“Are you ready to headbang?” That was the announcement over the speakers from the video montage that played as BABYMETAL took to the stage of South Side Ballroom in Dallas—at the halfway point across America in the METAL GALAXY WORLD TOUR. Despite the performance taking place at the beginning of Autumn in North America, they heated up the joint like a summer concert festival.

Fans of all ages and backgrounds attended the concert. Waiting in line, one young girl cosplays as Su-metal. Inside near a support beam, a father has his son sitting upon his shoulders. One attendee in line for merch had seen BABYMETAL last year and was unsure if he would make it this time, but he saved up for a ticket and made the trip. Some concertgoers were long-time “kitsune” (the self-described term for fans of the band). While others were scratching the surface of the “kawaii” metal band.

Getting the festivities started, the opening act was Swedish metal band Avatar. They warmed up the crowd, shared a few laughs, and thanked the headliner for the tour. The performance was heavy with motifs of a demonic circus while looking tough in their military-style uniforms. Yet, the lead singer was a charismatic showman complete with a top hat, cane, and a waxy painted face.

The 26,000 square foot venue was filled to the brim, and when the lights went down for the main act, the audience roared. The stage lit up once again and the Kami band fired up with the first song of the night, Megitsune. Marching in from the back to the front, there is Su-metal, Moa-metal, and tonight’s avenger, Momoko Okazaki. As the show got going, the center of the crowd opens up and fans thrash in a mosh pit.

Yet, the audience tempo seemed to slow down when they played their recently released single Shanti Shanti Shanti. In India, “shanti” means “peace” and this bouncy number mellowed out the crowd. But only until the momentum got going again as fans jumped for the viral hit Gimme Chocolate!! And that treat fed the next food inspired hit, PA PA YA!! Keeping the energy up and the fans dancing most of the night.

Finally, Su-metal takes the spotlight to begin The One with Moa-metal and Momoko joining her in harmony as the band plays and fans light up the venue with cell phone flashlights and lighters. The final crescendo booms and flags fly for Road of Resistance. Fans chant over and over “BABYMETAL”, but the house lights come up and the show moves on to the next stop of the tour.

Not yet made the decision to attend one of their last American concerts? Well, tickets to upcoming shows in Las Vegas, Tempe, Inglewood, and Seattle are still available—so get on it before it’s too late!

Check back with JROCK NEWS for a review of METAL GALAXY releasing on October 11, 2019, worldwide.

Setlist

Megitsune Elevator Girl (English version) Shanti Shanti Shanti Kagerou Starlight Gimme Chocolate!! PA PA YA!! Distortion Karate Headbangeeeeerrrrr!!!!! The One Road of Resistance

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