Alien Weaponry

How a Māori Metal Band is Revolutionizing the Global Metal Scene

In the rugged landscapes of New Zealand, a metal band has emerged that defies conventional categorization while fiercely protecting and promoting their indigenous heritage. Alien Weaponry isn't just another heavy metal outfit—they're cultural warriors wielding guitars and drums instead of traditional weapons, fighting to preserve their Māori language and history through the universal language of thrash metal.

The Warriors Behind the Music

Formed in Auckland in 2010 by brothers Henry Te Reiwhati de Jong (drums) and Lewis Raharuhi de Jong (guitar/vocals) when they were just 10 and 8 years old respectively, Alien Weaponry's origin story reads like something from a movie script. The band's name was inspired by the sci-fi film "District 9," but their mission has always been firmly rooted in reality: to share their Māori heritage with the world.

In 2013, after the brothers moved to the small town of Waipu, they were joined by bassist Ethan Trembath. This trio achieved early success, making history in 2016 as one of only two bands to win both the national finals of Smokefree Rockquest and Smokefree Pacifica Beats. In August 2020, a significant change occurred when Ethan departed and was replaced by Tūranga Morgan-Edmonds, also of Māori descent from the Ngāti Rārua, Ngāti Wai, and Ngāti Hine iwi (tribes).

What makes Alien Weaponry truly exceptional is not just their youth or their musical talent, but their dedication to their cultural roots. Both Henry and Lewis attended a Māori immersion primary school (Kura Kaupapa) where they became fluent in Te Reo Māori, the indigenous language of New Zealand. This education would later become the foundation for their unique sound.

A Sonic Fusion of Heritage and Metal

Alien Weaponry's music is a powerful blend of thrash metal, groove metal, and traditional Māori elements. They've been compared to a "Māori version of Roots-era Sepultura" for their approach to infusing indigenous culture into heavy music, though interestingly, the band has stated they weren't familiar with Sepultura when they began creating their distinctive style.

Their performances often incorporate elements of haka, the traditional Māori war dance famous worldwide thanks to New Zealand's All Blacks rugby team. However, Alien Weaponry takes this cultural element to new heights, merging the aggressive vocal delivery and rhythmic intensity of haka with the raw power of metal.

As drummer Henry de Jong explained in an NPR interview, "The music really goes with that kind of aggressive style of vocal delivery. And so for us to be singing in Māori and doing it in this kind of haka style, I think it works really well."

Discography: Chronicling History Through Metal

Alien Weaponry's discography tells a story of both musical evolution and cultural preservation:

1. The Zego Sessions (EP, 2014): Their debut EP, showcasing their early sound and setting the stage for their unique approach.

2. Tū (2018): Their breakthrough debut album, which debuted at number five on the New Zealand album charts. "Tū" (which means "to stand" in Māori) features songs like "Rū Ana Te Whenua" (The Trembling Earth) about a historic battle where the brothers' ancestor lost his life, and "Raupatu" about land confiscations by the colonial government.

3. Tangaroa (2021): Their sophomore album, named after the Māori god of the sea, which expanded their sound while continuing to explore themes of history, colonization, and environmental concerns.

4. Te Rā (Upcoming, March 28, 2025): Their highly anticipated third album will feature 11 tracks, including a collaboration with Randy Blythe of Lamb of God on the track "Taniwha." The album is produced by Josh Wilbur, known for his work with bands like Lamb of God, Gojira, and Megadeth.

Cultural Significance and Global Impact

What makes Alien Weaponry's work particularly vital is the broader context of their mission. Te Reo Māori is considered an endangered language by the United Nations. By creating metal music in this language, the band is contributing to its preservation in a way that resonates with younger generations.

Their impact goes beyond New Zealand's borders. In a fascinating cultural connection, the band has found that their music resonates strongly with Native American communities, particularly the Navajo Nation. As bassist Tūranga noted in a recent interview, "Even though we're singing in Māori about things Māori specifically, they are things that people can resonate with and find applicable to their own historical strife or situations and experiences."

This cross-cultural resonance demonstrates how the themes of colonization, cultural preservation, and identity that Alien Weaponry explores are universal, even while being deeply rooted in their specific Māori experience.

Te Rā: A New Dawn Approaches

The band's upcoming album "Te Rā" (which translates to "The Sun") promises to be their most mature and powerful offering yet. Set for release on March 28, 2025, via Napalm Records, this album represents an evolution in their sound while doubling down on their commitment to cultural messaging.

The lead single "Mau Moko" celebrates the practice of Māori tattooing, which was nearly eradicated during colonization and is now experiencing a cultural revival. As bassist Tūranga explains, "I wanted the lyrics to remind people that moko is, and always will be, a part of who we are."

Other tracks on the album include "Taniwha" featuring Randy Blythe, "Tama-nui-te-rā" (about the Māori sun god), and "Te Kore" (exploring the concept of nothingness in Māori creation stories). The album also addresses contemporary concerns like social media's impact ("1000 Friends") and environmental issues.

Why Alien Weaponry Matters

In an age of increasing cultural homogenization, Alien Weaponry stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural heritage and identity. They demonstrate that tradition and innovation are not opposing forces but can work together to create something truly revolutionary.

Their music serves multiple purposes: entertainment, education, preservation, and activism. For metalheads worldwide, they offer blistering riffs and intense performances. For those interested in indigenous cultures, they provide a window into Māori history and mythology. And for young Māori people, they represent role models who proudly celebrate their heritage on the global stage.

As frontman Lewis Raharuhi de Jong says about the new album, "There's a lot of existential dread running through the album, and I tried to find the right words to describe the indescribable." This sentiment captures what makes Alien Weaponry so special—their ability to articulate complex cultural and emotional experiences through the visceral language of metal.

What's Next for the Warriors?

Alien Weaponry is currently on tour in North America with metal icon Kerry King, which began in January 2025. After this run, they'll return to New Zealand for a headlining tour in March, just before the release of "Te Rā."

With each album and tour, they continue to expand their reach and refine their message, acting as cultural ambassadors while pushing the boundaries of what metal music can be and what it can accomplish.

For fans of innovative metal, indigenous culture, or simply powerful music with a purpose, Alien Weaponry remains a band to watch. They're not just making noise—they're making history.

Sources:

1. Wikipedia - Alien Weaponry

2. NPR - "New Zealand's Alien Weaponry Mix Maori Culture And Heavy Metal"

3. The Toilet Ov Hell - "An Interview with Māori Metal Band Alien Weaponry"

4. Bandcamp Daily - "Alien Weaponry: Māori Tradition Meets Thrash Metal"

5. Kerrang! - "Alien Weaponry are bringing Māori mythology to the masses"

6. Blabbermouth - "ALIEN WEAPONRY Announces New Album, 'Te Rā'"

7. Loudersound - "New Zealand groove metallers Alien Weaponry announce new album Te Rā"

8. Alien Weaponry Bandcamp - "Te Rā"