On a high-energy night at the Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem, PA, Babymetal brought their unique fusion of J-pop and heavy metal to a crowd eager for an unforgettable experience. With opener Scene Queen setting the stage, the concert offered a night filled with bold performances, theatrical flair, and genre-defying music.
Scene Queen opened the evening with her signature style, a playful yet fierce blend of hyper-pop, rock, and punk. Known for her unabashed commentary and vibrant performances, she immediately captivated the audience. Dressed in her signature over-the-top aesthetic, she turned the stage into her personal playground, delivering tracks like “Pink Panther” and “Pink Rover” with infectious energy. Her witty interactions with the crowd, paired with punchy beats and a rebellious spirit, set a lively tone for the night. By the end of her set, Scene Queen had successfully warmed up the audience, leaving them eager for what was to come.
As Babymetal prepared to take the stage, excitement surged throughout the venue. When the lights dimmed and the dramatic intro music began, the crowd erupted. Babymetal emerged in full costume, embodying their persona as the queens of kawaii metal. The opening song, “Baby Metal Death,” instantly drew everyone in, with its mix of traditional Japanese sounds and driving metal riffs. Su-metal’s commanding vocals paired with Moametal’s charismatic stage presence created a performance that was both theatrical and deeply engaging.
The setlist was a journey through Babymetal’s greatest hits and newer material from their album The Other One. Tracks like “Gimme Chocolate!!” and “PA PA YA!!” had the audience singing and moshing along, while newer songs such as “Monochrome” showcased the band’s evolving sound. Each performance was a visual spectacle, with synchronized choreography, dramatic lighting, and a backing band—the Kami Band—delivering blistering guitar solos and thundering drums.
One standout moment came during “Distortion,” when the combination of Su-metal’s soaring vocals and the band’s heavy instrumentation created a thrilling blend of melody and aggression. The theatrical element of the show was elevated by the use of elaborate stage effects, including bursts of smoke, lasers, and vibrant LED visuals that enhanced the futuristic, otherworldly vibe Babymetal is known for.
The audience’s energy mirrored the intensity on stage, as fans of all ages danced, sang, and headbanged in unison. Babymetal’s ability to connect with their audience was evident in moments like “Road of Resistance,” where the crowd joined in an epic call-and-response, creating a powerful sense of unity. Su-metal took a moment to thank the fans for their dedication, expressing gratitude in her signature warm yet regal manner.
Babymetal and Scene Queen delivered a night of bold, innovative performances that defied expectations and celebrated the power of music to cross genres and cultures. From Scene Queen’s fiery opening to Babymetal’s theatrical metal spectacle, the evening was a testament to the vibrancy of modern music.