ALBUM REVIEW: 10 Babymetal Budokan – BABYMETAL

Live albums are often hit and miss. When they’re good, they’re exceptional, but when they’re not, they can be completely off by a long mile. It’s a complex mixture of the band’s discography, their stage presence, the audience in attendance, and having all that translate back onto an album for a listening experience. Sometimes they can help excite a fan before they see a band or artist, give them a chance to experience something they have yet to do, but on other occasions they can feel awkward and unnecessary additions to a discography. For Japanese kawaii-metal group BABYMETAL, the chance to see the band live – especially in the Western musicsphere – is rare, particularly with the latest travel restrictions many bands and artists face nowadays due to the pandemic. 10 Babymetal Budokan is a document of the band’s 10 shows at the Nippon Budokan venue in Tokyo, Japan, held in accordance with the country’s guidelines – but do their live performances sink or swim compared to their three albums?

Even with the audience in the band’s branded ‘Savior Masks’ on top of their own masks for the show, the powerful chants and cheers from the crowd can be heard loud and clear on each track. Whether joining in with the lyrics, proclaiming their excitement for a song’s intro, or signalling enjoyment in general around the event, this actually helps elevate all 13 tracks, as if a full choir was added into the mix. It makes each song richer and fuller, especially in the mix of songs within the band’s setlist. From the intro track, BABYMETAL DEATH – Shin.ver, the band create a mysterious but exciting opening, creating anticipation for all listening in as the cheers from the crowd add to the excitement. Even if you can’t see the performers, the band’s dynamic power and energy translates through the show and into the album. 

From ljime, Dame, Zettai from the band’s self-titled debut, to PA PA YA!! off their latest record, METAL GALAXY, there is a good balance of songs featured within the show and album, showcasing the diverse range of style within their own brand of metal. Many tracks have been extended for their live performances, extending to eight and even 14 minutes. Even with the introduction of Megitsune, the extended feature of the Sakura Sakura sample is powerful and gets the audience involved and excited for the song to be performed. As well as this, moments like vocalist SU-METAL shouting to the whole stadium bring everyone in that building together in music. With Road To Resistance closing out the show, the epic nature of BABYMETAL’s stage presence and music translates well to the album and absorbs the listener into that live scenario, even if they’re thousands of miles away from Japan.

Overall, this is an extremely well done live album where the balance of excellent music and crowd reactions help create one epic sound and experience the moment the listener hits play. An intricately chosen setlist with exceptionally talented musicians in a legendary venue helps create one unforgettable experience that transitions well for those unable to or who have yet to see the band themselves. Playing the Budokan is a goal for many bands, and BABYMETAL show they can rock even the best places in the world. A fantastic listening experience all around.

Rating: 8/10

10 Babymetal Budokan is out now via Cooking Vinyl.

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