‘Alien Weaponry: Kua Tupu Te Ara’ – Review
New Zealand’s heavy metal scene has long been a niche within the global music landscape, but one band, Alien Weaponry, has broken through the noise and carved out a legacy that is as deeply rooted in their Māori heritage as it is in the relentless energy of their music. Alien Weaponry: Kua Tupu Te Ara is a thrilling deep dive into the journey of this groundbreaking, and the experience is a pure heavy metal war cry!
An intimate deep dive behind the scenes of the chart-topping, award-winning thrash metal band Alien Weaponry who sing in Te Reo Māori.
From the outset, director Kent Belcher crafts an intimate and raw portrait of Alien Weaponry’s meteoric rise, offering unprecedented access to key members Henry and Lewis De Jong, Ethan Trembath, and Turanga Morgan-Edmonds. What sets Alien Weaponry apart is their fusion of thrash metal with Te Reo Māori, creating a visceral, battle-cry sound that has resonated with audiences worldwide. The film explores the power and cultural significance of their music, framing their journey as both a personal evolution and a mission to amplify the Māori language and history through a genre not typically associated with Indigenous storytelling.
Belcher doesn’t just present a highlight reel of success; he digs into the sacrifices, the blood, sweat, and tears that come with navigating the global music industry. The De Jong brothers, guided by their parents Jette and Niel, are driven by an intense passion, but the documentary doesn’t shy away from the struggles they’ve endured. From the demands of touring to the complexities of industry expectations, Alien Weaponry: Kua Tupu Te Ara paints a picture of young men who have had to mature quickly while staying true to their roots. Belcher expertly captures the presence and spirit of the band’s fans — an international legion who not only love Alien Weaponry’s guttural sound but who have also embraced the Māori language and culture in the process. The film showcases moments of profound connection between the band and their audience, reminding us that music is more than just sound; it’s identity, history, and resistance.
Among the film’s standout moments is the band’s once-in-a-lifetime collaboration with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, a stunning fusion of classical grandeur and raw, unfiltered metal energy. It’s a moment that cements Alien Weaponry’s place as pioneers of a sound and movement that transcends traditional genre barriers. The impact of COVID-19 is another key focus, showing how the band navigated the lockdowns in New Zealand and the effect it had on their creative process.
Ultimately, Alien Weaponry: Kua Tupu Te Ara is more than a documentary; it’s a rallying cry. It’s a testament to passion, perseverance, and the unbreakable connection between music and cultural identity. Alien Weaponry isn’t just making music; they’re making history, and this documentary ensures the world is listening.
Image: Rialto Distribution
