Initially previewed in the trailer for their graphic novel, APOCRYPHA The Legend of BABYMETAL, the kawaii metal group has now released the single for Starlight, along with a music video.

The release has coincided with the news that Yuimetal has officially left BABYMETAL. As posted by BABYMETAL on their official website, they revealed that following her performance in December 2017, despite health concerns, Yuimetal had expressed a desire to continue performing with the group. “During her absence, both SU-METAL and MOAMETAL as well as the entire staff team had been preparing for her awaited return. However, YUIMETAL came to a decision that she will not be performing at BABYMETAL WORLD TOUR 2018 in JAPAN and that she will no longer be a part of BABYMETAL. We thank her for all of her contributions and wish her all the best in her future endeavors. This month’s BABYMETAL WORLD TOUR 2018 in JAPAN will mark the rebirth in which SU-METAL and MOAMETAL form the core of BABYMETAL.”

Yuimetal also posted a message on Amuse’s website, apologising to the fans that support BABYMETAL. Stating that she had a strong desire to perform on stage again, she did not feel that she was in the best health. She has made the decision to continue as Yui Mizuno and is thankful for the eight years with BABYMETAL.

Starlight has been seen as a tribute to the group’s Kami Band guitarist Mikio Fujioka, who passed away earlier this year. The music video continues with the lore and the beginning of a new legend, the seven metal spirits, THE CHOSEN SEVEN, seen looking up at the stars.

Starlight is available to download now.

Originally published on MyM Buzz on 19 October 2018.