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In a night that will undoubtedly go down in metal history, BABYMETAL and Dethklok brought their legendary co-headliner Babyklok tour to the sold out UPMC Events Center. This tour marks Dethklok’s return to touring after more than 10 years, promoting the upcoming Metalocalypse movie and accompanying album. At first glance, the combination of kawaii J-metal and the brutal, gutteral experience that is Dethklok might seem like two opposite ends of the metal spectrum. However, the night would prove that, in the end, metal is metal.

The evening kicked off with Jason Richardson’s blistering guitar skills, setting the stage on fire with his virtuosic performance. Richardson is known for his precious guitar work with Born of Osiris and Chelsea Grin, and is currently a guitarist with All That Remains. Despite performing ad a one-man act, Richardson commanded all eyes and completely captivated the crowd. As an opener, he made a powerful statement, wowing the audience with intricate guitar solos and complex rhythms. His fusion of metal and progressive elements left everyone buzzing with anticipation for what was to come.

Next up, it was finally time for BABYMETAL to take the stage and showcase their unique blend of J-pop and heavy metal once again. As the lights dimmed and the opening notes of “BABYMETAL DEATH” blared through the speakers, the crowd erupted into cheers. The trio of Su-metal, Moametal, and Momometal made a grand entrance in their signature Gothic Lolita-inspired outfits and effortlessly commanded the stage, delivering powerful vocals and synchronized dance moves that had the entire venue jumping.

Highlights of the set included the iconic “Gimme Chocolate!!” and “Headbanger!,” prompting the audience to chant along to their long-time favourite songs. The group also performed their recently released song, “METALI!!,” accompanied by Tom Morello on the projector. This catchy, high intensity song quickly became a new favourite for many, as the arena erupted in cheers afterwards.

It was evident that a significant portion of the crowd came specifically to see BABYMETAL, and even those new to them quickly became fans. The trio’s infectious energy and passion left no one still. Colourful background projections enhanced the experience, making the performance completely unforgettable.

Following these two incredible performances, the night reached its pinnacle when Dethklok unleashed their sonic onslaught. Fans of the animated series Metalocalypse had long awaited this moment, and they were not disappointed. The brutal intensity of Dethklok’s music, coupled with their iconic gory and disgusting animated projections that fans absolutely adore, created a dark and immersive atmosphere. The absolutely brutal vocals of Brendon Small brought the animated Nathan Explosion to life. Rounding out the band with Gene Hoglan on drums, Nili Brosh on guitar, and Bryan Beller on bass, it felt like the entire crowd was suddenly transported directly into an episode of Metalocalypse.

Hits like “Thunderhorse” and “Murmaider” had the crowd moshing and headbanging in a frenzy. In addition to the classics, the set also included songs from their newest album, Dethalbum IV. These were accompanied by clips from the upcoming Metalocalypse movie, a spectacularly brutal treat for all in attendance!

A highlight of the show came in the form of the classic guitar duel between the animated Skwisgaar Skwigelf and Toki Wartooth. The iconic scene from Metalocalypse was brought to life by the incredibly talented Small and Brosh. The energy was electric as these two shredded away with pure, unadulterated intensity.

Periodically throughout the set, Dethklok’s friendly mascot, Facebones, graced the crowd with some insightful concert tips. He preached the importance of taking a shower before and after a concert, as well as not drinking or smoking beyond your limit. Facebones provided these seemingly common-sense but very, very necessary lessons, looking out for their fans in a way that only the world’s most brutal band can.

The venue’s acoustics magnified the entire experience with its concrete floor, walls, and ceiling, making the sound as loud as possible and vibrating everything within the arena. The already brutal music could be felt in your core, creating a unique, one-with-the-music experience.

The Babyklok show was a triumphant celebration of metal in all its diverse forms, showcasing the genre’s ability to bridge cultures and captivate audiences of all ages. As the final notes echoed through the venue, it was clear that this night would be etched in the memory of all who attended, serving as a testament to the enduring and uniting power of metal.

September 8th, 2023