Māori culture sits proudly at the core of Alien Weaponry’s cathartic metal. Hailing from the Northland region of New Zealand, the trio made a strong impression with such early tracks as 2017’s “Rū Ana Te Whenua,” a hard-charging anthem inspired by the wars between the colonial government and the Māori in the mid-1800s. Guitarist/vocalist Lewis Raharuhi de Jong—who often sings in te reo Māori—and drummer Henry Te Reiwhati de Jong are brothers and direct descendants of a warrior who died in those historic conflicts. Themes of war and bloodshed also drive 2018’s “Kai Tangata” (“Eat Men”), while 2019’s English-language “Blinded” describes personal alienation over blackened riffing. Alien Weaponry’s unique vision has earned them attention from overseas talent: their 2025 album Te Rā was helmed by Korn and Megadeth producer Josh Wilbur, with Lamb of God’s Randy Blythe singing on the mythology-steeped “Taniwha.” As much as the band’s formative work stuck to shades of thrash metal, their subsequent music has explored more varied pacing and textures. Witness 2025’s “Myself to Blame,” a slow and melodic stunner about owning up to one’s mistakes.