The statement big in Japan has never been so apt before. Previously Japanese phenomenon Babymetal had only been a domestic sensation but this year has seen the war of Metal expand beyond its wildest dreams. Receiving critical acclaim from the world over the band are a true example of Marmite music. Combining a Japanese style manga gimmick the band if formed of three Japanese girls along with their backing band. Having had a year of firsts in 2014 the band tail it off fantastically with their documented live performances as we move into the stages of the end of 2015with Babymetal : The DVD

[tracklist]

Live at Budokan Night One :

1. Megitsune

2. Doki Doki X Morning

3.Gimme Chocolate!!

4. Iine!

5. Catch Me If You Can

6. Uki Uki X Midnight

7. Mischiefs Of Metal Gods (Kami Band instrumental) // *DVD exclusive

8. Rondo of Nightmare

9. Onedari Daisakusen

10. Song 4

11. Akatsuki 1

2. BABYMETAL DEATH

13. Headbangeeeeerrrrr!!!!!

14. Ijime, Dame, Zettai

Live In London : Babymetal World Tour 2014 :

1. BABYMETAL DEATH

2. Iine!

3. Uki Uki X Midnight

4. Rondo of Nightmare

5. Onedari Daisakusen

6. Catch Me If You Can

7. Akatsuki

8. Song 4

9. Megitsune

10. Doki Doki X Morning

11. Gimme Chocolate!!

12. Headbangeeeeerrrrr!!!!!

13. Ijime, Dame, Zettai

Babymetal Back To The USA / UK Tour 2014 at O2 Brixton

[/tracklist]

[details]

[length]76 :00, 75:00. 89:00[/length]

[record_label]eOne Music[/record_label]

[release_date]30th October 2015[/release_date]

[/details]

Comprising of four individual concerts the material available on the release would satisfy even the most die hard of Babymetal fan. Ranging from their performance in their native Japan at the lauded Budokan hall to their UK debut at London’s The Forum. The show that the band put on is almost just as spellbinding as the ideology behind it. With the introduction of each set containing a Star Wars inspired prologue of the arrival of the Fox God and the idea of Metal. It does seem a little like a gimmick yet when the band burst into the brutal “BABYMETAL DEATH” it’s the perfect introduction to our trio.

With much of the material being the same from each concert, little changes. On the UK side of things the band have released their Forum live debut which, as the venue is slightly smaller gives you a better view of what exactly is going on the stage as the band run through tracks like “Megitsune” and the classic and so strangely titled “Gimme Chocolate“. Whereas when the band mark their return to the UK at a much larger sold out Brixton Academy it’s clear to see why people want to see more and more of the band. The simple fact is watching the band is strangely mesmerising, the fast becoming iconic three girls with the hanya style inspired masked musicians intrigues in every aspect. Intriguing viewers with a off kilter take on some of the classic concert stage moves we’re shown a manga style Wall of Death complete with pyrotechnics.

Contrary to the UK crowd the band’s focus shifts to the east. Performing to our Asian counterparts at the legendary Budokan, home to Progressive greats Dream Theater it is truly a sight to behold as the band put on their most extravagant set yet. Therein lies the rub, instead of being yet another dull DVD release that is made up of simple shots Live Babymetal ensnares from the word go bringing their slightly kitch but incredibly engaging live show to the front of the screen. Add in instrumental sections where we see the band itself strut it’s stuff, these guys can play. Not only showing the musical aspect of the band but performing slightly extended songs which build anticipation. With a good mix of sound when both Babymetal and just the instrumentalists are on stage picking out individual instruments is made easy. You would Imagine the mix of DubStep, full on Metal and squealing Japanese girls can be hard to get right.

With a closing announcement stating that the Metal Resistance III has begun it is absolutely astonishing how the band have garnered success the world over. Moving into 2016 shall see the band undertake their biggest performance in the British Isles yet, Wembley Arena. No doubt there has been a certain amount of “help” put forward for the band but when Jeff Walker of Carcass, Kerry King of Slayer and even Devin Townsend are fans then it’s hard to argue. Babymetal have had a truly whirlwind year, with these performances being a mere snapshot of the band’s worldwide success if you’re unsure of the band like myself it will be enough to push you over the metaphorical edge into the land of Babymetal.

[verdict]Yes[/verdict]

[why]Diehard fans will find entertainment to no end with these varying and ultimately engaging live performances whilst those still on the fence about the band might begin to understand the musical oddity that is Babymetal. A great release.[/why]