About “Ahi Ka”:
“Ahi Kā was inspired by the Auckland city council’s decision to burn down what was considered to be the unsightly indigenous Maori village of Okahu Bay in advance of Queen Elizabeth II’s 1953 visit,” Alien Weaponry’s singer-guitarist Lewis de Jong says of the track. Which, like many of the band’s songs, is sung in New Zealand’s indigenous language of Te Reo Māori. “The eviction sparked a 40-year battle for the native Ngati Whatua to reclaim their land, including protests and battles with the police. Amid worldwide criticism, a small portion of the original land was ultimately returned with an apology and some compensation.”
About ALIEN WEAPONRY:
Alien Weaponry was formed in 2010 by brothers Lewis (vocals & guitar) and Henry de Jong (drums), who were 8 and 10 years old at the time. The two would later move to the small town of Waipu in 2012, and went on to meet Ethan Trembath (bass) there in 2013. The de Jong brothers came up with the name Alien Weaponry after watching the film District 9.
Both Lewis and Henry are of Ngati Pikiāo and Ngati Raukawa (Māori tribal) descent, and began their schooling at a kura kaupapa Māori (full immersion Māori language school) where singing waiata (songs) and performing haka were a daily routine. Also ingrained in their early education were stories of New Zealand history told to them by their father, who would also introduce them to the music of Metallica, Rage Against the Machine, Anthrax, Ministry, Red Hot Chili Peppers and many others.
Fans and music critics alike have applauded the band’s approach to unifying Te Reo Māori (the native language of New Zealand) with thrash metal sensibilities; ultimately creating a sound that is driven by emotionally and politically charged conflict while boasting youthful, warrior-like resilience.
ALIEN WEAPONRY – North American Headlining Tour
Saturday, May 11th – Rockingham, NC @ Epicenter*
Sunday, May 12th – Washington, DC @ DC9
Monday, May 13th – Boston, MA @ Middle East
Wednesday, May 15th – New York, NY @ Saint Vitus
Thursday, May 16th – Montreal, QC @ L’Esco
Friday, May 17th – Toronto, ON @ Velvet Underground
Sunday, May 19th – Chicago, IL @ Chicago Open Air*
Wednesday, May 22nd – Minneapolis, MN @ 7th St Entry
Friday, May 24th – Pryor, OK @ Rocklahoma*
Sunday, May 26th – Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater
Tuesday, May 28th – San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill
Wednesday, May 29th – Los Angeles, CA @ The Roxy
* – Festival Date
ALIEN WEAPONRY Online
