HANABIE - Reborn Superstar! Album Review

The Kawaii metalcore band are back with their second album bringing big hooks and lots of fun.

The Japanese metalcore outfit is back with their sophomore album Reborn Superstar! - I became aware of the band after a YouTube recommendation for TOUSUO and I’ve been hooked since.

The bridge between J-metal and the West has shortened thanks to bands like BABYMETAL, LOVEBITES, and NEMOPHILA. HANABIE is set to be another act that sets to break through.

Things kick off with the techno hyper-pop instrumental Blast Off before entering Hyperdimension Galaxy. Where we get our first taste of the band’s cocktail of sound. A blend of Kawaii J-pop and brutal metalcore of the late-2000s. Main vocalist Yukina provides an impressive gutteral scream that bounces off the melodic vocals of Matsuri who is also a whizz on guitar.

The impressive and thunderous vocals make the most impression on Neet Game and TOUSUO. Along with this vocals blend they throw dizzying guitars and heart-pounding drums at the listener. Throw in the synths and Kawaii sound effects and there is a lot for the listener to process. This, however, is structured so beautifully that each element works perfectly.

Their ability to blend genres is reminiscent of Crossfaith only with a tongue-in-cheek kawaii image, and a J-pop focus over a numetal angle. I’m reminded of Doll$boxx’s juxtaposition of a Kawaii image with a heavy metal sound.

My only negative of Reborn Superstar! is that the album feels too short. HANABIE’s second album is a thrilling rollercoaster that is over all too quickly.

HANABIE has ambitions and talent that’s on full display on Reborn Superstar! A brilliant record that’s multifaceted, energetic, and deserving of a wider audience.

Score - 4.5/5

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