New Zealand global metal front-runners ALIEN WEAPONRY have been touring around the world nonstop since the 2021 release of their acclaimed sophomore album, “Tangaroa,” out now via Napalm Records. Spreading vital messages of peace, awareness and warning through the power of their culturally-driven music, “Tangaroa” proves a massive next step for the band – encompassing all of the elements that make ALIEN WEAPONRY heavy metal’s most authentic rising stars.
Following the release of their three previous “Tangaroa” music videos for “Tangaroa”, “Buried Underground”, and “Hatupatu”, today, in anticipation of their winter and early 2023 performance plans supporting both Guns N’ Roses and Gojira, ALIEN WEAPONRY have dropped an official video for none other than their album closer track “Down The Rabbit Hole”. The track extends an important proclamation against bullying through the eyes and experiences of front-man Lewis de Jong.
Lewis de Jong says about “Down The Rabbit Hole”: “This was an absolute blast to film! ‘Down The Rabbit Hole’ represents the growth I’ve experienced throughout my life and putting to bed demons from the past. The video captures the meaning well – the broken objects representing said demons. It’s the rough times in life that make you who you are, as long as you rise above it.”
As mentioned above, ALIEN WEAPONRY is thrilled to be hitting the road this winter and next spring with some of rock and metal’s biggest icons. In December, the band will support Guns N’ Roses on two shows in their home country of New Zealand, and will pick back up to join Gojira on a tour of the UK and Europe in February 2023. See below for all tour dates, and for individual show information, visit www.alienweaponry.com.
Rhythmic, dynamic “Tangaroa” 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”.
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.
“Tangaroa” Album Artwork
“Tangaroa” tracklisting:
1. Titokowaru
2. Hatupatu
3. Ahi KāT
4. Tangaroa
5. Unforgiving
6. Blinded
7. Kai Whatu
8. Crooked Monsters
9. Buried Underground
10. Dad
11. Īhenga
12. Down The Rabbit Hole
“Tangaroa” is 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
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.
