The eagerly anticipated “BABYKLOK Tour” is upon us, showcasing co-headlining sets by Japanese pop-metal outfit BABYMETAL and brutish heavy metal band Dethklok of Metalocalypse fame. The outing (tickets available here) launched in late August and is currently making its way through North American cities, culminating in a final show in Los Angeles on October 11th. One of its recent sold-out stops was in the heart of New York City on Friday night (September 15th) at the legendary Hammerstein Ballroom.
The night marked BABYMETAL’s triumphant return to the Big Apple after a pandemic-induced hiatus, and the kawaii metal sensations lived up to expectations by delivering a captivating 11-song set that spanned their entire four-album discography. Fronted by three core singers and dancers — namely Su-metal, Moametal, and new full-time member Momometal — and accompanied by their instrumental backing group known as the ‘Kami Band,’ BABYMETAL lit up the stage with vivid energy. The band tore through a selection of epic songs, including “BABYMETAL DEATH,” “Gimme Chocolate!!,” “Distortion,” and “Headbangeeeeerrrrr!!!!!,” leaving the audience in a craze with each successive hit.
On tour in support of their recent concept album, THE OTHER ONE, BABYMETAL took the opportunity to dazzle the audience with the infectious melodies of their new tracks “Believing” and “Monochrome.” Furthermore, the band went on to thrill fans with the brand-new, riff-packed track “METALI!!,” featuring blistering licks contributed by none other than Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello (who was shown on a video screen playing his guitar parts). The night concluded with a powerful rendition of “Road of Resistance” from the band’s monumental 2016 album, Metal Resistance.
The formidable Dethklok devastated the stage with a hefty 16-song set, overwhelming both the eyes and ears of the audience with their ear-splitting riffs and a visually intense display that could induce seizures. Led by musician and Metalocalypse show co-creator Brendon Small, and also featuring legendary drummer Gene Hoglan (Dark Angel, ex-Testament, ex-Strapping Young Lad) and more, the animated act transformed into a real-life, high-octane headbanging extravaganza as they ripped through a relentless lineup of callous tracks, including “Briefcase Full of Guts,” “Bloodlines,” “Hatredcopter,” and “I Ejaculate Fire.”
With a colossal LED video wall looming in the background, displaying gruesome imagery from the Metalocalypse television series and new movie Army of the Doomstar, the band delivered an unrelenting performance in near-total darkness. This deliberate choice directed fans’ attention solely to the persistent assault of laser lights and sinister cartoon depictions projected behind them. The band would only step into the spotlight at the end of their sonic onslaught, allowing them to express their gratitude to the attentive crowd.
Virtuoso guitarist Jason Richardson (All That Remains, ex-Chelsea Grin) initiated the evening with an entrancing performance, showcasing his solo material from his albums I and II.
See photos of BABYMETAL and Dethklok in our gallery below, followed by each band’s setlist. Pick up tickets to the remaining shows here.
Photo Gallery – BABYMETAL, Dethklok, and Jason Richardson at NYC’s Hammerstein Ballroom (click to expand and scroll through):
BABYMETAL Setlist:
BABYMETAL DEATH
Gimme Chocolate!!
PA PA YA!!
Distortion
BxMxC
Believing
Monochrome
METALI!!
Megitsune
Headbangeeeeerrrrr!!!!!
Road of Resistance
Dethklok Setlist:
Deththeme
Briefcase Full of Guts
Birthday Dethday
Awaken
Bloodlines
The Gears
Hatredcopter
Dethsupport
Duncan Hills Coffee Jingle
Aortic Desecration
I Ejaculate Fire
The Duel
Murmaider
Thunderhorse
SOS
Go Into the Water