Alien Weaponry
5th December 2020
Powerstation, Auckland, New Zealand.
Review by Molly O’Brien. Photography by Doug Peters.
We’ve almost survived a hellscape of a year. We’re nurturing our inner hermits discovered within lockdown, skipping stones until the holiday pay kicks in. But you know what’s better than your dressing gown and a cuppa? Bloody thrashing to your favourite waiata.
Firstly, I feel like this evening’s venue deserves a shout out, because I could kiss whoever is now in charge of mixing sound at the Powerstation. Gone are the days of getting your eardrums blasted out three blocks away as someone whacked the gain up to eleven and played through a tin can. Crisper than the apple that tempted Snow White. Crunchier than stomping on a really good leaf in autumn.
But I digress.
Hailing from Hamilton, opening band Seas of Conflict’s staunch and captivating sets are a feat beyond their years. Vocalist Kody Naidoo’s effortless range is on parr with greats such as Joel Quartuccio (Being as an Ocean) and Sam Carter (Architects). Like a dog to a bone, I wouldn’t be mad if thrown a few Carter signature ‘blerghs’ as Naidoo’s guttural depth carries that punch through your ribcage, kissing your soul on the way out. Blasting through new track ‘Back Breaker’, Seas of Conflict prove an impressive grasp on song writing that deserves more recognition than they receive.
Oceans away from their hometown of Waipu, Alien Weaponry has received international recognition, spreading Te Reo heavy metal to worldwide hearts. The lads had their debut creation ‘Tu’ voted album of the decade by Tuonela Magazine in Finland – overtaking the likes of Tool and Metallica whilst all members are yet to hit their twenties.
Newest member Turanga Morgan-Edmonds adds big hair and even bigger showmanship, a vertical bass wielding religious effigy who sufficiently met Alien Weaponry’s predetermined energy with electrical groove. Frontman Lewis de Jong, (who I like to think a young, modern day Zach de la Rocha would be proud of), intertwines easily with Turanga – both boys supported by the beat blasting backbone of drummer Henry de Jong. Having been quoted as Anthrax and Pantera listeners ‘since birth’, they match their inspiration through tracks such as ‘Holding My Breath’ and ‘The Things That You Know’. Occasional crowd vocals performed by all three members weaves war chants and haka throughout their discography and reminds the listener of Alien Weaponry’s cultural driving force.
With so few of our population left who are fluent in Te Reo, Alien Weaponry’s combination of language within their lyrics is a captivating method to reinsert Maori culture back into our everyday lives – an encouraging event to see many confidently sing along this evening and understand the worlds behind their words.
Between whakapapa legend and life lessons Alien Weaponry’s storytelling is multifaceted and relatable regardless of your cultural background. Us here in Aotereoa have had the luxury of watching Alien Weaponry grow up both personally and musically – incredibly polished performers getting shinier with each experience laden tour.
Were you there at the Powerstation for this epic Metal gig? Or have you seen Alien Weaponry perform live somewhere else before? Tell us about it in the comments below!
Alien Weaponry Setlist:
- PC Bro
- Holding My Breath
- Rage – It Takes Over Again
- Te Ara
- Tangaroa
- Urutaa
- Nobody Here
- The Things That You Know
- Blinded
- Ahi Kā
- Kai Tangata
- Whispers
- Raupatu
- Buried Underground [encore]
- Rū Ana Te Whenua [encore]
Seas Of Conflict Setlist:
- Tantalus
- Monachopsis
- Waters Edge
- Ashfall
- Consume
- Temporal Ocean
- Back Breaker
- Eventide
- Prometheus
Note: [AD] Eccles Entertainment provided passes to Ambient Light to review and photograph this concert. As always, this has not influenced the review in any way and the opinions expressed are those of Ambient Light’s only. This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase a product using an affiliate link, Ambient Light will automatically receive a small commission.
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Yeah-these boys truly are world class. It was a flawless performance with big lighting and massive crystal clear sound (thanks to Father de Jong). They played with passion and infectious energy whipping the mosh pit into the longest running whirlpool I’ve ever seen! Being able to take my son to an all ages show was a real bonus too. Thanks Alien Weaponry! You rule! \m/
Have to say – was a great gig.
Bookended the COVID plague for me: the gig I went to before lockdown? AW.
First gig after lockdown? AW.
In the 9 or so months since I last saw them, they seem to be even more polished and accomplished.
What a show.