Gig Review: Alien Weaponry @ Powerstation, Auckland – 21/03/2025

Alien Weaponry, a powerhouse trio born from the cultural and musical heart of Aotearoa, stands as a fierce fusion of heritage and heavy metal. Brothers Lewis and Henry de Jong (lead guitar, vocals, and drums) and bassist Tūranga Morgan-Edmonds have ignited stages across Te Ao Māori and the broader Aotearoa music scene. Their distinctive sound combines thrash, groove, and alternative metal, amplified by the linguistic might of Te Reo Māori. Deeply rooted in their Ngāti Pikiao and Ngāti Raukawa lineage, they have redefined metal, fusing ancestral pride with contemporary ferocity to illuminate their place as cultural and musical trailblazers.

In Tāmaki Makaurau, anticipation reached a fever pitch as fans gathered on Mount Eden Road long before the Powerstation’s doors opened. Legendary Shepherds Reign ignited the evening with a deafening set, embodying their Samoan heritage with unyielding pride. Dressed in iconic black attire and white bone necklaces, they took the stage not just to perform… but to embody it. Silence swept the crowd before the first note, the air vibrating with eagerness, only to erupt into chaos as bone-rattling drum beats ignited the pit.

Bassist Joseph Oti-George whipped his dreadlocks like a hurricane as he delivered relentless grooves, while guitarist Gideon Voon gave us the slickest riffs which tore through the atmosphere. Filiva’a James prowled the stage with quiet authority, exuding a commanding stillness that heightened the band’s integrity and stage presence. From the legendary Nafanua to the riotous Toa, the set showcased Samoan pride through blistering power, passion and realness. Their performance reached a tip point with the announcement of their drummer’s departure after 16 remarkable years, before closing with the unforgettable Le Manu.

As Alien Weaponry prepared to take the stage, the bar was alive with anticipation—and cheers to the sober section for their camaraderie! The night erupted with a spine-tingling haka, a heart-wrenching embodiment of hope and defiance that set the tone for an extraordinary set. Holding My Breath and Raupatu followed; both visceral anthems tackling themes of confiscation and self-determination. Their mana was undeniable, and their music an unapologetic assertion of tino rangatiratanga and Māori pride.

Each song carried the force of an outbreak. 1000 Friends delivered a searing message of self-worth and defiance against external validation, performed with unrelenting passion. Henry de Jong’s drumming was consistently talented, while Lewis and Tūranga were a force of nature on the front line; their synergy unmatched! From the raw, chugging power of Hatupatu to the hauntingly poignant track Whispers, the latter laid bare the historical injustices faced by Māori, striking a chord of rage, sadness and disgust. 

The emotionally charged Taniwha, inspired by Lewis’ admiration for Lamb of God, brought tears and cheers, while Mau Moko ignited the crowd into a frenzy with an explosive circle pit. Though I was sidelined for safety, the sheer energy was infectious – we even captured a stage dive this evening! Finally, the night reached its crescendo with Kai Tangata, an anthem of gratitude and triumph that left us all utterly spent. 

Alien Weaponry and Shepherd’s Reign transcend music. Their deep connection to tribal roots and their celebration of language echo far beyond Aotearoa, sparking global recognition of the untamed power and resilience inherent in ancestral storytelling. Through their music, they channel kaha into their followers’ lives, celebrating the sacred ties to heritage, land, and spirituality. Metal has become the ultimate canvas for their rage, joy, and defiance. It’s the best genre uniquely equipped to convey everything from the primal to the profound. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a testament to identity, resistance, and unbreakable mana. It was an honour to be a part of this tour in my small way, and I hope these legends keep getting the recognition they not only merit but are born to receive. Kia ora tonu Te Reo Māori!

Photo Credit: Chris Zwaagdyk / Zed Pics