The teenage Japanese stars have conquered Europe this summer and Babymetal will share a stage with Judas Priest's Rob Halford in July. The ladies certainly proved their 'metal' when they played a triumphant show on Download Festival's Lemmy Stage (the main stage alongside Zippo's Encore stage) this weekend. It poured with rain, hailstones fell from the sky and the stage had to swept. The genre-busting trio was delayed for 30 minutes before they could perform, but not even the worst that the British weather could throw at them stopped Su-metal, Yuimetal and Moametal from delivering their trademark high-octane metal show. Express Online caught up with Su-metal for a chat backstage.

How does it feel to be back at Download again? "This year, we were honored to perform on the main stage for the first time. Although it was raining really hard, I was glad that there were so many people enjoying our set and being excited to see our show." Which other bands are you most looking forward to watching at Download? "I’m looking forward to see RAMMSTEIN’s show and also KORN and ALL TIME LOW." You know you are No.2 in our Top 10 bands to see at Download Festival 2016? When we shared the news on Twitter your fans went nuts. "I am extremely pleased and honored to hear that there had been many people were looking forward to our show. I always put my best into our live performances and most of all it is always important for us to keep true to what we do as BABYMETAL."

EXPRESS Not even torrential rain could stop Babymetal at Download this year

Do you have a favourite song from your new album? “Meta Taro is my favorite song. "We weren’t able to perform this song at the festival but it’s our first time tackling Viking Metal. "I think it’s a song that everyone could sing and dance together so I’d like to enjoy this song with everyone at our show." How did your love of Heavy Metal start? "It started when I saw many other bands performing. From the beginning I felt that Heavy Metal is not just about music but also something that you feel with your heart. It is music that helps you express your emotions and feelings."

You’ve been performing across Europe this week, how do the audiences in Holland and Germany compare to the UK? "From the reactions during the show, I have an impression that there are many Metal Heads coming from Holland and Germany. "I also noticed that in every country, everyone in Europe sings along the melody of the SU-METAL part." What was it like performing at Wembley Arena back in April? "I was very nervous, but as the show went on I was glad that we were able come together with the audience. "I was very moved when I saw many people holding up their national flags when we were performing the English version of THE ONE.”

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EXPRESS Babymetal with Express Online's George Simpson