'An insane but fully-formed vision that's all too easy to get lost in'

"A long, long time ago, in a heavy metal galaxy far, far away," beams the introduction to tonight's...well, let's call it a spectacle. It's a fitting opening for the truly epic carnival of insanity that follows, as we're led into one of the most mind-expanding live experiences of the year from an act that "rose above language barriers and countless generations."

They're not wrong. "Everyone loves music," Moametal told Gigwise when we spoke to BABYMETAL this week. "I think music is the common language of the world. Music is a wonderful connection for all people - it brings people together."

And indeed, all walks of life are here at Wembley tonight. Children, ageing men and women, metal heads, punks, pop fans, the anime-obsessed - flags are flying from all from across the world, and all losing their minds with neither abandon or shame. Some may have been brought here out of curiosity of guilty pleasure, but by the time the band emerge centre stage to pumping fists for the explosion of 'Babymetal Death', it becomes immediately apparent that as ridiculous as the concept may seem, it couldn't be further from a gimmick. Everything is exaggerated to the Nth degree, but with such immaculate clarity that it can hardly seem ridiculous. This is a fully-formed vision that's impossible not to get totally lost in.



Photo: Amuse Inc

A ghostly metal band flank and back the stage, as the Japanese teen sensation take the spotlight for a tightly choreographed, flame-assisted display. Drawing so heavily on idol culture but carrying out an all-encompassing and idiosyncratic mindgasm of a performance, they themselves have now become the worshipped. Devil horns so easily become a tribute to the Fox God, seen flying high above the circle pits and dance routines. All are so arrested and involved that it almost seems like a religious ceremony or political rally, especially when it's revealed that the show is being live streamed to a street party in Tokyo, where they're all losing their mind in equal measure. This truly is a global phenomenon.

There are a few moments when you have to slap yourself in disbelief. When Yuimetal and Moametal become possessed by Darth Vader for instance, before Su-Metal shows them the light and they all unite again for a bat-shit crazy victory lap towards the finale - highlights of course the pop-rush metal menace of 'KARATE', 'Gimme Chocolate' and 'The One' uniting Wembley in all out-war against normality, whatever that is.



Photo: Amuse Inc

Returning for the encore of the triumphantly defiant 'Road Of Resistance', one is left with the same adrenaline rush and mental exhaustion as having just stepped off a rollercoaster, or landing from a skydive.

"We are going back to Japan," the band say as they bid us farewell, "but remember - we are always on your side."

Thank you, the winning side is the best one to be on.



Photo: Taku Fujii

BABYMETAL played:

Babymetal Death

Awadama Fever

Iine!

YAVA!

Akatsuki

GJ!

Catch Me If You Can

Doki Doki☆Morning

Meta Taro

4no Uta

Amore -Sousei-

Megitsune

KARATE

Ijime, Dame, Zettai

Gimme Chocolate!!

The One (English Version)

Encore:

Road of Resistance