ALIEN WEAPONRY Announce New Album, Te Rā, + First Single + Video 'Mau Moko'
Modern groove metal trio ALIEN WEAPONRY are pleased to announce their heaviest, most powerful and mature offering to date, Te Rā, out March 28. The band have also unleashed a brand new, grooving single, 'Mau Moko' which honours Tā moko while delving into the costs of maintaining customs that are at odds with dominant cultural norms.
Modern groove metal trio ALIEN WEAPONRY are pleased to announce their heaviest, most powerful and mature offering to date, Te Rā, out March 28, 2025 via Napalm Records.
Since releasing their acclaimed debut Tū (2018), the band have been lauded for their kinetic presence and sound, as well as their vital blend of culturally profound lyricism in both English and te reo Māori. With their third full-length album, ALIEN WEAPONRY expand on their hallmark messages of cultural, societal and environmental resilience while delivering their most massive-sounding, focused musical output ever. In the hands of veteran producer/mixer Josh Wilbur (Lamb Of God, Gojira, Megadeth) and featuring a guest vocal appearance from longtime ALIEN WEAPONRY champion Randy Blythe of Lamb Of God, Te Rā’s gnashing blend of groove, nu, math and thrash metal shines with anthemic choruses and refreshed technical skill.
With today's album announcement, the band have unleashed a brand new, grooving single, 'Mau Moko'. The track honours Tā moko while delving into the costs of maintaining customs that are at odds with dominant cultural norms.
'Mau Moko' lyricist/bassist Tūranga Porowini Morgan-Edmonds says:
"Māori have a rich history of marking traditions that were nearly lost during colonisation. These traditions are currently in the process of a much needed cultural revival, and I was inspired by that. I wanted the lyrics to remind people that moko is, and always will be, a part of who we are. With the song's video, we wanted to show the darker side of the history of moko and how the head trade played a part in the near extinction of the tradition. We fought through it and continue to fight for its revival still today!"
On Te Rā, listeners can hear the band doubling-down on the aggression in the verses before applying temperance, especially in the case of ‘Taniwha’, a death metal-leaning banger featuring the particularly raw aforementioned guest vocal from Randy Blythe. Lyrically, there’s a noticeable tilt towards despondency, hopelessness, and frustration on Te Rā. While bassist Tūranga Porowini Morgan-Edmonds' lyrics in Māori on songs like ‘Tama-nui-te-rā’ and ‘Ponaturi’ draw from the themes of history, battle lore and mysticism that made the first two albums so rich, frontman/guitarist Lewis Raharuhi de Jong's English-language lyrics illustrate the impact when culture collides with disenfranchisement day to day. ‘Crown’ and ‘Hanging by a Thread’ take us into the headspace where struggle pushes people to the brink of desperation, while on ‘Blackened Sky’ and ‘1000 Friends’, Lewis addresses universal woes like the looming threat of World War III and the damaging effects of social media. On album closer ‘Te Kore’, Tūranga dives into primordial nothingness at the root of the Māori origin story, while on 'Mau Moko', he finds the middle ground between these perspectives. Taken as a whole, Te Rā grapples with what it’s like to be caught in the pull of divergent cultures – not just for the descendants of colonised people, but for all of us.
ALIEN WEAPONRY have solidified themselves as one of the greatest young metal bands of their generation with renewed musical tenacity and crucial messaging. Te Rā is a bold and unwavering call to celebrate and uphold the rich legacies of Māori and other communities within Aotearoa—voices that are not only part of us but essential to shaping our shared future.
ALIEN WEAPONRY frontman/guitarist Lewis Raharuhi de Jong adds:
"We really stepped it up this time, as we understood that this album had to go further. We went through a lot of songs and scrapped entire sections of songs. We kept working them and working them until we got them right. Then, with the way we were pushing ourselves musically, I knew it was important to challenge myself lyrically as well. This time I delved into difficult emotional places and mental states. There’s a lot of existential dread running through the album, and I tried to find the right words to describe the indescribable.”
e Rā will be available in the following physical formats:
1-LP Deluxe Gatefold Splatter Vinyl w/ 20'' Booklet, Patch, Slipmat Napalm mail order only, limited to 300
1-LP Gatefold Splatter Vinyl (Black on Smoke) - Alien Weaponry Web Store Exclusive
1-LP Gatefold Marbled Vinyl - Napalm mail order only, limited to 300
1-LP Gatefold Black Vinyl
1-CD Digisleeve
ALIEN WEAPONRY are set to hit the road for a nationwide tour, bringing their unparalleled fusion of cultural and heavy metal storytelling to audiences across Aotearoa. Joined by fellow heavyweights Shepherds Reign, the tour promises a night of raw intensity, combining multi-lingual narratives, thunderous rhythms, and blistering riffs that will captivate metal fans and newcomers alike.
Fans across the motu can expect to experience the same intensity and connection to Māori traditions that have made ALIEN WEAPONRY one of the most exciting acts in modern metal, the trio has performed alongside legends like Slayer, Gojira, and Anthrax, while continuing to stay true to their roots. Don’t miss your chance to witness this acclaimed metal act as they dominate stages across Aotearoa in 2025. Tickets are on sale now, get them from alienweaponry.com/tour.
ALIEN WEAPONRY Headlining New Zealand:
03/14/25: Kirikiriroa (Hamilton, NZ) @ Factory
03/15/25: Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington, NZ) @ Jim Beam Homegrown
03/20/25: Ngāmotu (New Plymouth, NZ) @ TSB Showplace
03/21/25: Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland, NZ) @ Powerstation
03/22/25: Ōtautahi (Christchurch, NZ) @ James Hay Theatre
03/23/25: Tāhuna (Queenstown, NZ) @ AJ Hackett Kawarau Bungy Centre
In addition, Alien Weaponry is bringing their incredible journey to the big screen this Waitangi Day with the release of their documentary, ALIEN WEAPONRY: Kua Tupu Te Ara. The film, which premiered at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival, offers a deeply personal look into the first six years of the band's touring career, spanning Australasia, Europe, and America. Directed by Kent Belcher and produced by Nigel McCulloch, the documentary captures the highs and lows of life on the road, offering an intimate glimpse into the band’s journey and their unwavering commitment to performing in te reo Māori. Fans will have the chance to witness the story of ALIEN WEAPONRY in cinemas across Aotearoa this Waitangi Day—a fitting date to celebrate.
ALIEN WEAPONRY is:
Henry Te Reiwhati de Jong - Drums, Backing vocals
Lewis Raharuhi de Jong - Guitars, Lead vocals
Tūranga Porowini Morgan-Edmonds - Bass, Backing vocals
EXPLORE AND ELEVATE YOUR DIVERSE SKILLS
As creatives we can take for granted or miss the value in the many integrated and transferable skills we acquire throughout a career. The 3-hour CLOCK Skills Discovery Workshop is a space where the team of mentors can help you.
The Skills Discovery Workshop is a collaboration between Auckland City of Music, UK training provider CLOCK, and Auckland education provider SAE Creative Media Institute. The workshops have been run in Melbourne by the Victorian Music Development Office for the last 2 years, and it now comes to Auckland for the very first time.
As creatives we can take for granted or miss the value in the many integrated and transferable skills we acquire throughout a career. The 3-hour CLOCK Skills Discovery Workshop is a space where our team of CLOCK mentors help you:
· Uncover your sector-specific and transferable skills.
· Recognise, appreciate, and value all the skills you have learned and developed in any context.
· Gain a deeper understanding of your strengths and use that insight to move forward with your creative projects and ideas with renewed confidence and belief.
The CLOCK Skills Discovery Workshop is suitable for anyone at any stage of their career. Whether you work in the Auckland music community as an employee, freelancer, volunteer, trainee, intern, senior manager, or entrepreneur, come join us!
SKILLS DISCOVERY WORKSHOP
SAE Creative Media Institute
12 Heather Street, Parnell, Auckland
Saturday 22 February and Sunday 23 February*
*Two workshop session times per day available, limited to 12 participants per workshop.
Cost: $250 per person
FACILITATORS
Denise Stanley - CLOCK Founder
“I am passionate about practical learning and the EU directive of 2012 that states: ‘Every citizen has the right to have their learning recognised and validated irrespective of the context in which it occurred.’
My current role is developing strategic Peer-to-Peer Learning Programmes and engineering positive cultural changes and inclusion for industry, charities and education contexts.
The groundbreaking CLOCK Programme is an example of this. CLOCK is based on 13 years of field research with employers and practitioners in the creative and cultural industries across 15 countries. CLOCK creates a level playing field for skilled creatives and entrepreneurs irrespective of where or how they learned their skills, and creates a pathway for non-formal and creative learners to access Higher Level learning and qualifications. CLOCK makes invisible skills visible and valued.”
N’Fa Jones - CLOCK Peer Reviewer
N’fa F-Jones is an Australian/Sierra-Leonean music artist, university lecturer, workshop facilitator, documentary producer, and CLOCK sector expert. N’fa’s journey in the music industry began with his ARIA award-winning Hip Hop band “1200 Techniques,” which played a crucial role in solidifying the Australian Hip Hop movement. Touring both locally and internationally with his multi-award nominated Afro-beat group “Cool Out Sun,” N’fa has gathered a wealth of experience and cultural insight. His commitment to the local musical community aims to inspire and nurture the diverse landscape of music and industry experts.
FRANK ON TAP, KICKING OFF 2025 WITH LATEST TRACK ‘RUSH’
‘Rush is about coming to terms with a future apart after the end of a relationship" says the band. "It explores the tension between letting go and holding on, capturing both the joy and challenges of moving forward.’
Frank On Tap, rising indie rock band from Tāmaki Makaurau, New Zealand. Known for their high-energy performances and captivating tracks, the band keeps going from strength to strength in the Aotearoa music scene.
Kicking off 2025 with the release of their latest single, Rush. Dropping January 22nd, this indie rock anthem highlights the band’s knack for combining high-energy sound with relatable themes.
"Rush is about coming to terms with a future apart after the end of a relationship" says the band."It exploresthe tension between letting go and holding on, capturing both the joy and challenges of moving forward."
Rush is a bold statement from Frank On Tap, blending heartfelt storytelling with a dynamic rock sound.
To celebrate the release of Rush, Frank On Tap will perform live on January 24th, at Whammy Bar, Auckland. This show promises a new set, with a sneak peak at some fresh material and a hint of what's to come for 2025.
Imani-J ‘Blind’
‘I wrote BLIND as my entry to the Play It Strange Peace Song Competition 2024, about how we are currently living in a world full of violence, hardship and suffering and how some people choose to turn a blind eye to this because it’s easier to pretend not to see it. I want this song to get people thinking and reflecting and I really hope they choose to not be blind.’
“There is no doubt in my mind Imani-J is set to be one of the great New Zealand talents of our generation. She has an incredible voice, beautiful lyrics, at the age of 16 has already tackled many different musical genres and has a style that is truly her own. Imani-J's talent is undeniable and it is a privilege to watch her musical journey unfold. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for her”.
Stephanie Brown - CEO Play It Strange 2024
16-year-old singer-songwriter Imani-J, from Nelson/Whakatū, has released her new R&B single ‘Blind’ in collaboration with Play It Strange and Producer EDY. In Alyahna’s words, the song is about “how we are currently living in a world full of violence, hardship and suffering. Blind is about how some people choose to turn a blind eye to this because it’s easier to pretend not to see it. I want this song to get people thinking and reflecting and I really hope they choose to not be blind”.
Imani-J is known for her captivating blend of indie pop, R&B and soul music that is characterised by introspective lyrics and beautiful emotive melodies. Drawing inspiration from Jorja Smith, Arlo Parks, Kehlani and Tems, Imani-J infuses a unique style into her soulful heartfelt compositions.
Performing since age 12 and singing in English, Te Reo Māori and French, Imani-J has been a repeat national finalist for Play It Strange, Smokefree Rockquest, Bandquest and Tangata Beats. Imani-J has played a number of shows this year and has a string of summer dates on both her solo project and also as a pop-electronic duo JOLA BURNS.
As an emerging solo artist Imani-J is currently recording her debut EP set for release in 2025. With her talent and dedication she is poised to make a significant impact on the NZ and global music scene.
THE OFFICIAL AOTEAROA MUSIC CHARTS 2024 END OF YEAR CHARTS HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED AT AOTEAROAMUSICCHARTS.CO.NZ
Compiled by Recorded Music NZ, the End of Year Charts are the only charts to combine all major sources Aotearoa music fans use throughout the year to buy and stream their favourite music.
Compiled by Recorded Music NZ, the End of Year Charts are the only charts to combine all major sources Aotearoa music fans use throughout the year to buy and stream their favourite music. Data from sources including Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, YouTube, Bandcamp, gig sales and other physical retail provide the authoritative snapshot of what New Zealanders were buying and listening to over the course of 2024.
Taylor Swift once again takes top honours on the Kōpae Tiketike 50 Ōkawa | Official Top 50 Albums End of Year Chart with The Tortured Poets Department. The triple-platinum collection went to #1 in April and stayed there for four weeks. Doing so bumped Swift to become the solo artist with the most #1 albums in Aotearoa,14. She leads a cohort of female artists at the head of the End of Year Album Chart – the top five is completed by Billie Eilish (#2), SZA (#3), Sabrina Carpenter (#4), and Chappell Roan (#5).
US artist Teddy Swims' remarkable connection with Aotearoa continues as his five-times platinum ‘Lose Control’ takes the premiere spot on the Tukutahi Tiketike 50 Ōkawa | Official Top 50 Singles End of Year Chart. The song first charted in 2023 but it was not until this year that it really took off, spending almost the entirety of 2024 (40 weeks) inside the Top 10. The artist, who played three sold out shows locally in July, has credited his fans in Aotearoa with sparking his global viral success.
L.A.B top the Kōpae Tiketike 20 Ōkawa o Aotearoa | Official Top 20 Aotearoa Albums End of Year Chart with their Introducing L.A.B compilation, also charting at #3 with L.A.B VI. Six60 take the #2 spot with The Six60 Collection – while Kaylee Bell (#7), DARTZ (#10) and Georgia Lines (#17) all land in the End of Year Top 20 for the first time.
L.A.B also hold five positions in the Tukutahi Tiketike 20 Ōkawa o Aotearoa | Official Top 20 Aotearoa Singles End of Year Chart, with 'Casanova' (#2), 'Take It Away' (#3), 'Oh No (Pt. 2)' (#12), 'Ocean Demon' (#14) and 'Give Me That Feeling' (#16) – although they surrender the top spot to Corrella and their double-platinum banger ‘Blue Eyed Māori’, which was awarded Te Tino Waiata ā-Iti Rearea o te Tau | Breakthrough Single of the Year at the 2024 Aotearoa Music Awards.
Another artist familiar with topping charts, Stan Walker, secures the remaining End of Year #1 in 2024. ‘Māori Ki Te Ao’ has ruled the weekly Tukutahi Te Reo Māori Tiketike 10 | Te Reo Māori End of Year Chart for 41 consecutive weeks. TAWAZ follows at #2 with the track that propelled him to win both Mana Reo and Te Manu Taki Māori o te Tau | Best Māori Artist at the 2025 Aotearoa Music Awards, 'He Aho'.
The Official 2024 End of Year Charts are based on sales and streaming data for all singles and albums that were eligible to appear in the weekly Official Aotearoa Music Charts for some or all of 2024.
The weekly Official Aotearoa Music Charts are published at aotearoamusiccharts.co.nz every Friday at 4pm, including through the holiday period.
Top 50 Singles of 2024
Spotify
YouTube
Apple Music
Top 20 Aotearoa Singles of 2024
Spotify
YouTube
Apple Music
Top 20 Te Reo Māori Singles of 2024
Spotify
YouTube
Apple Music
Miriam Clancy ~ SHAME
New indie-rock slowburner Shame delivers an expanse of sound on a bed of drum machines, synths and chorused guitars that carry New York based New Zealander Miriam Clancy through the retelling of a nonfiction story.
New indie-rock slowburner Shame delivers an expanse of sound on a bed of drum machines, synths and chorused guitars that carry New York based New Zealander Miriam Clancy through the retelling of a nonfiction story. And there on this pilgrimage, like a revival, the band comes to life: the machine turns into a real drummer and drops with the bass into a space deep and wide, electric guitars churn over a backdrop of keening vocals and the words "still hurt" keep moving, ever forward.
Self-produced in Brooklyn with executive production by UK giant Mike Hedges; Miriam's band recorded on location in NYC and Philadelphia, mixed in Aotearoa by Jol Mulholland and mastered by Joe Lambert in New York. Clancy is sponsored by Maton Guitars as featured here, alongside the talents of Sean Mullins on drums and bass player Jeremy McDonald.
*shades of Godley and Creme, Bruce Springsteen - and god knows what else.
SHAME (single) - audio, socials & artist website - linktr.ee/miriamclancy
**out December 18th, 2024 on all digital platforms**
"She's one of our top singer-songwriters. The critics wax effusive."
Gary Steele - Metro (magazine, New Zealand)
Indie Country Star, Murphy Moore, Makes Her Mark With Bold Debut EP, ‘Break’
Aotearoa’s fresh new indie country voice, Murphy Moore, releases her powerful debut EP, ‘Break’, a compelling collection of songs exploring themes of freedom, resilience, and reinvention.
Aotearoa’s fresh new indie country voice, Murphy Moore, releases her powerful debut EP, ‘Break’, a compelling collection of songs exploring themes of freedom, resilience, and reinvention. ‘Break’ is now available on all major streaming platforms and promises a raw, unfiltered look at heartache, spontaneity, and the courage to step out of life’s boundaries.
‘Break’ isn’t just a title; it’s a journey through self-discovery and growth. With lyrical depth and an unmistakable country soul, Murphy Moore gives her listeners a glimpse into the bittersweet thrill of heartache, love lost, and the freedom found in choosing an unconventional path. Each track on the EP weaves a narrative, showing how even the most challenging breaks can lead to resilience and transformation.
‘Break’ is a musical roller coaster, reflecting the whirlwind of experiences Murphy was navigating at the time of writing. “This EP was inspired by a period in my life where I felt a deep longing for change. It’s a break up, a break free and a break into the new. I wanted each song to reflect those moments of release and reinvention the thrilling and the painful”.
Produced by multi-instrumentalist and engineer, Christian Tjandrawinata, ‘Break’ has a unique sound that blends both classic country with contemporary indie. The EP was recorded with some of Tāmaki Makaurau’s top musicians at Roundhead Studios.
The visual aspect of ‘Break’ is as evocative as the music itself. Murphy has delivered two captivating music videos for her singles, ‘For The Most Part’ and ‘Break The Line’, and is set to release one more. The music video for ‘Roam’ will premiere on YouTube on Thursday 19 December.
T A L I - 'RESISTANCE'
'Resistance' is an EP that brimming with a myriad of emotions, cinematic layers, punchy Jungle breaks, heart stirring vocals and raging electric guitars. Every track is a nod to some sort of resistance against the status quo - an invitation to rebel against the narrative.
2024 has been a busy year for the award winning Electronic artist TALI.
Her international touring circuit has taken her to New York, Bali, the UK and throughout Europe.
This year Tali is also celebrating 20 years since she released her first ever record - the highly acclaimed 'Lyric On My Lip' which came out on the Bristol based label Full Cycle. To celebrate she has been touring a live and intimate show, performing songs from her eight album back catalogue which infuses elements of Jazz, Soul and Lo Fi.
While Tali has released some notable singles this year ('233' alongside Paige Julia on the TRUTH owned Deep Dark and Dangerous Imprint, and 'Gimme What I Need' produced by Kiwi DnB hot-shot Rova, which came out on her own label Reign Recordings), it has been a couple of years since her last long player release - the self produced album 'Future Dwellers'
Now Tali brings us a five track EP in the form of 'Resistance', an EP that is brimming with a myriad of emotions, cinematic layers, punchy Jungle breaks, heart stirring vocals and raging electric guitars. Every track is a nod to some sort of resistance against the status quo - an invitation to rebel against the narrative, whether it be society's expectations, the media, politicians, the patriarchy - even the music industry itself.
The EP encompasses Jungle, Drum n Bass, Melodic Techno and Electro, and in terms of production and writing, may just be some of Tali's best work yet.
This EP is testament to Tali's years of experience and fortitude in a fickle and often brutal industry, an EP that speaks loudly and unapologetically, and reminds others, particularly Women and those who often find themselves on the fringes, that - 'We cannot be what we cannot see' and 'We too deserve to have our voices heard'