Shepherds Reign - Gig Review: Shepherds Reign @ The Tuning Fork, Auckland - 10/08/2024
“What genre are you all here for?” Polynesian band Top Shelf asked the crowd shortly as they finished their supporting set.
“Metal!” We answered.
Top Shelf members and Shepherds Reign met not too long ago, with the former sharing that our ‘shepherds’ are an inspiration to them.
Auckland’s Tuning Fork filled out with many a metal merch shirt and patrons waiting to see the Polynesian metal band Shepherds Reign.
Top Shelf opened with a metallic tone amongst curious hip hop sensibilities and bundles of stage energy. Like Shepherds Reign, they were outwardly proud of their Samoan heritage too.
Lead vocalist Charlie Mupopo Miller was naturally funny and charismatic, and three others in the band also lent vocals at various points.
What surprised me was the brass section folding into the mix. There was trumpet by Sheneah Bayaban and sax from Louise Ponifasio, which helped the group “change up the genres” from laid back metal and rap, to Supergroove’s Can’t Get Enough and even waiata maori. But who knew rap and brass could fit so well with inflections of metal?
Top Shelf shows incredible promise in their stage presence and groove, especially in making the Top 10 at this year’s Smokefree Rockquest. This group was pure enjoyment to behold.
Ding Dong Lounge frequenters and hard rock act Silcrow gave a polished and vibrant performance. Lorenzo Hazelwood’s vocals conjure a roughness that demands attention.
A favourite of mine to witness was Keep The Silence, which is about feeling energy. That energy was certainly felt in their tight mix of drums and guitar as well.
The headlining act Shepherds Reign showed us the power of Polynesia.
Headbanging in time with each other, wearing their iconic necklaces and kitting out the stage, songs like Samoa Mo Samoa and the build-up of Nafanua were sensational.
The band awakened the Tuning Fork with the commanding Ala Mai and brought deeper emotion with Finally and a “love song like no other”.
What first drew me to Shepherds Reign was the sheer amount of pride and energy I felt when listening to their Ala Mai album. Through understanding some of their translated lyrics, the mythological storytelling and background compelled me.
The eyes of Filiva'a James were often completely covered by his hair, but his voice shone through with immense volume and control: from screamo-territory to a deeply resonant timbre.
He proudly wielded a Polynesian war hatchet for much of the show, and even a dark keytar for some songs.
James further comes across as an authentic person and artist. He shared with fans that his “angry song” Ua Masa'a is about his sister’s murder. However, what was cautioned to be his most rageful more came across as deeply emotional.
Two guitars harmonising in some moments is always thrilling to hear, especially as the bends by Oliver Leupolo and Gideon Voon emerged pitch perfect.
Bahador Borhani was an additional presence on percussion, who also directed the incredible Ala Mai music video. His neck never rested as he pounded away at different skins and brought variance to the rhythm section.
In a surprise turn of events, Shepherds Reign covered Sleep by City of Souls. The original lead singer Richie Simpson made a special appearance, much to the delight of the crowd. Simpson held the stage in the palm of his hand for his whole appearance, a vocal force to be reckoned with.
Shepherds Reign were clearly grateful to be playing at the Tuning Fork, supported by many friends, family and fans. With six nominations at the 2024 Pacific Music Awards, metalheads and even general music lovers are sure to be impressed.
After a year with the band on my radar, the night certainly made me a fan.
About Shepherds Reign
Hailing from South Auckland, New Zealand, and Polynesian by birth and blood, Filiva'a James (vocals/keytar), Gideon Voon (guitar), Oliver Leupolu (guitar/production), Shaymen Rameka (drums) and Joseph Oti-George (bass) are not messing around. Shepherds Reign is their life. Literally.
The band was co-founded by Filiva’a, Oliver and Shaymen. Filiva’a spent much of his childhood fighting on the streets of Mangere. He flipped that to become a correctional officer. Now he is chasing his dream of becoming a rock star. Says Fili, “As a baby, my parents and older siblings said I couldn’t sleep without music playing. Growing up with a big island family, everyone had their own taste in music. I grew to love them all. Bands like ABBA, UB40, Tiama'a, Jim Reeves, etc. My love for rock started when I first saw November Rain by Guns N' Roses at about 5 years old. Then I saw Slash with his guitar, and my mind was set”.
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