BABYMETAL with support from VUKOVI
at The Civic Halls in Wolverhampton, UK
words and photos by Claire Hodgkins

Since opening for Sabaton overseas earlier this year, fans of the Japanese kawaii metal trio have been patiently waiting for a headline tour - of which BABYMETAL did not disappoint. Su-Metal, Moa-Metal and recent recruit Momo-Metal treated their cult following to three special shows including a two-night residency at Camden’s iconic Roundhouse, concluding at the newly refurbished Wolverhampton Civic Halls.

Joining the trio were Scottish duo VUKOVI, comprised of Janine Shilstone and Hamish Reilly whom had recently signed to Sharptone Records after years of perfecting their craft. Latest release ‘Mercy Kill’ and ‘Creep Heat’ were featured in their performance and were just as hard hitting when translated to a live setting, much like the rest of their sci-fi infused discography. Their thirty minute set was crammed with energetic tunes from their repertoire, offering a solid introduction to the band to those not yet acquainted. In turn, the crowd loosened up and enjoyed VUKOVI’s performance despite the striking contrast in genre than of the evening’s headliner.

“Are you ready to headbang?” - the very words plastered across a giant screen that close the band’s well loved Fox God introduction before taking to the stage. Accompanying the Kami band; already situated on stage, BABYMETAL kicked off proceedings with ‘BABYMETAL DEATH’, closely followed by mammoth hit single ‘Gimme Chocolate!!’ The sheer elegance and power of BABYMETAL’s stage presence was mind blowing. For the entirety of their twelve song set, each routine was polished to perfection with the vocals exceeding expectations. Whilst the show is heavily choreographed, that doesn’t stop the band from engaging with their adoring fans, whom from start to finish showered the three girls with applause. In true BABYMETAL style, ‘Road of Resistance’ closed the evening accompanied by the waving of flags and a fan favourite call and response section. Rapturous applause flooded the venue hall as the band bid their goodbyes. Their return to the UK had; without a doubt, been triumphant.

BABYMETAL: WOLVERHAMPTON, UK

Vukovi

Babymetal