BABYMETAL’s ‘Metal Forth’ Enters Billboard 200 at No. 9, a Japanese First

Japanese metal-dance trio BABYMETAL entered the main U.S. album rankings at No. 9 with its fourth studio set “METAL FORTH,” according to the Billboard 200 chart dated Aug. 23. The placement marks the first time a group consisting entirely of Japanese members—and the first Japanese-language album—has reached the chart’s top 10. Formed in 2010 and now celebrating its 15th anniversary, BABYMETAL previously peaked at No. 13 with 2019’s “Metal Galaxy.” The new record, released on Aug. 8 and distributed through a partnership with Capitol Records under Universal Music Group signed in April, contains 10 tracks featuring guest appearances by Poppy, Electric Callboy, Slaughter to Prevail, Bloodywood and guitarist Tom Morello. The group has strengthened its overseas profile with a sold-out headline show at London’s 20,000-seat O2 Arena in May and a North American tour in June and July, ahead of an Asian run scheduled to start in September.