Babymetal Becomes First Asian Act to Rule Top Rock Albums Chart

For the first time in the 13-year history of Billboard‘s Top Rock Albums chart, an act from Asia ranks at No. 1.

Babymetal‘s Metal Galaxy, the Japanese metal band’s third studio set, debuts atop the tally dated Oct. 26 with 28,000 album units earned (27,000 in album sales), according to Nielsen Music.

The feat adds Asia to the continents that have produced acts that have led Top Rock Albums, along with North America, Europe, Africa and Australia. No South American acts have reigned, and any Antarctic artists aren’t likely to heat up the No. 1 spot any time soon.

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Babymetal previously peaked at No. 6 on Top Rock Albums in April 2016 with Metal Resistance.

The new set also bows atop Hard Rock Albums, where Asia has had a No. 1 presence before: System of a Down frontman Serj Tankian’s solo album Elect the Dead led in November 2007; Tankian was born in Lebanon to Armenian parents (and moved to the United States at age 7).

On the all-format Billboard 200, Metal Galaxystarts at No. 13, a new career-best for Babymetal. It surpasses the No. 39 peak of Metal Resistance in 2016.