Global metal stars Alien Weaponry release new video ‘Down The Rabbit Hole’

International metal stars Alien Weaponry have released their new video for ‘Down The Rabbit Hole’, taken from their highly-regarded second album Tangaroa, released 2021 via Napalm Records.

Order Tangaroa here: https://smarturl.it/Tangaroa-NPR

Spreading vital messages of peace, awareness and warning through the power of their culturally-driven music, Tangaroa proves a massive next step for the band – encompassing all of the elements that make Alien Weaponry heavy metal’s most authentic rising stars.

Following the release of their three previous Tangaroa music videos for ‘Tangaroa‘, ‘Buried Underground‘, and ‘Hatupatu‘, today, in anticipation of their winter and early 2023 performance plans supporting both Guns N’ Roses and Gojira, Alien Weaponry have dropped an official video for none other than their album closer track ‘Down The Rabbit Hole’. The track extends an important proclamation against bullying through the eyes and experiences of frontman Lewis de Jong.

Lewis de Jong says about ‘Down The Rabbit Hole’: “This was an absolute blast to film! ‘Down The Rabbit Hole’ represents the growth I’ve experienced throughout my life and putting to bed demons from the past. The video captures the meaning well – the broken objects representing said demons. It’s the rough times in life that make you who you are, as long as you rise above it.”

Since releasing their acclaimed debut Tū (2018), the New Zealanders’ kinetic presence and sound – combining elements of thrash and groove metal with lyrics in the native indigenous language, te reo Māori — has attracted throngs of fans and media supporters across the globe. As with their 2018 single ‘Kai Tangata‘ – which has amassed more than 10 million views on YouTube and claimed the number-one spot on SiriusXM Liquid Metal’s “Devil’s Dozen” for 13 consecutive weeks – much of Tangaroa is immersed in the historical stories and cultural heritage of the Māori people.

In addition, Tangaroa details stories of personal struggle and growth, as well as crucial environmentalism topics.

Having achieved past and present tours and festivals with the likes of Slayer, Black Label Society and Gojira, and being hailed the “future of metal” by esteemed magazine Metal Hammer (UK) and voted by Revolver Magazine (US) fans as “one of the bands most likely to break out in 2021”, Alien Weaponry are poised to dominate with Tangaroa. The album coalesces Alien Weaponry‘s growing maturation with an undisturbed songwriting process, resulting in their most inspired, honest and informed material yet.

In addition to lyrics written in te reo Māori, many tracks feature traditional instruments, called taonga puoro, providing the tracks their own warrior-like attitude. Rhythmic, dynamic album opener ‘Titokowaru’ begins with determined rowing chants and depicts the tale of a famous war chief that challenged the colonial government in New Zealand and led a rebel army, backed by quick riffage and driving drums. Following standout ‘Hatupatu’, inspired by the harrowing, legendary tale of a de Jong ancestor facing off with a witch, is carried by frenzied guitars, spirited chanting and tribal-like percussion. While Alien Weaponry sourced inspiration from their culture and environmental surroundings while writing most of Tangaroa, the band also looked inward – drawing vision for other portions of the album from within. The album dives into some of their most effecting personal experiences, with English-language songs like the pensive ‘Unforgiving’ about facing self-loathing and insecurity, and the swirling, charging ‘Buried Underground’ detailing the aftershocks of drug abuse.

Accented by personal touches like its entrancing album art originally conceptualized from drawings by Lewis de Jong, Tangaroa is a massive next step for a band on the rise, encompassing all of the elements that make Alien Weaponry heavy metal’s most authentic rising stars.

Henry de Jong says about Tangaroa:
“The album is tied together with the message of ‘Tangaroa’ – the whole album is more a snapshot of the band’s brains during the writing process. We have also written songs that are about some of our first tūpuna (ancestors) who were here in Āotearoa (New Zealand). Hatupatu, who is very famous in Māori history, as well as Īhenga, who named a number of places in Āotearoa during his travels.”

Lewis de Jong adds about the album’s artwork and thematic details:
“The album is named after the track ‘Tangaroa’, and we went with this theme on the artwork. The album is drawn from some new experiences we’ve had as well as some ancient Māori tales. I think we have stepped things up from the last album.”

Bassist Tūranga Morgan-Edmonds also adds:
“This album’s use of even more traditional Māori sounds and styles is a very exciting step forward for us.”

Tangaroa tracklisting:
1. Titokowaru
2. Hatupatu
3. Ahi Kā
4. Tangaroa
5. Unforgiving
6. Blinded
7. Kai Whatu
8. Crooked Monsters
9. Buried Underground
10. Dad
11. Īhenga
12. Down The Rabbit Hole

Alien Weaponry tour dates, with Gojira:

Sat, Feb 11 – IRE, Dublin @ National Stadium – SOLD OUT
Sun, Feb 12 – N. IRE, Belfast @ Ulster Hall
Tue, Feb 14 – ENG, Newcastle @ City Hall
Wed, Feb 15 – SCO, Glasgow @ O2 Academy
Fri, Feb 17 – WAL, Cardiff @ Motorpoint Arena
Sun, Feb 19 – ENG, Manchester @ O2 Victoria Warehouse
Tue, Feb 21 – ENG, Nottingham @ Motorpoint Arena
Wed, Feb 22 – ENG, London @ Alexandra Palace

Alien Weaponry on Tangaroa are:
Henry Te Reiwhati de Jong – Drums, Backing vocals
Lewis Raharuhi de Jong – Guitars, Lead vocals
Ethan Trembath – Bass guitars, backing vocals & lead vocals on ‘Dad’
Tūranga Porowini Morgan-Edmonds – Backing vocals & guitar on ‘Unforgiving’
 
Alien Weaponry online:
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