J-pop/metal hybrid band Babymetal made its U.S. television debut on Late Night with Stephen Colbert Tuesday night. They performed their single “Gimme Chocolate!!” (It’s an oldie, but a goodie.)
“I’m not sure what I’m about to see,” Colbert said before the performance, “but I’m pretty excited about it.”
A self-proclaimed “kawaii” or “cute” metal band, Babymetal blends J-pop vocals with metal instrumentals. The band is immensely popular among J-Pop fans outside of Japan, as evidenced by multiple international tours and, now, a TV performance.
It continues to be, without a doubt, among the most musically and visually jarring things I’ve ever seen approach the cultural mainstream… and continues to be kinda catchy.
Babymetal’s new album, Metal Resistance, dropped earlier this month.