22 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
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