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BABYMETAL Makes History with ‘METAL FORTH,’ Scoring Highest-Charting Japanese Album on Billboard 200 at #9
Japanese kawaii metal sensation BABYMETAL has shattered records once again, securing the highest-charting album by a Japanese act in Billboard 200 history with their fifth studio album, METAL FORTH, debuting at an impressive #9. This milestone surpasses their previous record set by 2019’s Metal Galaxy, which peaked at #13, cementing BABYMETAL’s status as a global force in music.Released on August 8, 2025, via Capitol Records, METAL FORTH marks BABYMETAL’s first original album since Metal Galaxy and their first with new member Momoko Okazaki, who joined in 2023.
The album, whose title translates to “beyond metal,” delivers a bold evolution of the band’s signature blend of J-pop and heavy metal, featuring high-profile collaborations with artists like Tom Morello, Poppy, Spiritbox, Electric Callboy, Slaughter to Prevail, Bloodywood, and Polyphia. This star-studded lineup has resonated with fans and critics alike, contributing to the album’s chart success with 36,000 equivalent album units in the U.S. during its debut week, including 33,500 pure sales and 3.28 million on-demand streams.
The Billboard 200 achievement is a historic moment for Japanese music, as METAL FORTH overtakes Metal Galaxy’s previous record as the highest-charting Japanese-language album in the chart’s history. BABYMETAL’s producer and manager, Key “KOBAMETAL” Kobayashi, emphasized the album’s significance, stating, “This year, BABYMETAL celebrates its 15th anniversary and embarks on an exciting new chapter. With Capitol Records as our global partner, the sound of BABYMETAL will resonate across the world as we take on bolder, more dynamic endeavors than ever before.”
The album’s diverse tracklist, including standout singles like “METALI!! (feat. Tom Morello),” “RATATATA (BABYMETAL x Electric Callboy),” and “My Queen (feat. Spiritbox),” showcases BABYMETAL’s genre-defying approach. Tracks like “Kon! Kon! (feat. Bloodywood)” and “Sunset Kiss (feat. Polyphia)” blend global musical influences, from Indian tribal sounds to city-pop metal, earning praise for their innovation and polished execution.
The album also topped the Billboard JAPAN Download Albums chart with 2,077 downloads and debuted at #3 on the Oricon Albums Chart, further highlighting its global and domestic impact.BABYMETAL’s journey to this historic achievement began with their 2014 self-titled debut, which broke barriers for Japanese artists by charting on the Billboard 200. Their 2016 album, Metal Resistance, reached #39, marking the highest U.S. chart position for a Japanese artist since 1963, while Metal Galaxy set a precedent as the first Asian act to top the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart. With METAL FORTH, BABYMETAL not only surpasses their own legacy but also solidifies their role as pioneers of the kawaii metal genre.
The band’s upcoming BABYMETAL World Tour 2025 is expected to amplify the album’s reach, with theatrical, lore-driven performances planned across the globe.As BABYMETAL continues to push boundaries, METAL FORTH stands as a testament to their enduring influence and ability to bridge cultures through music. With this historic #9 debut, the trio—Su-metal, Moametal, and Momometal—has once again proven that their unique sound knows no limits.
