Local metallers continue their march

 

Months of practice and creative effort has paid off for local heavy metal trio Alien Weaponry being named in the top eight Smokefreerockquest bands and solo-duos who have made it through to the 2016 national final in Auckland on September 24.

The 700 entries in this year’s only nationwide, orginal youth music event competed live during May and June in centres from Dunedin to Whangarei. The regional finalists sent in their video footage, and after the announcement of the top 30 last month, the final judging has been done.

The judges were Chris Mac from Six60, 1998 Smokefreerockquest national winner Anna Coddington and Kimbra’s musical director Timon Martin. Spokesperson Timon Martin says the overall standard made the task a challenge, with the judges opting for originality and character, rather than just technical perfection.

“The top acts all had an originality of vision,” he said. “For New Zealand music to make an impact both at home and overseas, we need to cultivate a unique identity, and the artists we picked really showed a strong sense of that, no matter the genre. For us, they represented a bright future for creativity in New Zealand music."

The top eight consists of five bands and three solo-duo’s.

A sidestep from the rock genre, Alien Weaponry impressed with their professionalism and variety of presentation. This 3-piece metal band with kapa haka influences is from Bream Bay College and Otamatea High School. The members are brothers Lewis de Jong (guitar/vocals), Henry de Jong (drums), and Ethan Trembath (bass).