Babymetal has been steadily building a portfolio of candid pics with metal celebrities, from Metallica’s Kirk Hammett and Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine to Trivium’s Matt Heafy, Deftones’ Chino Moreno and Slayer’s Kerry King and Gary Holt. The children of the Fox God also had a meta moment when they took photos with the Metal God himself, Judas Priest’s Rob Halford, during their worldwide travels. Now Halford is giving Babymetal an even bigger stamp of approval: Billboard can exclusively announce that when the trio performs at the third annual Journeys Alternative Press Music Awards (APMAs) on July 18, live from Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio, he will join them onstage.

How Japanese Phenoms Babymetal Were Made in Pop's Image

“Honestly, I am still at a loss of what to feel,” says Babymetal’s Su-metal about the pairing with Halford. “But to be able to perform together with the Metal God, I am in disbelief.”

"It's really cool to hear and watch such a strong young Japanese metal band make solid growth in the world with such unique conviction and invite me to headbang along with them for this special appearance," says Halford. "Further proof of the continuing power exchange from the roots of metal into the future metalsphere!"

Babymetal and Halford will join such previously announced performers as Good Charlotte, Yellowcard, Papa Roach and Beartooth at 2016’s event, which will once again be hosted by All Time Low’s Alex Gaskarth and Jack Barakat. In addition to bestowing such fan-voted awards as best live band, most dedicated fan base and album of the year, the APMAs have named four-time Alternative Press cover subject Marilyn Manson as 2016’s Icon Award recipient. Go here for more information about the APMAs.

[Editor's note: This article has been updated with a quote from Rob Halford.]