Concert Review: Babymetal with Halestorm and Violet Vira at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater in Austin, TX
Photos by Lyle Fox
Review by Adam Fox
Babymetal brought their fiery performance with openers Violent Vira and Halestorm to the Germania Insurance Amphitheater in Austin, TX on September 26 for their 2026 World Tour.
Starting off the night was indie, alt-metal newcomer Violent Vira. Entering under the haunting sounds of bell tolls, she launched into “Burn Me With a Bible” and “False Reaction,” showing off her vocal range of high cleans and guttural screams. Vira commanded the stage during each song, giving the crowd every ounce of energy she had. Every fry scream and breakdown translated into more energy from the crowd. That’s when Vira commanded the pit to open for their final song, “Saccharine.” Violent Vira's stage presence and vocal talent perfectly set the stage for the next act.
Next to come on stage was Halestorm, featuring the sibling combo of Lzzy and Arejay Hale alongside guitarist Joe Hottinger and bassist Josh Smith. Lzzy started off the set showing off her magnificent vocal range with their song “Fallen Star.” Halestorm brought classic anthem rock vibes with chant-like lyrics that got every member of the audience involved, topped off with multiple face-melting guitar and drum solos. Arejay brought his own flair with stick tricks and technical solos, but he also added humor by bringing out comically large drumsticks to complete his solo. Lzzy had the crowd set the mood for “Darkness Always Wins” by lighting up the whole amphitheater with phone camera lights while spreading the uplifting message of how metal and metal fans provide a sense of togetherness, and that no one here tonight was alone. Halestorm came with more surprises, including a cover of Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance.” Halestorm showed their musical talents by converting this pop hit into a headbanger that pop and metal fans alike could enjoy. Halestorm's exciting set ended with “I Miss the Misery,” cascading over the audience one last time with solos and chanting lyrics. Leaving the crowd wanting more, everyone chanted, “HALESTORM.”
The time had come for Babymetal to take the stage. Anticipation built as the cinematics for the lore of Metal Resistance played. As the intro ended and the lights faded, the Kami Band took the stage and launched into “BABYMETAL DEATH” while Su-metal, Moametal, and Momometal took the stage and lit it up in true Babymetal fashion under red lights and pyrotechnics. There was no slowing down after this, with Babymetal pulling out heavy hitters like “from me to u” featuring Poppy and “Song 3” featuring Slaughter to Prevail to stir up the floor into multiple mosh pits. Their high-energy anthems followed, leaving everyone off their feet shouting “B-M-C.” Even the Kami Band showed off their talents, with each member getting their own solo before transitioning into “METALI!!”. With the crowd at its highest peak of energy, they reached the end of the setlist with more ground-shaking anthem hits: “RATATATA” featuring Electric Callboy and the Babymetal classic “Gimme Chocolate!!”. Safe to say, the crowd was not ready for the show to end, luckily, they got their wish with an encore. “Headbangeeeeerrrrr!!!!!” rang out and everyone moved to the beat with all their might. Babymetal ended the night with “Road of Resistance,” waving their logo flags to a roaring crowd chanting “BABYMETAL.” This unlikely metal band has become a lovable part of the metal genre. They put on a show that many will never forget and that all metalheads can love. Their music is unforgettable, from their early classics to their new collaborations with popular metal and rock stars. I can safely say that Babymetal puts on one of the best stage shows in the genre, and possibly in all of live music.
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