ALIEN WEAPONRY Win Aotearoa Music Award for Te Kaipuoro Rakapioi Toa (Best Rock Artist), for the Second Time!

November 10, 2022

New Zealand global metal frontrunners ALIEN WEAPONRY have just been awarded one of the most significant and prestigious awards in New Zealand’s music industry, the Aotearoa Music Award (formerly New Zealand Music Award) for Te Kaipuoro Rakapioi Toa (Best Rock Artist). This marks the second time that the band have received this honour, first winning in 2018 for their critically acclaimed debut album 'Tū'.

ALIEN WEAPONRY on the award:

"We are so stoked to win the award for Te Kaipuoro Rakapioi Toa for the second time! We are super thankful to everyone who has helped get us to where we are, to the other artists nominated, and to our fans!"

ALIEN WEAPONRY's kinetic presence and sound – combining elements of thrash and groove metal with lyrics in their native indigenous language, te reo Māori — has attracted throngs of fans and media supporters across the globe.

To finish 2022, ALIEN WEAPONRY will be supporting rock n’ roll giants Guns ‘N’ Roses on their New Zealand stadium tour this December. In February 2023 the band will be joining Gojira in Europe for the third leg of the Fortitude world tour.

Watch the Official Music Video for “Tangaroa”

ALIEN WEAPONRY are poised to dominate with their latest album 'Tangaroa'. The album coalesces the band’s growing maturation with an undisturbed songwriting process, resulting in their most inspired, honest and informed material yet.

'Tangaroa' is immersed in important historical accounts and cultural heritage of the Māori people – in addition to lyrics written in te reo Māori, many tracks feature traditional instruments, called taonga puoro, providing the tracks their own warrior-like attitude.

Rhythmic, dynamic album opener “Titokowaru” begins with determined rowing chants and depicts the tale of a famous war chief that challenged the colonial government in New Zealand and led a rebel army, backed by quick riffage and driving drums.

Following standout “Hatupatu”, inspired by the harrowing, legendary tale of a de Jong ancestor facing off with a witch, is carried by frenzied guitars, spirited chanting and tribal-like percussion.

While ALIEN WEAPONRY sourced inspiration from their culture and environmental surroundings while writing most of 'Tangaroa', the band also looked inward – drawing vision for other portions of the album from within. The album dives into some of their most effecting personal experiences, with English-language songs like the pensive “Unforgiving”.

Get your copy of Tangaroa NOW

Since releasing their acclaimed debut 'Tū' (2018), ALIEN WEAPONRY's kinetic presence and sound – combining elements of thrash and groove metal with lyrics in the native indigenous language, te reo Māori — has attracted throngs of fans and media supporters across the globe.

In addition to amassing millions of cross-platform streams and YouTube views, the band has seen bounds of success at SiriusXM Liquid Metal, was recently hailed the “future of metal” by Metal Hammer and was voted by Revolver Magazine fans as “one of the bands most likely to break out in 2021”.

Furthermore, ALIEN WEAPONRY just added an upcoming tour with metal behemoths Gojira to their hefty performance resume - a list that already included support of some of the biggest names in metal like Slayer, Black Label Society and more.

ALIEN WEAPONRY won the prestigious Aotearoa Music Award (former New Zealand Music Award) for Te Kaipuoro Rakapioi Toa (Best Rock Artist) in 2018 and 2022.

ALIEN WEAPONRY are:

Henry Te Reiwhati de Jong - Drums, Backing vocals

Lewis Raharuhi de Jong - Guitars, Lead vocals

Tūranga Porowini Morgan-Edmonds - Backing vocals & guitar

ALIEN WEAPONRY Reveals Charging New Single "Hatupatu" & Official Music Video

September 26, 2021

New U.S. Headline Tour Dates Announced!

New Album, Tangaroa, out Today via Napalm Records

Order HERE

On Tour this Fall in the U.S. with Gojira & Knocked Loose

New Zealand global metal frontrunners ALIEN WEAPONRY just dropped their highly-anticipated sophomore album, Tangaroa, today via Napalm Records! Tangaroa is a massive next step for the band – encompassing all of the elements that make ALIEN WEAPONRY heavy metal’s most authentic rising stars.

Following their two hard-hitting recent singles "Tangaroa" and "Buried Underground", ALIEN WEAPONRY have revealed a third new standout single, "Hatupatu". Performed entirely in the indigenous language of te reo Māori, the story behind this track is not only legendary in the band's culture – it's about one of the de Jong brothers' ancestors! Journey alongside Hatupatu in the new music video as he escapes the dangerous clutches of the fabled witch of the forest, the evil bird-woman Kurangaituku.

Drummer Henry de Jong says:

"The story of 'Hatupatu' is one Lewis and I grew up with – our father was the first person to tell us as children. Having a family connection with it only made creating a song more intriguing for us. Traditionally, Māori legends were passed down through families by re-telling them, not by having them written down in books. It only makes sense for us to be re-telling this story as our tūpuna (ancestors) did for generations. We cannot wait to share with the rest of the world."

Watch the brand new official music video for “Hatupatu”

This just in – to cap off their upcoming U.S. tour supporting headliners Gojira and fellow special guests Knocked Loose, ALIEN WEAPONRY have added a collection of headline dates to their official routing! Tickets for all ALIEN WEAPONRY headline dates, as well as all Gojira headliners, are available now. See below for all tour dates, and for individual show information, visit www.alienweaponry.com.

ALIEN WEAPONRY Tour Dates with Gojira & Knocked Loose:

^ = ALIEN WEAPONRY ONLY/HEADLINER

October 8 – Boise, ID @ Revolution Center

October 9 – Sacramento, CA @ Aftershock (festival)

October 11 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Union

October 13 – Kansas City, MO @ Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland

October 14 – Wichita, KS @ The Cotillion

October 15 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom

October 16 – Houston, TX @ Bronze Peacock @ House of Blues^

October 17 – New Orleans, LA @ Civic Theatre *SOLD OUT*

October 19 – Tampa, FL @ Jannus Live

October 20 – Orlando, FL @ Hard Rock Live

October 22 – Nashville, TN @ Marathon Music Works *SOLD OUT*

October 23 – Asheville, NC @ Thomas Wolfe Auditorium *SOLD OUT*

October 25 – Stroudsburg, PA @ Sherman Theater

October 26 – Brooklyn, NY @ Saint Vitus^

October 27 – Portland, ME @ State Theatre

October 28 – Rochester, NY @ Main Street Armory

October 29 – Cleveland, OH @ The Agora *SOLD OUT*

October 30 – Albany, NY @ Albany Capital Center

November 1 – Richmond, VA @ The National

November 2 – Knoxville, TN @ Civic Auditorium

November 3 – Chattanooga, TN @ The Signal *SOLD OUT*

November 5 – Madison, WI @ The Sylvee

November 6 – St. Louis, MO @ The Factory at The District

November 7 – Ft. Wayne, IN @ The Clyde Theatre

November 9 – Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line^

November 10 – Chicago, IL @ Cobra Lounge^

November 12 – Cincinnati, OH @ Madison Live^

November 13 – Atlanta, GA @ Vinyl^

November 14 – Daytona Beach, FL @ Welcome To Rockville (festival)

November 16 – Austin, TX @ 3 Ten @ ACL Live^

November 17 – Dallas, TX @ Gas Monkey Bar N’ Grill^

November 19 – Tucson, AZ @ Encore^

November 20 – Window Rock, AZ @ Navajo Nation^

November 21 – Denver, CO @ Marquis Theater^

Order Tangaroa NOW

Tangaroa will be available in North America in the following formats:

-4 page CD Digipack

-4 page CD Digipack + Patch

-2LP Gatefold Black

-2LP Gatefold Turquoise

-2LP Gatefold Marble Light Blue/Cream (Napalm Mailorder only – limited to 500)

-2LP Gatefold Marble Orange/Transparent Black (Napalm Mailorder only – limited to 500)

-Wooden Box Edition: CD Digipack, pendant, patch, cover flag, canvas tote bag (Napalm Mailorder only – limited to 500)

-Die-Hard Edition: 2LP Gatefold Marble Crystal Clear/Curacao, hand numbered with guitar pic set and back patch (Napalm Mailorder only – limited to 400)

-Digital Album

[Die-Hard Edition: 2LP Gatefold Marble Crystal Clear/Curacao, hand numbered with guitar pic set and back patch (Napalm Mailorder only – limited to 400)]

Since releasing their acclaimed debut Tū (2018), ALIEN WEAPONRY's kinetic presence and sound – combining elements of thrash and groove metal with lyrics in the native indigenous language, te reo Māori — has attracted throngs of fans and media supporters across the globe. In addition to amassing millions of cross-platform streams and YouTube views, the band has seen bounds of success at SiriusXM Liquid Metal, was recently hailed the “future of metal” by Metal Hammer, and was voted by Revolver Magazine fans as “one of the bands most likely to break out in 2021”. Furthermore, ALIEN WEAPONRY just added an upcoming tour with metal behemoths Gojira to their hefty performance resume - a list that already included support of some of the biggest names in metal like Slayer, Black Label Society and more.

ALIEN WEAPONRY on Tangaroa is:

Henry Te Reiwhati de Jong - Drums, Backing vocals

Lewis Raharuhi de Jong - Guitars, Lead vocals

Ethan Trembath - Bass guitars, backing vocals & lead vocals on “Dad”

Tūranga Porowini Morgan-Edmonds - Backing vocals & guitar on “Unforgiving"

ALIEN WEAPONRY Unites Fans Worldwide in New Music Video for “Buried Underground”

August 5, 2021

New Album, Tangaroa, out September 17, 2021 via Napalm Records

Pre-Order HERE

On Tour this Fall in the U.S. with Gojira & Knocked Loose - New Dates Added!

New Zealand's metal stars ALIEN WEAPONRY recently announced the highly-anticipated upcoming release of their essential sophomore album, Tangaroa, out September 17, 2021 via Napalm Records.

Today, the band invites fans to come together in a worldwide "stomp" showdown! Recently, the band united international fans in lockdown by asking them to submit a video of themselves performing a signature "stomp" and star in the official "Buried Underground" music video. Today sees the release of both the track and official video - so now you can join the fun at home or wherever you are!

Show ALIEN WEAPONRY your stomp! Make sure to hashtag #AWburiedunderground and tag the band for a chance to have your stomp shared with the world via the band's social media!

Watch the brand new fan-driven official music video for

“Buried Underground”

ALIEN WEAPONRY are poised to dominate with Tangaroa. The album coalesces the band’s growing maturation with an undisturbed songwriting process, resulting in their most inspired, honest and informed material yet. Tangaroa is immersed in important historical accounts and cultural heritage of the Māori people – in addition to lyrics written in te reo Māori, many tracks feature traditional instruments, called taonga puoro, providing the tracks their own warrior-like attitude. Rhythmic, dynamic album opener “Titokowaru” begins with determined rowing chants and depicts the tale of a famous war chief that challenged the colonial government in New Zealand and led a rebel army, backed by quick riffage and driving drums. Following standout “Hatupatu”, inspired by the harrowing, legendary tale of a de Jong ancestor facing off with a witch, is carried by frenzied guitars, spirited chanting and tribal-like percussion. While ALIEN WEAPONRY sourced inspiration from their culture and environmental surroundings while writing most of Tangaroa, the band also looked inward – drawing vision for other portions of the album from within. The album dives into some of their most effecting personal experiences, with English-language songs like the pensive “Unforgiving”.

Accented by personal touches like its entrancing album art originally conceptualized from drawings by Lewis de Jong, Tangaroa is a massive next step for a band on the rise, encompassing all of the elements that make ALIEN WEAPONRY heavy metal’s most authentic rising stars.

Pre-Order Tangaroa NOW

Tangaroa will be available in North America in the following formats:

-4 page CD Digipack

-4 page CD Digipack + Patch

-2LP Gatefold Black

-2LP Gatefold Turquoise

-2LP Gatefold Marble Light Blue/Cream (Napalm Mailorder only – limited to 500)

-2LP Gatefold Marble Orange/Transparent Black (Napalm Mailorder only – limited to 500)

-Wooden Box Edition: CD Digipack, pendant, patch, cover flag, canvas tote bag (Napalm Mailorder only – limited to 500)

-Die-Hard Edition: 2LP Gatefold Marble Crystal Clear/Curacao, hand numbered with guitar pic set and back patch (Napalm Mailorder only – limited to 400)

-Digital Album

[Die-Hard Edition: 2LP Gatefold Marble Crystal Clear/Curacao, hand numbered with guitar pic set and back patch (Napalm Mailorder only – limited to 400)]

ALIEN WEAPONRY recently added more dates to their upcoming U.S. tour with headliners Gojira and fellow special guests Knocked Loose. See below for all tour dates, and for individual show information, visit www.alienweaponry.com.

ALIEN WEAPONRY Tour Dates with Gojira & Knocked Loose:

October 8 – Boise, ID @ Revolution Center

October 9 – Sacramento, CA @ Aftershock (festival)

October 11 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Union

October 13 – Kansas City, MO @ Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland

October 14 – Wichita, KS @ The Cotillion

October 15 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom

October 17 – New Orleans, LA @ Civic Theatre *SOLD OUT*

October 19 – Tampa, FL @ Jannus Live

October 20 – Orlando, FL @ Hard Rock Live

October 22 – Nashville, TN @ Marathon Music Works *SOLD OUT*

October 23 – Asheville, NC @ Thomas Wolfe Auditorium *SOLD OUT*

October 25 – Stroudsburg, PA @ Sherman Theater

October 27 – Portland, ME @ State Theatre

October 28 – Rochester, NY @ Main Street Armory

October 29 – Cleveland, OH @ The Agora *SOLD OUT*

October 30 – Albany, NY @ Albany Capital Center

November 1 – Richmond, VA @ The National

November 2 – Knoxville, TN @ Civic Auditorium

November 3 – Chattanooga, TN @ The Signal *SOLD OUT*

November 5 – Madison, WI @ The Sylvee

November 6 – St. Louis, MO @ The Factory at The District

November 7 – Ft. Wayne, IN @ The Clyde Theatre

November 14 – Daytona Beach, FL @ Welcome To Rockville (festival)

ALIEN WEAPONRY on Tangaroa is:

Henry Te Reiwhati de Jong - Drums, Backing vocals

Lewis Raharuhi de Jong - Guitars, Lead vocals

Ethan Trembath - Bass guitars, backing vocals & lead vocals on “Dad”

Tūranga Porowini Morgan-Edmonds - Backing vocals & guitar on “Unforgiving"

ALIEN WEAPONRY to Release New Album, “Tangaroa”, on September 17, 2021

June 16, 2021

Global Metal Stars ALIEN WEAPONRY to Release Vital New Album, Tangaroa, on September 17, 2021 via Napalm Records

Pre-Order HERE

Watch the Official Music Video for Title Track “Tangaroa” below

On Tour this Fall in the U.S. with Gojira & Knocked Loose

The wait is over – international metal stars ALIEN WEAPONRY have returned with a vengeance, announcing the release of their fervid upcoming sophomore release, Tangaroa, out September 17, 2021 via Napalm Records!

Since releasing their acclaimed debut Tū (2018), the New Zealanders’ kinetic presence and sound – combining elements of thrash and groove metal with lyrics in the native indigenous language, te reo Māori — has attracted throngs of fans and media supporters across the globe. As with their 2018 single “Kai Tangata” – which has amassed more than 10 million views on YouTube and claimed the number-one spot on SiriusXM Liquid Metal’s “Devil’s Dozen” for 13 consecutive weeks – much of Tangaroa is immersed in the historical stories and cultural heritage of the Māori people.

In addition, Tangaroa details stories of personal struggle and growth, as well as crucial environmentalism topics. Witness a first sample of the band’s stirring new music with the album’s colossal title track, “Tangaroa”. Accompanied by a gripping music video, the track details the pressing theme of climate change and illegal fishing practices. Through raising this awareness, ALIEN WEAPONRY hope to support the important work and efforts of theSea Shepherd Conservation Society.

Lead vocalist and guitarist Lewis de Jong says about the track:

“We decided to write this song about how the ocean is being suffocated by humans and their waste. The ocean is an important part of my life, and it's important to protect it.”

Drummer Henry de Jong adds:

“‘Tangaroa’ is a heavy and angry message about how we are destroying the ocean with pollution and overfishing. The video ties in with this message, with us drowning in plastic conveying the struggle of ocean life.”

Watch the brand new official music video for “Tangaroa”

Having achieved past and present tours and festivals with the likes of Slayer, Black Label Society and Gojira, and being hailed the “future of metal” by esteemed magazine Metal Hammer (UK) and voted by Revolver Magazine (US) fans as “one of the bands most likely to break out in 2021”, ALIEN WEAPONRY are poised to dominate with Tangaroa. The album coalesces ALIEN WEAPONRY’s growing maturation with an undisturbed songwriting process, resulting in their most inspired, honest and informed material yet.

In addition to lyrics written in te reo Māori, many tracks feature traditional instruments, called taonga puoro, providing the tracks their own warrior-like attitude. Rhythmic, dynamic album opener “Titokowaru” begins with determined rowing chants and depicts the tale of a famous war chief that challenged the colonial government in New Zealand and led a rebel army, backed by quick riffage and driving drums. Following standout “Hatupatu”, inspired by the harrowing, legendary tale of a de Jong ancestor facing off with a witch, is carried by frenzied guitars, spirited chanting and tribal-like percussion. While ALIEN WEAPONRY sourced inspiration from their culture and environmental surroundings while writing most of Tangaroa, the band also looked inward – drawing vision for other portions of the album from within. The album dives into some of their most effecting personal experiences, with English-language songs like the pensive “Unforgiving” about facing self-loathing and insecurity, and the swirling, charging “Buried Underground” detailing the aftershocks of drug abuse.

Henry de Jong says about Tangaroa:

“The album is tied together with the message of ‘Tangaroa’ - the whole album is more a snapshot of the band’s brains during the writing process. We have also written songs that are about some of our first tūpuna (ancestors) who were here in Āotearoa (New Zealand). Hatupatu, who is very famous in Māori history, as well as Īhenga, who named a number of places in Āotearoa during his travels.”

Lewis de Jong adds about the album’s artwork and thematic details:

“The album is named after the track ‘Tangaroa’, and we went with this theme on the artwork. The album is drawn from some new experiences we've had as well as some ancient Māori tales. I think we have stepped things up from the last album.”

Bassist Tūranga Morgan-Edmonds also adds:

"This album's use of even more traditional Māori sounds and styles is a very exciting step forward for us."

Pre-Order Tangaroa NOW

Tangaroa will be available in North America in the following formats:

-4 page CD Digipack

-4 page CD Digipack + Patch

-2LP Gatefold Black

-2LP Gatefold Turquoise

-2LP Gatefold Marble Light Blue/Cream (Napalm Mailorder only – limited to 500)

-2LP Gatefold Marble Orange/Transparent Black (Napalm Mailorder only – limited to 500)

-Wooden Box Edition: CD Digipack, pendant, patch, cover flag, canvas tote bag (Napalm Mailorder only – limited to 500)

-Die-Hard Edition: 2LP Gatefold Marble Crystal Clear/Curacao, hand numbered with guitar pic set and back patch (Napalm Mailorder only – limited to 400)

-Digital Album

[Die-Hard Edition: 2LP Gatefold Marble Crystal Clear/Curacao, hand numbered with guitar pic set and back patch (Napalm Mailorder only – limited to 400)]

Following up to their groundbreaking recent sold out performance with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra in Kirikiriroa Hamilton at the Claudelands Arena last month, ALIEN WEAPONRY will support headliners Gojira on their fall 2021 U.S. tour! Featuring additional support from Knocked Loose, the tour will begin on October 11 in Salt Lake City, Utah at The Union and come to a close at Cleveland, Ohio’s The Agora on October 29. The tour will be preceded by a performance at Aftershock Festival on October 9. For individual show information, visit www.alienweaponry.com.

ALIEN WEAPONRY tour dates with headliners Gojira & special guests Knocked Loose:

October 9 – Sacramento, CA @ Aftershock (festival)

October 11 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Union

October 13 – Kansas City, MO @ Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland

October 14 – Wichita, KS @ The Cotillion

October 15 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom

October 17 – New Orleans, LA @ Civic Theatre

October 19 – Tampa, FL @ Jannus Live

October 20 – Orlando, FL @ Hard Rock Live

October 22 – Nashville, TN @ Marathon Music Works

October 23 – Asheville, NC @ Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

October 25 – Albany, NY @ Upstate Concert Hall

October 27 – Portland, ME @ State Theatre

October 28 – Rochester, NY @ Main Street Armory

October 29 – Cleveland, OH @ The Agora

ALIEN WEAPONRY on Tangaroa is:

Henry Te Reiwhati de Jong - Drums, Backing vocals

Lewis Raharuhi de Jong - Guitars, Lead vocals

Ethan Trembath - Bass guitars, backing vocals & lead vocals on “Dad”

Tūranga Porowini Morgan-Edmonds - Backing vocals & guitar on “Unforgiving"