There are shows that are loud. There are shows that are vital. Then there’s BABYMETAL.

This past week, I had the privilege of photographing BABYMETAL at The Mann Center in Philadelphia, and let me tell you: this was no ordinary concert. It was a full blown spectacle of sound, synergy, and synchronized choreographed chaos.

From the moment the lights dropped and the first beat of “RATATATA” exploded through the speakers, the crowd was ignited. BABYMETAL burst onto the stage with their signature blend of Kawaii metal, a genre they’ve practically pioneered themselves, flawlessly blending J-pop vocals with thrashing guitar riffs and double bass drums that would make any metalhead nod in approval.

As a photographer, these first three songs are crucial, and we had the chance to shoot during “RATATATA,” “Gimme Chocolate!!,” “from me to u,” and “KARATE.” Each one was a visual feast. The lighting was dramatic, the choreography was sharp and dynamic, and the members SU-METAL, MOAMETAL, and MOMOMETAL were a constant source of kinetic zeal. They didn’t just perform, they commanded the stage.

What stood out most was how studio-perfect their live vocals and instrumentals sounded. It’s rare that a band with such a heavily produced sound in the studio can translate that magic live, but BABYMETAL does it effortlessly. Every note, every scream, every beat was executed with precision while still managing to feel raw and spontaneous.

“Gimme Chocolate!!” ignited the crowd into a frenzy, proving once again why it’s a fan favorite. “from me to u” gave us a glimpse into their softer, more melodic side, offering a moment of emotional depth before diving right into the heavy-hitting “KARATE,” which felt like a cinematic battle cry from start to finish.

To date, BABYMETAL has to be one of my favorite bands to shoot. Their energy, visuals, and presence are simply unmatched. Every frame I captured felt alive, charged with movement and meaning. There’s something undeniably powerful about a group that can go from adorable to fierce in a split second and make it all look natural.

The vibes? Immaculate.
The crowd? Hypnotized.
The experience? Unforgettable.

BABYMETAL isn’t just a band. They’re an event. And if you ever get the chance to see them live, don’t walk – run.