Reviews list for Alien Weaponry - Te Rā (2025)

3 and a half years is a long-ish gap between two albums, and some listeners might've forgotten about Alien Weaponry and their unique Maori metal sound until their new album came out. Then again, there was almost that same gap between their two other albums Tu and Tangaroa. Many fans of Alien Weaponry still remember them, and they continue their memorable path with Te Ra!

This young band has maintained their groove/alt-metal band with a bit of djent, thrash, and of course, their native music. The lyrics alternate between English and the Maori language. Their sound continues to evolve, and so does their popularity when going festival after festival.

Crashing through the gates is the thrashy "Crown" with thick layered production. Culture shall not weigh them down! Following up is the single "Mau Moko" with sick music and lyrics, as the verses deal with ancestors' preserved heads. The band's experience with history is what helps the band stand out a lot. "1000 Friends" is a killer banger with some accessibility. The perils of social media are detailed well in the lyrics. We have another thunderous banger in "Hanging by a Thread".

"Tama-nui-te-ra" has some Gojira vibes. "Myself to Blame" has slow sludgy groove. The vocal power of Lewis Raharuhi de Jong help make that track an epic highlight. Getting into "Taniwha", it's darker and heavier, featuring guest narration and vocals by Lamb of God's Randy Blythe.

Storming in lyrics against war, "Blackened Sky" continues expanding the band's boundaries. "Te Riri o Tawhirimatea" is one of the most deathly tracks the band has done. "Ponaturi" stomps around with the nu metal-ish contrast of melodic verses and heavy choruses. "Te Kore" is a short different ending track, a slow percussive march while Maori origins are described in the lyrics. The live crowd might just march along and pound their chests like gorillas.

Alien Weaponry is not a band to sell out, and they've proven that with some more of their top-notch Maori metal in Te Ra. These young New Zealanders keep putting their passion and emotion into the work, as a reward for their longtime followers!

Favorites: "Mau Moko", "1000 Friends", "Myself to Blame", "Taniwha", "Ponaturi", "Te Kore"