Formed in 2010 by two brothers, New Zealand’s Alien Weaponry has been a formidable entry into the modern world of Thrash-driven Groove Metal. Making their way and building their sound, it is interesting to note that the band has Māori ancestry, so with this indigenous blood running through their veins, many of their songs are written and performed in the Māori language. A factor pronounced from the get-go with their debut single “Urutaa” in 2016 is that the band’s personality is heavily infused with their culture, and they proudly share it with the world through their music.
Interesting to experience, with a passionate sound, Alien Weaponry has continued to gain notoriety and acclaim with each passing year. A part of the Napalm Records label family, their debut full-length album Tū topped charts in their native New Zealand, as did the follow-up Tangaroa in 2021. Four years later, they return with the exciting next entry in their story, Te Rā.
Once again integrating songs in English and Māori, their third album dropped on March 28, 2025, also through Napalm Records, and is proof positive that Māori Metal is thriving these days. Still led by brothers Guitarist/Vocalist Lewis Raharuhi de Jong and Drummer Henry Te Reiwhati de Jong, joining them on Bass is Tūranga Morgan-Edmonds. Together creating a compelling collection of songs, Te Rā’s sound is emboldened by stellar production at the hands of Josh Wilbur (who has worked with everyone from Korn to Trivium).
Alien Weaponry’s eleven songs for the album introduce more melody and catchiness into the equation. With that being said, Te Rā continues a warlike assault with heavy drumming and a percussive element native to New Zealand and the Māori people. Furthermore, as alluded to, the native language is still heavily applied here, with perhaps a bit more English resulting in a more anthemic approach, possibly broadening the band’s appeal.
Overall, there is no question that there is evolution amidst Te Rā. Clearly, Alien Weaponry is growing into an even stronger force. With a lot to enjoy, moments to look out for are “Taniwha,” which features guest star Randy Blythe of Lamb of God providing sharp vocal contrast in English to de Jong’s Māori lyrics and guttural vocalization. Other killer standouts include “Crown,” “Mau Moko,” which tells the tale of an ancient Māori conflict, and “1000 Friends,” which addresses the scourge of social media.
Ultimately, Te Rā could be the most dynamic Alien Weaponry album to date, so Cryptic Rock gives it a bold 3.5 out of 5 stars.
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