8 June 2023 – Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane – words by Gabrielle Ross – pictures by Charlyn Cameron
Kicking off their first Australian Headliner Tour in Brisbane, punters suspected that they were in for the show of their lives and oh did BABYMETAL deliver. The all ages sold out show at Brisbane’s Fortitude Music Hall showcased the best of Babymetal’s fanbase, from cosplays to a never ending merch line. Everyone was geared up for an epic night, ready to show their love for BABYMETAL!
Opening the show was Sydney based alt-rock band Reliqa, with an impressively energetic set that set the tone for the evening. Heavy drums from Shannon Griesburg, complex aggressive riffage courtesy of Brandon Llyod and thick and groovy bass from Miles Knox permeated the soundscape. Frontwoman Monique Pym belted out beautifully strong vocals, in between bouncy dance breaks and flowing keyboard. Reliqa have come far, dominating the stage with ‘Mr Magic’, ‘The Ritualist’ and ‘The Halfway Point’, Reliqa have truly made their mark on the Australian alt-rock scene!
BABYMETAL made their headliner debut with a cinematic interlude announcement “In a heavy metal galaxy far far away…” as punters were introduced to the law of BABYMETAL with beautifully appropriate visuals. Four mysteriously masked musicians, two on guitar, one on bass and drums took up the space down stage, while Babymetal, clad in black and iridescent vinyl, strutted centre stage to a flurry of heavy drums, electric riffs and applause.
Launching straight into ‘BABYMETAL DEATH’, Su-metal (vocals, dance), Moametal (scream, dance) and Momometal (scream, dance) blasted out high energy, tight choreography in their trademark jpop/metal style with a flare of Kabuki Theatre and trademark Fox God hand gestures! Punters were going wild, the Fortitude Music Hall had never seen a more consistent mosh pit, fans were jumping and moshing with endless energy. This was going to be one insane set with BABYMETAL proving why they are the best when it comes to a live show.
Addressing their Brisbane fans, Sumetal shouted “Are you ready to have fun?!” before leading punters in an earthquake inducing “One, two, three, JUMP!” into ‘Megitsune’! Feet left the floor and hands were thrown in the air as the venue floor shook with the bouncing crowd. BABYMETAL smashed through their entire set with heavy energy and kinetic energy, flowing through ‘LINE’ and ‘Shanti, Shanti, Shanti’ which were followed by ‘MAYA’ and ‘Mirror Mirror’.
BABYMETAL fans went wild for ‘BxMxC’, as Sumetal’s vocals pierced the soundscape while keeping well timed choreography with Moametal and Momometal, followed my ‘Monochrome’, ’Distortion’ and ‘PA PA YA!!’ feat. backing vocals and visuals from F.HERO!
‘Gimme Chocolate!!’ sent BABYMETAL fans into overdrive, jumping and moshing ensued as BABYMETAL executed their vocals and choreo to perfection, their talented band sending out insane riffs and thundering percussion and bass.
‘Road of Resistance’ started with an epic guitar riff as BABYMETAL commanded the stage with their ‘BABYMETAL’ flags of resistance, before Sumetal split the mosh pit into a wall of death with a cheeky smile. A flurry of sound led to an epic finale for BABYMETAL as they left the stage with fans screaming and chanting for more!
BABYMETAL and their talented band returned to the stage to perform an insane and electric encore with ‘METAL KINGDOM’ and ‘Ijime, Dame, Zettai’! Sumetal, Moametal and Momometal bowed to thank their Brisbane fans and to thunderous applause, this is one show Brisbane would never forget. BABYMETAL are showstoppers that are set to dominate the metal world.
