature, and perhaps it was just a first time reaction. What would it be like a second time?
On November 15, 2024, again, at The Anthem in Washington DC, I got my chance. Spoiler alert, Su-Metal (Suzuka Nakamoto), Moametal (Moa Kikuchi), Momometal (Momoko Okazaki), with the Kami Band did NOT disappoint!
The house was packed, selling out within a few days of the tickets going on sale back in June. All in attendance were amped for a show and they were about to get it!! The Kami Band was the first to take the stage, a few minutes early, kicking off the set with “Babymetal Death“. The night was already rocking! The 80 minute power surge had begun.
“Distortion” was up next. This is a unique song as it was released as a single going into their 2018 world tour. This is a staple of their live performances and, as expected, got the crowd leaping and often singing along.
I clearly remember the next song, “PA PA YA” from their 2019 performance, as it was the 4th single from their 2019 album, Metal Galaxy. As with many of their songs, this mixed genre piece shows the band’s willingness to expand their horizons beyond just one sound.
The middle of the set included one of their newer songs, “Metali“, which further energized an already overcharged audience. The energy in the building was amazing. To answer the Metali question, yes, everyone was ready!!
There are a few iconic pieces that are a must at every Babymetal show and “Karate” is one of them. The video and song, depicting inner struggles, is powerful and definitely continued to raise the energy level. It is safe to say, my second Babymetal experience was exceeding expectations.
Rounding out the energizer set was “Megistune“. The choreography for this piece never fails, complete with the face of the fox god. Next was their newest collaboration piece with Electric Callboy, “RATATATA” (what a blast!! Watch the video below). It is rumored that creating of this song and video was fun for all, and the Electric Callboy images on the background supported that notion. The final piece for the main set was, of course, “Gimme Chocolate“. The sellout crowd was bouncing off each other (moshing was alive and well), the ceiling, walls, and everything in between!!
As the stage lights went dimmed, a very brief silence fell over the audience. So much energy with no place to release it. Surely, this would not be the end of the night (it could not be). After about a 5 minute standing O and chants beckoning their return, they again took the stage.
Their encore was a blast from the past. “Headbangeeeeerrrrr!!!!!” more or less defined their roots, in a way putting the Kawaii into Metal. Finishing off the encore was, of course, “Road of Resistance“. Not only was this also a defining song (and video) for them, it was also the way to bid the crowd goodnight and さようなら!
Babymetal – “We are??!!”
Crowd – “Babymetal”
Babymetal – “We are??!!”
Crowd – “Babymetal”
Babymetal – “We are??!!”
Crowd – “Babymetal”
And with that the stage lights went out of the last time. A final roar of approval… then silence.
A number of us made our way back to the DC Metro station. Several got on the same train to the same destination. Listening to the metro buzz on the journey, it was clear that this show would leave a lasting impression on those who had made the journey to catch Babymetal in our nation’s capital.
Check out Babymetal’s newest video with Electric Callboy “RATATATA”
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Babymetal Setlist
Babymetal Death
Distortion
PA PA YA!!
BxMxC
METALI!!
KARATE
Time Wave
Megitsune
RATATATA
Gimme Chocolate!!
Encore:
Headbangeeeeerrrrr!!!!!
Road of Resistance
November 15, 2024
