Babymetal(ベビーメタル) is a Japanese band that combines Metal and Idol music. The group consists of Su-metal(Suzuka Nakamoto), Yuimetal(Yui Mizuno) and Moametal(Moa Kikichu). The girls are also accompanied by a back-up band called Kami Band that provides the instrumentals when they perform in a live concert. They are currently managed by Amuse Talent Agency. The group stated that their goal is to create a new sub-genre called Kawaii Metal (Cute Metal).
In 2010,
Kobametal(Key Kobayashi) decided to create a sub-group for a Japanese idol group called Sakura Gakuin. He decided to combine his two favorite genre which is Heavy Metal and Idol music. He decided to name the group as Babymetal. It is a play on the words "heavy metal", as, in Japanese, the word "baby"
(ベビー bebī) rhymes with "heavy"
(ヘビー hebī). "Baby" may indicate cuteness, "metal" – intensity. Also, he has come to like interpreting it as "newborn metal"
Their first song is Doki Doki Morning and released in April 2011 on the Sakura Gakuin album Sakura Gakuin 2010nendo: Message. The group performed with Sakura Gakuin's other sub group but as they become more popular, the group started having their own gigs that attracts not only Japanese idol fans but also heavy metal fans.
In February 2014, they debuted their first album BABYMETAL. It contained 13 tracks and was also available in a limited edition that included a DVD with music videos and live footage. The album was well received by critics and also topped the iTunes metal charts. Their song
Gimme chocolate!! (ギミチョコ!!) become a viral hit and increased their popularity in the west.