Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Metal Hammer
Metal Hammer
Entertainment
Rich Hobson

Here's what Babymetal fans think of The Other One: "Any metal band that chucks sax on a song deserves an 8/10"

Babymetal 2023

It's been a long while since Babymetal could be considered truly polarising, the past decade helping to establish the band as a firm part of the contemporary metal scene and earning them fans the world over

Even so, the levels of intrigue and discussion the band provoke is unlike just about anything else in metal today, the rich lore interwoven into the band's story catching fans and curious onlookers alike in its pace. 

With the release of new album The Other One, we asked Babymetal fans around the world to share their thoughts on the new direction Babymetal have gone with their ambitious concept album. This is what they had to say... 


What we thought

"Immediately, Metal Kingdom establishes a stately, grown-up Babymetal. The orchestral preamble recalls that eat-the-world urgency Crossfaith once had, giving way to Su-metal’s domineering, controlled delivery. 

The way she grapples this song, dodge-duck-dip-dive-and-dodging the peaks and troughs, etching her mark across the gang vocals, cinematic percussion, glitchy electronics – she’s been Babymetal’s most-improved element on each successive release. Sure, this song doesn’t need to be six minutes, but Su-metal carries it. 

Now they’re not shoved down your gullet on every festival stage or website available, it’s easier to appreciate [Babymetal] for what they are: an experiment that’s gotten out of hand. The Other One is nigh-on nofiller, and unquestionably their strongest compendium of delirium to date." Alec Chillingworth


What you thought - the good:

"I'm on my second listen and It's extremely good. It's heavy, leaning more towards symphonic metal. Vocally, Su-Metal gives her best performance to date. It's mature, and evolved, she has finally found her own voice. My only complaints are that the songs lack the catchiness of Metal Galaxy, and the album is too short. It felt like I was just getting into the groove of it when it was over. It really needed another two songs or so for it to feel complete. Aside from that, it is fantastic."
Parker Buessow, Facebook

"Any metal band that chucks the sax on a song or two deserves an 8/10 off the bat. I enjoyed it. Great vocal melodies and awesome production."
Tremayne A Jones


What you thought - the bad:

"Maybe this new album needs to grow on me, but they seemed to be less adventurous, musically, this time around (though there is a sax(?) solo on one track! ). It’s not bad, the musicians in their band are nothing to scoff at. The album just isn’t grabbing me at the moment."
Brian Serra, Facebook

Still trying to get use to it. Not keen on the dancy stuff on a few tracks. Not bad, just think this needs to be played more to get the true feel of it. Welcome back though.
Barry St John, Facebook


Your verdict

With Babymetal, its so easy to fall into a polarising stance. Inevitably, gatekeepers will bemoan that the band aren't metal - though considering the list of bands they consider not metal, you have to wonder what actually is by their metric - while Babymetal's army of super fans will declare undying allegiance without a second thought. 

Thankfully, your responses have given us at least some insight into what the general consensus is on Babymetal's new album - and the answer is... it's pretty great. Granted, fans do point out shortcomings in the lack of Moa-centric tracks, less Kami band and a general sense of missing elements (be that more J-pop, extreme metal, worldly flavours - effectively everything the band have done in the past), but there's also a sense of admiration for just what Babymetal have achieved on The Other One.

The concept is fleshed out enough to draw us in as listeners and keep us captivated without tripping into being overlong or overwrought. The maturity the band have adopted is perfectly suited to a soft-reboot after their hiatus, showing off a different side of their artistry that hints to greater ambitions going forward that really feel like Babymetal are carefully considering their next steps as they move towards true global domination. 

Average reader score: 8.9/10

You can read all about Babymetal in this month's Metal Hammer, on-sale now. Hammer have also teamed up with Babymetal for an exclusive bundle cover.

(Image credit: Future)
Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.