It was hard to see how NZ thrash metal band Alien Weaponry could top their successes so far this year. The release of their debut album, Tū, to rave reviews internationally; a highly successful first tour of Europe, Australia and the UK, including performances at Wacken Open Air, MetalDays and Bloodstock; four Tui nominations in the Vodafone NZ Music Awards.
Now, they have announced they will be touring North America for the first time ever – supporting industrial legends Ministry. The tour starts November 21st in San Francisco, CA and runs through December 21st in Los Angeles, CA (see below for a full list of dates).
The three teenagers, described by American music and youth culture channel Noisey as a band “well on their way to world domination,” got the news just a week before heading home from Europe.
“We are so excited to get this opportunity,” says lead singer and guitarist Lewis de Jong. “We have been getting so many emails and comments and messages via social media asking us to come to the USA and Canada, we knew it was going to happen sooner or later, but this is a lot sooner than we expected.”
“Ministry was one of the bands we listened to a lot growing up,” adds drummer Henry de Jong. “So to be on stage with them on our first North American tour is going to be pretty amazing.”
Watch a video message from the band about the upcoming tour.
“Alien Weaponry … have managed to capture the imaginations of people all over the world with their unique thrash metal sound and commanding live performances ... so badass and so important to heavy-music culture right now.”
– Revolver Magazine
“Alien Weaponry is one of the most remarkable bands on our station right now! Fans continue to be turned on to their music through SiriusXM, and we love helping fans discover new killer music! This band is seriously one of our favorites and will be part of our “Devil’s Dozen” of the year for sure! We’re f’in stoked that they’re doing their first American tour, and we can’t wait to see them live!”
– New York-based Sirius XM Liquid Metal’s Jose Mangin
“Like Sepultura in Brazil before them, Alien Weaponry are working to immortalize New Zealand’s tribal culture through heavy metal.”
– Loudwire
The trio depart for the US just four days after their upcoming performance at the Vodafone NZ Music Awards, where they are also nominated for four Tuis – Best Album, Best Rock Artist, Best Group and Best Māori Artist; and arrive home on Christmas day.
“As much as we are looking forward to the Ministry tour, we are also looking forward to being home for the summer; and doing some shows here in New Zealand,” says bass guitarist Ethan Trembath.
Alien Weaponry will be announcing New Zealand tour dates for 2019 in the near future.
ALIEN WEAPONRY W/Ministry and Carpenter Brut:
21/11: San Francisco, CA @ Warfield Theater
23/11: Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot
24/11: Denver, CO @ The Fillmore Auditorium
25/11: Minneapolis, MN @ Skyway Theater
29/11: Joliet, IL @ The Forge
30/11: Cleveland, OH @ Agora Theatre
1/12: Detroit, MI @ Majestic Theatre
2/12: Toronto, ON @ Rebel
4/12: Rochester, NY @ Anthology
5/12: Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore
6/12: New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
7/12: New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
8/12: Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
10/12: Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel
11/12: Memphis, TN @ New Daisy Theatre
12/12: Dallas, TX @ Gas Monkey Live
13/12: Houston, TX @ House of Blues
14/12: San Antonio, TX @ Aztec Theater
16/12: Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre
18/12: San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
20/12: Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda Theatre
21/12: Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda Theatre