Ozzy Osbourne’s album ‘The Essential Ozzy Osbourne’ had been holding the top position on the Billboard Top Hard Rock Albums chart following his death. The chart information comes from Billboard.
However, BABYMETAL’s new album ‘Metal Forth’ has now claimed the top spot. This ends Osbourne’s weeks-long reign at number one.
The shift has pushed Ozzy Osbourne’s compilation album down to fourth place on the chart. Nickelback’s ‘The Best of Nickelback: Volume 1’ currently sits in second place. Queen’s ‘Greatest Hits’ occupies the third position, relegating the late metal icon’s album further down the rankings.
This chart movement represents a notable milestone for the Japanese metal group. Their latest release has captured significant attention in the hard rock community.
Wikipedia reported that ‘Metal Forth’ is BABYMETAL’s fifth studio album and was released on August 8, 2025, after several delays. The album marks a significant transition for the band. It is their first release to feature Momoko Okazaki as an official member following lineup changes in recent years.
The album’s success comes after BABYMETAL signed with Capitol Records earlier in 2025. This marks a new chapter in their international expansion. Antimusic noted that the release represents the band’s most ambitious project to date. It features numerous high-profile collaborations that have broadened their appeal beyond traditional metal audiences.
‘Metal Forth’ is particularly notable for its diverse range of collaborations. These include partnerships with Tom Morello, Poppy, and Spiritbox. These collaborations demonstrate BABYMETAL’s evolving approach to heavy metal. They incorporate elements from various subgenres and artists to create a more globally accessible sound.
The album’s chart success reflects the band’s growing influence in the international metal scene. They are successfully competing against established legends like Ozzy Osbourne. This achievement underscores how contemporary metal acts are reshaping the genre’s landscape and challenging traditional hierarchies in rock music charts.
