Beastwars

Beastwars is a cornerstone of the New Zealand heavy music scene, formed in Wellington in 2009. Their sound identity is defined by a 'mongrel mix' of sludge, stoner rock, and doom, heavily influenced by the Pacific Northwest's grunge legacy and the crushing weight of bands like Neurosis and High on Fire.

The band's ethos is centered on the 'Obey the Riff' maxim, prioritizing massive harmonic resonance and mid-tempo grooves over technical speed. Their career arc is marked by critical acclaim in their home country, frequently appearing on the NZ Top 40 charts - a rare feat for a band of such extreme sonic density. A significant part of their cultural identity is tied to their visual aesthetic, specifically the intricate, mythic album art by Nick Keller. Critically, they are lauded for Matt Hyde's unique vocal style, which bridges the gap between classic rock grit and sludge intensity. They occupy a unique space as 'sonic soothsayers,' using heavy music to explore themes of illness, mortality, and environmental collapse.