Headbanger (Babymetal song)

Background and release

The single was released in two versions: a standard edition, available via CD and digital download, and a physical limited "Head" edition, which contains the CD as well as a "neck corset" (actually a cervical collar) for headbanging training. Both editions of the single feature the songs "Headbanger" and "Uki Uki ★ Midnight", along with instrumental versions (labeled as "Vocal Air Ver."). The enhanced CD also contains a bonus music video of "Babymetal Death", which can only be played on a computer. The artwork of the standard edition depicts a lyric in the song, specifically when the girl is headbanging with the corset, with the crimson-colored moon in the background, as well as the band name appearing at the top. The limited edition artwork depicts a temple scripture of the "Corset of Legend" with the song title spelled out in the middle.

Both the song and the single have been written various ways in English, mainly as either "Head Bangya!!" or "Headbangeeeeerrrrr!!!!!", the latter of which is used in the international re-release of Babymetal.

Composition

With music written and arranged by Coaltar of the Deepers member Narasaki, "Headbanger" contains lyrics revolving around a girl on her fifteenth birthday, along with melancholy vocals, a backing track incorporating screams and double bass drums, finishing with an intense, emo-style melody.

The B-side, "Uki Uki ★ Midnight", has been described by Barks as a sequel to the song "Doki Doki ☆ Morning". Arranged by Yuyoyuppe, the song contains elements of metalcore and dubstep, along with segments of pop melodies and death growls. Notably, the bridge contains elements of the English lullaby "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star".

Critical reception

Kazumi Nanba of Rolling Stone Japan said that the group gained popularity by relying much on its gimmicks, commenting on the song's combination of the "Vwoh!" death growls and the "cute chanting shouts".

Music video

The music video for the title track was directed by Hidenobu Tanabe (田辺秀伸), who would be named Best Director of that year (2012) at the Space Shower Music Video Awards. It narrated a story of a 15-year-old girl who found a legendary neck corset in a mysterious box that fell upon her from above. All of a sudden, the corset jumps out of her hands, wraps around her neck and turns her into "Headbanger".

Live performances

"Headbanger" was first performed at the Pop'n Idol 02 venue at Zepp Tokyo on June 23, 2012.

To promote the release of the single, the band performed the song during their promotional event "Headbang Pilgrimage!!" (ヘドバ行脚ー!!, Hedoba Angyā!!) at Tower Records/Tsuyata stores, first at Namba Rockets, Osaka on July 7, and at ell.Size, Nagoya on July 8. On July 14, the band performed in the concert Uki Uki ☆ Afternoon at Tower Records, Shibuya as a part of the Tower Records event No Music, No Idol?. The band also played the concert Legend: Corset Festival at Meguro Rock May Kan on July 21, 2012, where the song "Uki Uki ★ Midnight" was first performed live, and fans accepted into the concert were required to wear the corsets. Footage taken from this concert was later released as a bonus DVD for the limited "Z" edition of the single Ijime, Dame, Zettai.

During the live performances Legend "D" Su-metal Holy Birthday at Akasaka Blitz on December 20, 2012, and Legend "1997" Su-metal Holy Birthday at Makuhari Messe on December 21, 2012, a remix titled "Night of 15 mix." was performed, containing more elements of electronic music. The former took place on Suzuka Nakamoto's actual fifteenth birthday, while the latter was the opening song for the concert.

Credits and personnel

Recording and management

Personnel

Credits adapted from "Headbanger" single liner notes.