Tangaroa
Alien Weaponry · 2021
62 min · 12 tracks · thrash metal
Rugged grooves and Māori mythology collide in a powerful exploration of identity and heritage, driven by aggressive riffs and haunting melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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Titokowaru — As the opening track, Titokowaru sets the tone for the album with its aggressive instrumentation and lyrics that honor a prominent Māori figure, embodying the fusion of history and heavy metal.
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Ahi Kā — This track showcases intricate guitar work paired with themes of ancestral connection, illustrating how personal narratives are woven into the overall narrative of the album.
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Dad — A deeply personal tribute, this song balances heavy musical elements with heartfelt lyrics reflecting familial relationships, highlighting Alien Weaponry's ability to blend emotion with intensity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends aggressive metal with Māori themes, showcasing strong composition and craft while maintaining its identity.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong, aggressive riff in 'Titokowaru' that sets a high-energy tone for the first half.
- Tracks like 'Ahi Kā' and 'Tangaroa' incorporate traditional Māori instruments and chants, creating a distinct cultural sound.
- The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, allowing for more introspective moments amidst the heaviness.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- aggressive riffs with haunting melodies
- exploration of cultural identity themes
- intense energy for focused sessions
- dynamic pacing with varied lengths
- immersive storytelling through sound
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek lighthearted, carefree vibes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on September 17, 2021, Tangaroa is Alien Weaponry's second studio album, following their acclaimed debut, Tū. This album marks their continuing evolution as they blend traditional Māori themes with modern metal sounds, solidifying their place in the global metal scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sepultura· Machine Head· Gojira
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Titokowaru 5:51
- 2 Hatupatu 5:31
- 3 Ahi Kā 3:46
- 4 Tangaroa 5:42
- 5 Unforgiving 7:05
- 6 Blinded 5:39
- 7 Kai Whatu 5:18
- 8 Crooked Monsters 4:23
- 9 Buried Underground 3:56
- 10 Dad 4:51
- 11 Īhenga 5:20
- 12 Down the Rabbit Hole 5:04
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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