Review & Photography by Kimberly Kanuck

There was massive excitement in the air on Thursday as one of the most anticipated shows of 2024 made a stop in Bethlehem. BABYMETAL hasn’t toured since 2019 and this is the first major tour for Scene Queen. Fans were hyped up and ready to rock at this sold-out show! The Wind Creek Event Center buzzed with anticipation as a diverse crowd, united by their love for bold music, packed the venue.

Scene Queen, the self-proclaimed “bimbocore” queen, stormed the stage first. Her infectious energy was undeniable, captivating the audience with her over-the-top rebellious and playful lyrics. Her music, while a bit cheesy, has a focus on themes of self-empowerment, confidence, and the importance of embracing individuality. Tracks like “Pink Push-Up Bra” and “Mutual Masturbation” perfectly exemplified her “hyperfeminine offshoot of metalcore,” and the crowd responded with enthusiasm, singing along, dancing, and throwing their fists in the air.  By the time Scene Queen closed out her set with the empowering anthem “Barbie & Ken,” the stage was set for a completely different kind of performance.

BABYMETAL, the Japanese idol group known for their captivating blend of J-pop and heavy metal, took center stage next. Their polished choreography, fierce vocals, and the precision of their live band created an atmosphere that was both a high-energy concert and a dazzling spectacle. Fans roared with excitement as Su-metal, Yuimetal, and Moametal launched into “BABYMETAL DEATH,” instantly setting the tone for the rest of the night. The contrast between their synchronized dance moves and the crushing riffs from the band was electrifying.

The setlist was a perfect mix of fan favorites like the catchy “PA PA YA!!” as well as new tracks from their latest album, “The Other One.” The inclusion of their recent international hit, “RATATATA” (a collaboration with German electronicore band Electric Callboy), was a huge highlight. This song flawlessly fused the signature styles of both bands, pushing their music to new heights and generating a massive response from the crowd.

The crowd’s energy mirrored the band’s, creating an electric atmosphere throughout the entire performance. From dancing and singing to headbanging and chanting, the audience was fully immersed in the music. The iconic “Headbangeeeerrrrr!!!!!” and “Road of Resistance” encores ignited the venue, as everyone joined in, united by the power of BABYMETAL.

Overall, the Scene Queen and BABYMETAL concert in Bethlehem, PA was more than just a show; it was an experience. The night showcased the diverse spectrum of heavy music, from Scene Queen’s raw energy to BABYMETAL’S polished brilliance, captivating fans of all kinds.

Thank you to the Wind Creek Event Center and the BABYMETAL World Tour 2024 Management for allowing me to be a part of this incredible experience!

For BABYMETAL World Tour information, please visit: https://babymetal.com/

https://www.instagram.com/babymetal_official/

https://www.instagram.com/scenequeenrocks/

For more exciting shows at Wind Creek Event Center, please visit: https://www.windcreekeventcenter.com/