Written by: Ephney Tsai

Though the city is known for its bright activities such as Disneyland and California Adventure theme parks, Japanese metal rock trio BABYMETAL brought a new vibe to the city on December 5th. As the third and final day of shows in Anaheim, and the final stop on their 2024 U.S. tour, the three members — Suzuka Nakamoto, or "Su-metal," Moa Kikuchi, or "Moametal," and Momoko Okazaki, or "Momometal" — brought their highest energy to the House of Blues, setting it ablaze with their passion and fervor.

Prior to their set, opening act Scene Queen took the stage first. Though her aesthetic may not match BABYMETAL's exactly, her music was a great starting point for the night. Scene Queen captivated the crowd with her performance and interaction, and singing about female empowerment. Wrapping up the opening set soon after, it was time for the main act of the night to take their turn.

Kicking off the show with "BABYMETAL DEATH," the band first prepared an introductory VCR paying homage to Star Wars: "A long time ago in a heavy metal galaxy far, far away," it began. "The spirit of HEAVY METAL, the FOX GOD, chose 3 newly reborn metal spirits and summoned them to the METALVERSE, where an unknown future awaits. The Spirit of HEAVY METAL traversed across the World, rose above language barriers, went beyond generations, and created countless legends. Life and Death, Beginnings and endings. In this infinite loop, the spirit goes on living. But for BABYMETAL, transcending oneself is the only path left. Are you ready to headbang?" Welcomed with explosive cheering from the fans in the audience, BAYMETAL's band appeared first with an instrumental introduction before the three kawaii metal legends appeared onstage with their synchronized choreography and captivating auras. To match their moves, fans in the crowd also prepared the choreography to dance along to "BABYMETAL DEATH" and "PA PA YA!!," to name a few tracks.

Su-metal, Moametal, and Momometal rocked out onstage, going through song after song with just as much energy. They danced together, jumped together, and screamed together, all while dressed in their cute futuristic holographic dresses. The girls performed "Distortion," "DA DA DANCE," "Monochrome," "Time Wave," and "RATATATA" to name a few songs from their setlist, which consisted of songs both old and new. By the time it reached the "final song" of the night — "Gimme Chocolate!!" — fans were riled up and ready to rock. Mosh pits and synchronized jumping weren't enough to deplete the crowd's energy, as they gave it their all along with BABYMETAL for the encore performances of "Headbangeeeeerrrrr!!!!!" and "Road of Resistance."

Wrapping up the show with one last circle mosh pit, BABYMETAL exited the stage in true rockstar fashion. Despite their cute, kawaii appearance, the trio put on one of the hardest metal shows anyone could have the privilege of seeing live, running around the stage, treating fans to pure live vocals, and never slowing down despite their rigorous choreography.

Full Setlist:

BABYMETAL DEATH

Distortion

PA PA YA!!

DA DA DANCE

METALI!!

Monochrome

Time Wave

Megitsune

RATATATA

Gimme Chocolate!!

Encore:

Headbangeeeeerrrrr!!!!!

Road of Resistance

BABYMETAL Brings 2024 World Tour to Anaheim, CA

Written by: Ephney Tsai

An Electrifying Night of Nostalgia: Super 70s Concert Experience & Almost Queen at the F.M. Kirby Center