Alien Weaponry - Single Review: Tangaroa
It has been a long three years since debut
album Tu, but at long last Alien Weaponry are back with the first
track taken from the new album of the same name, Tangaroa. The album is
not due to hit for another few months, so until then we will have to satisfy ourselves
with this track which sees the sound moving in a more mature, deeper, and more
produced aspect than what we have heard in the past. It is only when meeting
these guys that one remembers just how young they are, and how much they have
already achieved. Their debut album reached #1 in the NZ Official Album charts,
they have toured America, played at festivals like Wacken Open Air, even played
with the NZSO, yet drummer Henry de Jong is just 21, his brother Lewis
(guitars, vocals) is just 19, while new bassist Turanga Porowini Morgan-Edmonds
is 21. They have already achieved far more than most bands would even dream of,
due to music which is incredibly heavy, is packed full of riffs and hooks, always
has an underlying groove, while the use of Te Reo has ignited much interest.
Tangaroa finds them talking about climate change and pollution and the effect it has on Tangaroa, (Maori god of the sea). While the verse is in English, the chorus and bridge is in Te Reo, and the power of the lyrics certainly match the force of the music. The music and lyrics were written by Henry and Lewis with their father Niel, alongside previous bassist Ethan Trembath. Ethan left the band for personal reasons last year, but on really good terms (so much so that he appeared in the initial promo shots to introduce Turanga to their fans). In fact, although all the publicity photos show Turanga, he only appears on one song on the forthcoming album where he provides additional vocals and some guitar, as it was already recorded with Ethan. Given the heavy touring schedule of the trio over the last few years it is no surprise at how tight they are, totally locked in, with all three creating an immense sound and Lewis and Ethan sounding even tighter than they have in the past. Father Niel mixed this track, and he has added additional polish and some restraint, culling the over-the-top rawness of their earlier work, yet keeping the passion and power of everything they do.
Later this year they are planning to support Gojira on a tour in America, so let’s hope all goes well for them in that regard, especially as Lewis is currently recovering from a broken thumb – not good for a guitarist on their fretting hand. They are making huge waves in Aotearoa, is 2021 the year they really break through on the big stage? Can’t wait to hear the full release.
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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