Biography
Alien Weaponry: history and sound
Alien Weaponry: The Maori Metal Band Taking the World by Storm
If you're a metalhead looking for some fresh and unconventional tunes, you might have already heard of Alien Weaponry, the Maori metal band hailing from New Zealand. These young musicians have been making waves in the metal community, combining the aggressive and heavy sound of metal with the traditional rhythms and language of their Maori culture. In this article, we'll dive deeper into the musical biography of Alien Weaponry, explore their best songs and music genre, and take a look at some of their memorable concerts and reviews.
Alien Weaponry was formed in 2010 by brothers Lewis and Henry de Jong, and friend Ethan Trembath, who were only 8, 10, and 10 years old at the time. They began playing covers of Metallica, Motorhead, and Black Sabbath, but soon started developing their own sound, which incorporated te reo Maori language and traditional instruments such as the taonga puoro, a Maori wind instrument. They gained attention at home when they won the Smokefreerockquest music competition in 2016 and released their debut album T? in 2018.
The music of Alien Weaponry is classified as thrash metal, with strong influences from classic bands such as Slayer and Sepultura, but infused with Maori chants and rhythms that give it a unique and powerful feel. Their lyrics tackle themes related to Maori history and culture, such as the colonization of New Zealand and the struggles of the Maori people. Their best-known songs include Kai Tangata, Ahi K?, and R? Ana Te Whenua, which feature catchy riffs, aggressive vocals, and Maori lyrics that add depth and authenticity to their style.
One of the most remarkable concerts by Alien Weaponry was their performance at the world-famous Wacken Open Air festival in Germany in 2018, where they won the Metal Battle competition and played in front of 90,000 screaming fans. This was a turning point for the band, as they gained international recognition and a growing fanbase that appreciated their fusion of metal and Maori culture. They also toured extensively in Europe and North America, playing in popular venues such as the Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood and the Viper Room in Las Vegas.
The reviews of Alien Weaponry have been overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising their raw talent, originality, and intense live shows. For example, the magazine Kerrang! called them the future of metal and their album T? a savage triumph, while the website Loudwire described them as one of the most exciting bands to emerge in years. The band has also received several awards, including the Best Live Act at Aotearoa Music Awards.
Alien Weaponry is one of the most exciting and promising metal bands in recent years, with a sound that is both classic and innovative, heavy and emotional, grand and intimate. They are not just another band copying existing formulas, but a true cultural force that celebrates their Maori roots while expanding the horizons of metal music. If you haven't listened to them yet, do yourself a favor and check out their music - you might discover a new world of sound and meaning that will rock your soul.
If you're a metalhead looking for some fresh and unconventional tunes, you might have already heard of Alien Weaponry, the Maori metal band hailing from New Zealand. These young musicians have been making waves in the metal community, combining the aggressive and heavy sound of metal with the traditional rhythms and language of their Maori culture. In this article, we'll dive deeper into the musical biography of Alien Weaponry, explore their best songs and music genre, and take a look at some of their memorable concerts and reviews.
Alien Weaponry was formed in 2010 by brothers Lewis and Henry de Jong, and friend Ethan Trembath, who were only 8, 10, and 10 years old at the time. They began playing covers of Metallica, Motorhead, and Black Sabbath, but soon started developing their own sound, which incorporated te reo Maori language and traditional instruments such as the taonga puoro, a Maori wind instrument. They gained attention at home when they won the Smokefreerockquest music competition in 2016 and released their debut album T? in 2018.
The music of Alien Weaponry is classified as thrash metal, with strong influences from classic bands such as Slayer and Sepultura, but infused with Maori chants and rhythms that give it a unique and powerful feel. Their lyrics tackle themes related to Maori history and culture, such as the colonization of New Zealand and the struggles of the Maori people. Their best-known songs include Kai Tangata, Ahi K?, and R? Ana Te Whenua, which feature catchy riffs, aggressive vocals, and Maori lyrics that add depth and authenticity to their style.
One of the most remarkable concerts by Alien Weaponry was their performance at the world-famous Wacken Open Air festival in Germany in 2018, where they won the Metal Battle competition and played in front of 90,000 screaming fans. This was a turning point for the band, as they gained international recognition and a growing fanbase that appreciated their fusion of metal and Maori culture. They also toured extensively in Europe and North America, playing in popular venues such as the Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood and the Viper Room in Las Vegas.
The reviews of Alien Weaponry have been overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising their raw talent, originality, and intense live shows. For example, the magazine Kerrang! called them the future of metal and their album T? a savage triumph, while the website Loudwire described them as one of the most exciting bands to emerge in years. The band has also received several awards, including the Best Live Act at Aotearoa Music Awards.
Alien Weaponry is one of the most exciting and promising metal bands in recent years, with a sound that is both classic and innovative, heavy and emotional, grand and intimate. They are not just another band copying existing formulas, but a true cultural force that celebrates their Maori roots while expanding the horizons of metal music. If you haven't listened to them yet, do yourself a favor and check out their music - you might discover a new world of sound and meaning that will rock your soul.
