23 Dec 2024
Alien Weaponry - Album Review: Tū
08 Jun 2018 // A review by River Tucker
Released on Napalm Records and named in veneration of Tūmatauenga, the Māori god of war, Alien Weaponry’s debut album Tū is a testament to what can be achieved through excellent promotional material and a lot of dedication to their musical craft.
Opening track Whaikōrero starts things off with a spoken welcome and warning accompanied by a Kōauau (flute instrument) and a Pūrerehua (wind instrument) guaranteed to send shivers down your spine. This air of suspense never really subsides throughout the 13-track release.
Alien Weaponry’s lyrics, sung in both Māori and English, often emphasise the importance of Māoritanga and Whānau or family; subject matter that is central to their target audience.
Where the strength of this release resides is with Raupatu, an exceptional standout track. Songs like Holding My Breath, Kai Tangata and Rage – It Takes Over Again, also provide a sense of what it’s really like to be in conflict. From rallying war cries to the heat of battle and the traditional actions shown to your enemies afterwards, Alien Weaponry cover all the bases. These topics might not be to everyone’s taste, but they encapsulate the spiritual aspect of some amazing myths and legends.
Overall Alien Weaponry’s sound on this album is a well-rounded treasure with subtle layering and alternate guitar effects nice touches towards the end of the release. Tempos are tailored to maximise the PA’s response in larger venues but the massive triple combo at the beginning of the CD doesn’t translate well to its overall momentum. Te Reo vowel placement lends itself perfectly to emphasise the right guitar notes. It would be great then if metal mixing conventions were broken slightly and the vocals were pushed a bit more in the mix.
A number of prominent influences are clearly on display with Lewis de Jong and Ethan Trembath’s fretwork but what I like most is the precise inflections employed to enhance the power and cadence of their guitars. Firing on all cylinders, Henry de Jong’s intense fills and accomplished bass drum technique, particularly on PC Bro, Urutaa and bonus track Hypocrite; tie these songs together exceedingly well. Alien Weaponry really is an incredibly well tuned machine, set to decimate audiences and the competition alike.
Continuing the fine tradition of Māori storytelling with a modern-day twist, Tū is a seamless release within and across all its tracks and should be on top of your playlist.
★★★★★ (5 stars)
Review written by River Tucker
Released on Napalm Records and named in veneration of Tūmatauenga, the Māori god of war, Alien Weaponry’s debut album Tū is a testament to what can be achieved through excellent promotional material and a lot of dedication to their musical craft.Opening track Whaikōrero starts things off with a spoken welcome and warning accompanied by a Kōauau (flute instrument) and a Pūrerehua (wind instrument) guaranteed to send shivers down your spine. This air of suspense never really subsides throughout the 13-track release.
Alien Weaponry’s lyrics, sung in both Māori and English, often emphasise the importance of Māoritanga and Whānau or family; subject matter that is central to their target audience.
Where the strength of this release resides is with Raupatu, an exceptional standout track. Songs like Holding My Breath, Kai Tangata and Rage – It Takes Over Again, also provide a sense of what it’s really like to be in conflict. From rallying war cries to the heat of battle and the traditional actions shown to your enemies afterwards, Alien Weaponry cover all the bases. These topics might not be to everyone’s taste, but they encapsulate the spiritual aspect of some amazing myths and legends.
Overall Alien Weaponry’s sound on this album is a well-rounded treasure with subtle layering and alternate guitar effects nice touches towards the end of the release. Tempos are tailored to maximise the PA’s response in larger venues but the massive triple combo at the beginning of the CD doesn’t translate well to its overall momentum. Te Reo vowel placement lends itself perfectly to emphasise the right guitar notes. It would be great then if metal mixing conventions were broken slightly and the vocals were pushed a bit more in the mix.
A number of prominent influences are clearly on display with Lewis de Jong and Ethan Trembath’s fretwork but what I like most is the precise inflections employed to enhance the power and cadence of their guitars. Firing on all cylinders, Henry de Jong’s intense fills and accomplished bass drum technique, particularly on PC Bro, Urutaa and bonus track Hypocrite; tie these songs together exceedingly well. Alien Weaponry really is an incredibly well tuned machine, set to decimate audiences and the competition alike.
Continuing the fine tradition of Māori storytelling with a modern-day twist, Tū is a seamless release within and across all its tracks and should be on top of your playlist.
★★★★★ (5 stars)
Review written by River Tucker
About Alien Weaponry
AW was formed in 2010 by brothers Henry and Lewis de Jong, who have been listening to bands like Metallica, Anthrax and Pantera since birth; and started jamming and writing songs before they learnt the alphabet. Current influences include Lamb Of God, Tryvium, Subtract and System of a Down, but the band has developed its own distinctive thrash metal sound, destined to endure into future centuries.
Not content to rely on the shock value of their extreme youth, the group understands the value of professionalism, and works crowds to a frenzy with their tight, thrashy energy and wild stage performances. Their plans for world domination include playing at Wacken in Germany and touring the big international metal festivals. They refuse to play covers, and have enough material to begin recording their first album later this year.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Alien Weaponry
Other Reviews By River Tucker
Lucid Shift - EP Review: Aonaran
18 Oct 2024 // by River Tucker
You would be hard pressed to not get excited about Lucid Shift’s debut EP, Aonaran. But be warned, this release isn’t for the fainthearted.
Read More...
Amanaki - EP Review: Embers
22 Jul 2024 // by River Tucker
Amanaki might not be a household name yet, but along with their indie label, North Supply Co., they’re definitely on track to grab your attention.
Read More...
Silcrow - EP Review: Silcrow
14 Jun 2024 // by River Tucker
Aiming for the stars, Silcrow’s seven-track EP merges American-style rock with a touch of Seattle grunge in a well-produced release that will appeal to many generations of music lovers, but mainly to those whose musical awakening happened sometime in the 90’s.As well as changing their name from Close To The Bone to the much more kick-arse Silcrow, these four young guys from Auckland have been working hard on the live circuit (bar a short hiatus during lockdown) to get their songs fully dialled in and ready for the studio.
Read More...
Parasitic Infestation - EP Review: Promo EP
21 Apr 2024 // by River Tucker
If you’re looking for some great metal music, you’ve come to the right place. Hardworking up-and-coming band Parasitic Infestation, who specialise in Brutal Death Metal, are set to make your ears bleed with their latest promo release, consisting of three deliciously heavy songs (plus bonus tracks) that I’m sure you’ll enjoy.
Read More...
Album Review: The Death Spell
12 Dec 2023 // by River Tucker
There’s a real whisky drinking, bare knuckle fighting edge to the self-titled debut album by The Death Spell, kicking off with Nail You Higher Than Before. Obviously, song lyrics are in your face on this track, especially for any Christians in the audience, but you couldn’t ask for a better intro to the musical style of this Auckland-based band.
Read More...
Beastwars - Gig Review: Reign of the Beast @ Whanganui Musicians Club, Whanganui - 13/10/2023
15 Oct 2023 // by River Tucker
If you're into metal music, the Musicians Club in Whanganui was the place to be last Friday night for a feast of auditory delights to satisfy even the hungriest of souls. Brought to you by Lost Art and Panhead beer, Beastwars and Shepherds Reign headlined an epic concert that was set to bring the house down on the first leg of their not-to-be-missed Reign of the Beast tour.
Read More...
End of an Empire - Album Review: Best Laid Plans
25 Sep 2023 // by River Tucker
It’s been a couple of years since End of an Empire released their favourably reviewed debut album, Within, Without in 2020. Since then, the Wellington-based four-piece have obviously put their time to good use by writing Best Laid Plans, which is arguably one of the finest Hardcore releases to come out of New Zealand this year.
Read More...
The Rising Tide - Gig Review: Inferno - Youth Rock & Metal @ The Stomach, Palmerston North - 5/08/2023
07 Aug 2023 // by River Tucker
It’s not often that you get treated to a mid-winter concert where nearly every metal genre is being performed. But that’s exactly what happened at The Stomach in Palmerston North last Saturday night where four bands gave it their all in a rip-roaring all-ages show that will undoubtedly leave the hundred or so people who attended with lasting impressions.
Read More...
Most Viewed Artists
Latest Galleries
NZ Top 10 Singles
- APT.
ROSÉ And Bruno Mars - DIE WITH A SMILE
Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars - BIRDS OF A FEATHER
Billie Eilish - TASTE
Sabrina Carpenter - I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
Gracie Abrams - ESPRESSO
Sabrina Carpenter - SAILOR SONG
Gigi Perez - LOSE CONTROL
Teddy Swims - A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
Shaboozey - GOOD LUCK, BABE!
Chappell Roan
More Content on muzic.net.nz
Google Site Search
Custom Search
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report A Problem
