New Zealand’s groove metal band Alien Weaponry released their new single “Taniwha” today. The track features Randy Blythe of Lamb of God and is streaming now on YouTube with an official video. It’s the third single from their upcoming album “Te Rā”, out this Friday, March 28, via Napalm Records.
The band—Lewis de Jong on guitars and vocals, Tūranga Porowini Morgan-Edmonds on bass, and Henry de Jong on drums—blends thrash, nu, and groove metal with Te Reo Māori lyrics. “Taniwha,” a death metal-leaning track, highlights their heavy sound, boosted by Blythe’s raw vocals. Lewis and Henry shared that working with Blythe, a longtime supporter, felt surreal, given Lamb of God’s impact on their career. Produced by Josh Wilbur, known for Lamb of God and Gojira, the song shows their technical growth. Fans are calling it a “beastly” and “ferocious” collab.
“Te Rā” follows their 2018 debut “Tū” and 2021’s “Tangaroa”, both praised for tackling colonization and Māori identity. The album’s 11 tracks:
- Crown
- Mau Moko
- 1000 Friends
- Hanging by a Thread
- Tama-nui-te-rā
- Myself to Blame
- Taniwha (feat. Randy Blythe)
- Blackened Sky
- Te Riri o Tāwhirimātea
- Ponaturi
- Te Kore
Pre-order it on Napalm Records’ site—CD, vinyl, or digital. Alien Weaponry recently toured North America with Kerry King, and their documentary, Alien Weaponry: Kua Tupu Te Ara, premiered at Tribeca Film Festival in 2024, featuring Blythe and Gojira members. Stream “Taniwha” now and hear their cultural and sonic evolution.