Heavy Metal is a fighter with a Signature Ability that revolves around increasing his damage output via ARMOR stacks, which is gained when hit. He currently has the third-highest ATK stat and third-highest HP stat of all Big Bands, making him suitable for both roles in offense and defense.
If used on offense, it is recommended to gain a stack of ARMOR to increase his blockbuster damage output first, be it by hitting an enemy (even when they are blocking as long as it doesn't punish you) or with Big Band's taunt, BAGPIPE BLUES. With that said, Heavy Metal does not have any other offensive attribute aside from his increased damage and may struggle against BUFF-heavy defenders such as Blue Screen and Armed Forces.
Defensively, Heavy Metal is a dangerous fighter to fight against, as he gains ARMOR stacks that prolong his survivability and massively boost his damage output when he punishes you. Failure to prepare and block safely can easily lead to loss.
Thus, countering Heavy Metal is to simply prevent him from getting any ARMOR through fighters that can inflict CURSE such as Purrfect Dark, or HEX such as Red Velvet or ARMOR BREAK such as Martial Outlaw.
Given Heavy Metal's high naturally defensive bulk, it may still be difficult to wear him down without getting punished via an unblockable Tier 3 blockbuster. Using characters that can inflict BLEED such as Filia and Painwheel is a recommended strategy to quickly reduce his health and avoid this problem.
Marquee Ability: FRONTMAN is recommended for defense as it provides Resistance and damage reduction to make him more durable and more resistant to DEBUFFS.
Stat Investment[]
General Investment: As a defensive Big Band, Heavy Metal is best built with HP, Meter Gain, Defense and Resistance. Do keep in mind that due to his Marquee Ability FRONTMAN, Big Band does not need more than 20% Resistance.
Special investment:Crit Resist is also recommended to stop players from using fighters like Cosmic Rebel and Triple Threat. Accuracy will also help to activate his first Signature Ability more consistently.
Rift Battles[]
Heavy Metal is a potent defender that synergizes very well with catalysts that grants ARMOR such as Armor Rating, Frost Amour and High Waters. His built-in ARMOR as well as the extra defense brought on by FRONTMAN Marquee Ability makes him synergize extremely well with Big Band's Futile Resistance Catalyst.
This variant is a reference to Jotaro Kujo, the main character of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders with references to his Stand, Star Platinum, and its battle cry.
This variant's pose is taken from Big Band's blockbuster: TUBA TUBA. Additionally, TUBA TUBA is a reference to Jotaro Kujo's Stand, Star Platinum.
