Is the intro to Welcome Black Parade a ballad?

The introduction to My Chemical Romance's song "Welcome to the Black Parade" is not traditionally considered a ballad. A ballad is typically characterized by a slow, lyrical tempo with a focus on storytelling. While the intro to "Welcome to the Black Parade" does feature a slower tempo and contains some narrative elements, it also includes prominent string arrangements and a building intensity that sets the stage for the rest of the song. Musically, it would be more accurate to describe the intro as a dramatic or orchestral buildup rather than a ballad.