Alien Weaponry has unleashed a fierce new chapter in their sonic journey with the release of the official video for “Taniwha,” a high-intensity track that also features a searing guest performance from Lamb of God’s Randy Blythe. This monumental collaboration dives deep into the band’s cultural roots while expanding their metal arsenal with a blistering, death metal edge.
“Taniwha” isn’t just a song—it’s a war cry, a celebration of ancestral spirits, and a musical embodiment of the Māori mythological creature it’s named after. Alien Weaponry continue to push the limits of what modern metal can sound like when it’s fused with deep cultural storytelling. And with Blythe’s unmistakable intensity layered into the track, it erupts with a raw, primal energy.
Visually, the music video is a heavy, ritualistic experience. Directed by Francis Baker, it channels symbolic imagery and an undercurrent of ancestral power, crafting a narrative that is both grounded in heritage and ready for the global metal stage. From sweeping natural landscapes to gritty performance shots, the visual storytelling keeps pace with the song’s crushing riffs and tribal rhythms.
This release is part of Te Rā, Alien Weaponry’s third full-length studio album, which dropped on March 28 via Napalm Records. Produced by Josh Wilbur, known for his work with some of metal’s biggest names, the album continues to showcase the band’s bold mix of Māori language and traditions with heavy-hitting modern metal. It’s a project rooted in pride, history, and sonic warfare—combining powerful messages with an even more aggressive and dynamic sound than ever before.
“Taniwha” stands as one of the album’s most intense moments—a symbol of unity, respect, and cross-cultural collaboration in metal. It also reflects just how far Alien Weaponry has come since they burst onto the scene as teenagers. They’re no longer just rising stars—they’ve arrived, and they’re bringing ancestral fire with them.
The band is now on tour across the United States supporting Avatar, with SpiritWorld also on the bill. These live shows are a perfect showcase for Alien Weaponry’s blend of haka-fueled fury and thunderous, riff-driven storytelling, bringing global attention to a powerful legacy that’s being reborn through metal.
