It has been a long three years since debut album Tū, 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 Tūranga 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, (Māori 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 Tūranga to their fans). In fact, although all the publicity photos show Tūranga, 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.
Rating: 10/10
Links:
https://alienweaponry.com/
https://napalmrecords.com/
