Karate

"Karate" (stylized in all caps) is a song by the Japanese heavy metal band Babymetal from their second studio album, Metal Resistance. The song was released to active rock radio as an airplay-only single in the United States on February 26, 2016. Background and release "Karate" was first included in a teaser for the album Metal Resistance and its own music video, which was uploaded to YouTube on February 25, 2016. Currently, the official music video has gained over 77 million views on YouTube. The song was officially released as a digital single the next day, available as an instant download upon pre-ordering the album on the iTunes Store. Additionally, the song received airplay via the Nippon Broadcasting System program MC Plus. Moa Kikuchi expressed that "Karate" is her favorite song, explaining how "karate has a courtesy: "Start with a bow and end with a bow." This is something important we value in our lives, because we never forget courtesy and a feeling of gratitude wherever we go." Composition According to Suzuka Nakamoto, "Karate" is reminiscent of the song "Megitsune", which "is popular among international fans. [The song] has not only Babymetal vibes, but also has Japanese elements. Its lyrics portray a strong will to go on, no matter what happens in your life." The song is a nu metal song that contains elements of metalcore. Composed by Yuyoyuppe and arranged under the name Yuppemetal, "Karate" also features djent-like riffs, and a J-pop melody. Loudwire'''s Graham Hartmann described the song as "incredibly charming. Instrumentally, it’s also heavy as hell. The song’s main riff is way low on the sonic spectrum, chugging away in a no-nonsense djent fashion."