Alien Weaponry

Alien Weaponry is a New Zealand-based metal trio that has gained international acclaim for their unique fusion of groove metal and Māori culture. Formed in 2010 by brothers Henry and Lewis de Jong, the band utilizes their Ngāti Pikiao and Ngāti Raukawa heritage to inform their lyrical and musical direction.

Their sound is characterized by mid-tempo, high-energy 'thrashing groove,' heavily influenced by 90s metal titans like Sepultura and Pantera, but distinguished by the use of the Māori language (Te Reo Māori). Critically, they are praised for their 'haka metal' style, which incorporates traditional chanting and historical storytelling regarding New Zealand's colonial conflicts and land confiscations. Their debut album 'Tū' (2018) established them as a significant voice in the global metal scene, bridging the gap between indigenous activism and mainstream heavy music. They occupy a unique cultural position as ambassadors for their heritage, frequently performing at major global festivals like Wacken Open Air, where their live performances often include traditional Haka, reinforcing their identity as a modern warrior-class musical entity.