Genre: Groove Metal
Label: Napalm Records
Date of Release: March 28, 2025
Links: https://alienweaponry.com/
Line Up:
Henry Te Reiwhati de Jong – Drums, Backing vocals
Lewis Raharuhi de Jong – Guitars, Lead vocals
T?ranga Porowini Morgan-Edmonds – Bass, Backing vocals
Line Up:
1 Crown
2 Mau Moko
3 1000 Friends
4 Hanging by a Thread
5 Tama-nui-te-r?
6 Myself to Blame
7 Taniwha (feat. Randy Blythe)
8 Blackened Sky
9 Te Riri o T?whirim?tea
10 Ponaturi
11 Te Kore
In the current world of Metal originality is difficult to come by but New Zealand’s own Alien Weaponry‘s inclusion of their native M?ori gives their music a unique perspective. Having seen them open the main stage at Download Festival 2019 and absolutely loved tracks such as “Kai Tangata” from first album T. Alien Weaponry are due to release their heaviest, most powerful and mature offering to date, Te R, on March 28, 2025 via Napalm Records.
The aforementioned debut T was lauded for the band’s kinetic presence and sound, as well as their vital blend of culturally profound lyricism in both English and te reo M?ori, the indigenous language of New Zealand. This was followed by their second acclaimed album, Tangaroa and the band has amassed millions of streams and video views. The group was described as the “future of metal” by Metal Hammer, and has performed with the likes of Guns N’ Roses, Gojira, Slayer and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.
Opening with riff driven track “The Crown” the band shows their progression with their blending of heavier and more groove-focused sections. I was drawn in from the off due to the group’s appealing rhythms that had me tapping along. The song blends more melodic singing with more aggressive metal vocals underpinned by driving drums and catchy riffs.
The band’s ethos and cultural content has continued on their new album with the group continuing to blend the two languages throughout. For second track “Mau Moko” the band address wrongdoings to their ancestors and this is further demonstrated in the accompanying music video depicting traditional M?ori practices.
The band’s increase in stature in the industry can be seen by their collaboration with Lamb of God’s Randy Blythe for seventh track “Taniwha” one of the group’s more aggressive tracks that has some melodic sections weaved between the angry choruses.
The new release concludes with short track “Te Kore,” which is a microcosm of the band’s overall style. Incorporating tribalist rhythms that feel like a traditional Haka supported by modern metal instruments and vocal stylings.
Lyrically, there’s a noticeable tilt towards despondency, hopelessness, and frustration on Te R. While Lewis’s lyrics in M?ori on songs like “Tama-nui-te-r?” and “Ponaturi” draw from the themes of history, battle lore and mysticism that made the first two albums so rich, frontman Lewis’ English-language lyrics illustrate the impact when culture collides with disenfranchisement day-to-day. “Crown” and “Hanging by a Thread” take us into the headspace where struggle pushes people to the brink of desperation, while on “Blackened Sky” and “1000 Friends”, Lewis addresses universal woes like the looming threat of World War III and the damaging effects of social media.
With Te R, Alien Weaponry have solidified themselves as a unique young metal band of their generation with a musical tenacity. They deliver a strong cultural message shining light on their heritage through their music and help to spread the message of M?ori society giving a voice to those who can feel unheard. Overall a strong offering from the Kiwi three piece and for those who have enjoyed their music to date, you will not be disappointed.
Written by: Dave Martin
Ratings: 8/10
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