Published Jan 26, 2021
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It s been a good decade for heavy music in Japan, but while many of these acts have been enjoying success in Japan and Europe, very few have taken off in North America. You may have heard of BABYMETAL, the band that brought kawaii metal to the world (and became the first Asian act to top Billboard s Top Rock Albums chart), but the vast majority have yet to cross the pond.
You d be forgiven, then, for never having heard of BAND-MAID. Despite releasing seven records in seven years, touring the world, and hitting the UK charts twice (topping out at No. 4), they ve never had any presence in North America. The quintet, founded by guitarist and backup vocalist Miku Kobato, dress in stage garb based on the type of outfit Kobato wore during her time working in a Japanese maid café.