Alien Weaponry

New Zealand Māori thrash metal band

Alien Weaponry is a New Zealand metal band known for its unique blend of thrash metal with lyrics that are often delivered in Te Reo Māori, the native language of the Māori people. Formed in 2010 by brothers Lewis de Jong and Henry de Jong, who have Māori ancestry, the band gained recognition for incorporating Māori history and culture into their music. Their debut album "Tū," released in 2018, was met with critical acclaim and helped them gain a global following. The album's name is a reference to Tūmatauenga, the Māori god of war. Alien Weaponry's music is characterized by its powerful use of traditional Māori instruments alongside heavy guitar riffs and dynamic drumming. The band's sophomore album, "Tangaroa," released in 2021, continued to explore themes significant to Māori culture and environmental issues. Alien Weaponry has been praised for their energetic live performances and has played at several international festivals, contributing to the global metal scene while promoting awareness of indigenous issues through their art.