Change as Alien Weaponry announce new bass player

 

Local metal power trio Alien Weaponry have announced the departure of original bass player Ethan Trembath and the arrival of friend Turanga Porowini Morgan-Edmonds as his replacement in the line-up, joining brothers Lewis and Henry de Jong.

After forming over eight years ago as friends at Waipu primary School and Bream Bay College, the band has been riding high in the global metal scene, having played the main stages at a number of the biggest metal festivals in Europe and America in 2018 and 2019.

A punishing world tour that took in 21 countries over seven months saw the band play to hundreds of thousands of fans, and sharing the stage with some of their all-time favourite bands, but it also took its toll.

“This is a decision that I’ve been considering for quite a long time,” says Ethan. “I have really struggled with touring and being away from home so much, and I know that it’s only going to get more intense as the band grows, so I’ve decided to focus my energies on getting work in a recording studio or the production side of things, as that’s what I’ve enjoyed most during my time with Alien Weaponry.”

Lewis says they have to respect Ethan’s wish to spend more time with family and have a home life.

“The thing is, he lives just up the road so it’s not really goodbye. We fully expect to see a lot of Ethan on our visits back home to Waipu.”

Ethan has also been fully involved in the audition process.

“I feel privileged to be picking things up where he left off,” says Turanga. “Ethan is one of metal’s most energetic and charismatic bass players and I know he will be a hard act to follow.” The band are currently working on their second album, and Ethan has played a big part. Newcomer Turanga will also feature on the album, adding his voice to some of the background vocal parts. The band have been tracking vocals ready for mixing and mastering by Hammerhead in their Waipu studio.

Covid-19 saw the cancellation of this year’s European/UK tour for Alien Weaponry but the band will be touring New Zealand later this year.