Niche Genres For Baddies- Track 3: Kawaii Metal
Hello people of The Internet! Tia here with another edition of ‘Niche Genres For Baddies’. Today we will be delving into the colourful world of Kawaii Metal!!
This genre is one that metal elitists loveeee to debate the legitimacy of, but I’m personally here to argue for Kawaii Metal’s legitimacy as a metal subgenre.
Read on for more..... ｡ﾟ•┈୨♡୧┈• ｡ﾟ
Originating in the early 2010’s in Japan, Kawaii Metal (meaning Cute Metal) is a genre that mixes aspects of heavy metal with J-pop. Japanese band Babymetal are majorly considered as pioneers of the genre, and for bringing Kawaii Metal into the mainstream realm.
By combining the heaviness of metal with an oftentimes cutesy or Japanese idol aesthetic, Kawaii Metal offers a unique and interesting duality between two typically contrasting or conflicting vibes.
Musically, Kawaii metal utilises speed and trash metal influences to create a fast-paced sound. This energy is amplified by catchy hooks and melodies, with influence from J-pop and sometimes electronic genres.
Visuals and aesthetics play a big part in Kawaii Metal, especially during live performances. With choreographed dances and flamboyant outfits, these theatrical aspects work to unite the performers and audience together, as is typically seen in Japanese idol performances and fan culture.
Kawaii Metal has become a sort of umbrella genre for heaps of other Japanese metal-adjacent bands to fall under. Some of my favourites include Hanabie, who describe their music as 'Harajuku-core' and Necronomidol, who blended kawaii metal with black metal to create a sound that was dark AF yet super catchy.
All-in-all, Kawaii Metal is a genre that has provided an outlet for those who haven't felt like they belonged in the saccharine world of pop. It's for those who want sugar, spice and everything in between.
I think what Kawaii Metal really says though, is that you don't have to sacrifice one part of yourself because it conflicts with another ʚ♡ɞ˚
If this resonated with you, definitely make sure you check out some of the super talented and amazing ladies I mentioned in the article. ♡(੭˶•༝•˶)੭･:*ੈ♡‧₊˚:･
