After the successful debut of their documentary, “Alien Weaponry: Kua Tupu Te Ara” at the Tribeca Film Festival, New Zealand’s rising global metal sensation, ALIEN WEAPONRY, is gearing up to join Kerry King (legendary former guitarist of Slayer) on his upcoming North American Headline Tour 2025. The tour will feature Kerry King’s new band, composed of heavyweights from the metal world, including members from Slayer, HELLYEAH, Machine Head, and Death Angel, alongside special guests Municipal Waste.
This highly anticipated tour will kick off in San Francisco at The Regency Ballroom on January 15, 2025, and will travel across North America, wrapping up at the iconic House of Blues in Las Vegas on February 22, 2025. Tickets for the tour will go on sale starting Friday, October 4, at 10 AM local time.
For fans of ALIEN WEAPONRY, this tour offers the opportunity to see the trio share the stage with Kerry King, one of the most respected figures in thrash metal history. The synergy between the band and Kerry King’s new project promises an unforgettable concert experience, packed with intense energy and the cutting-edge sounds that have defined both Slayer and Alien Weaponry’s evolution as genre pioneers.
Alien Weaponry’s Rise and Unique Style
ALIEN WEAPONRY burst onto the international metal scene with their distinctive sound that merges thrash, groove metal, and indigenous cultural elements, particularly their use of te reo Māori, the language of New Zealand’s Māori people, in their lyrics. The band’s music is not only a visceral auditory experience but also a cultural and political statement, giving voice to the history and heritage of Māori warriors.
Their most recent album, Tangaroa, released to critical acclaim, exemplifies their growing maturity and commitment to staying true to their roots. The album features tracks written in te reo Māori alongside others that delve into personal themes. They also incorporate traditional instruments called taonga puoro, providing a warrior-like energy and a sense of ritual to their performances. Songs like “Hatupatu” and “Kai Tangata” are fierce and heavy, yet reflective of the band’s connection to their Māori ancestry and environmental consciousness.
The band’s rapid ascent, both in New Zealand and internationally, has been driven by their distinctive storytelling, modern metal rhythms, and stage presence that commands attention. Their live shows are dynamic and emotionally charged, bringing together powerful drumming, intricate guitar riffs, and emotionally resonant vocals that seamlessly transition between English and te reo Māori.
Supporting Kerry King’s Headline Tour
Joining Kerry King’s North American Headline Tour 2025 marks a significant milestone for ALIEN WEAPONRY, and fans are eager to witness the collision of two titanic forces in metal music. King’s band, composed of former members from Slayer, HELLYEAH, Machine Head, and Death Angel, promises a thunderous return to the metal scene, blending elements of the members’ individual experiences into a cohesive unit.
Kerry King is widely regarded as one of the architects of thrash metal, and his influence on the genre cannot be overstated. As the co-founder and guitarist of Slayer, his fast, aggressive style has inspired generations of metal musicians. His collaboration with ALIEN WEAPONRY on this tour signals a passing of the torch, bridging the gap between generations of metalheads while celebrating the genre’s evolution.
Special guest Municipal Waste, a thrash crossover band known for their ferocious live performances and wild energy, will also join the tour, making this lineup a metal lover’s dream.
Tour Dates
Here’s a breakdown of the dates and venues for the North American Headline Tour 2025:
- 01/15/25: San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom
- 01/17/25: Spokane, WA @ Spokane Live Casino
- 01/18/25: Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo
- 01/19/25: Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
- 01/20/25: Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
- 01/22/25: Calgary, AB @ The Palace Theatre
- 01/23/25: Edmonton, AB @ Midway Music Hall
- 01/25/25: Winnipeg, MB @ Burton Cummings Theatre
- 01/26/25: Minneapolis, MN @ The Fillmore
- 01/28/25: Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
- 01/30/25: Detroit, MI @ The Majestic Theater
- 01/31/25: Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
- 02/01/25: Toronto, ON @ Danforth Music Hall
- 02/02/25: Montreal, QC @ L’Olympia
- 02/04/25: Boston, MA @ Royale
- 02/05/25: Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre of the Living Arts
- 02/07/25: New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
- 02/08/25: Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Soundstage
- 02/10/25: Atlanta, GA @ Buckhead Theatre
- 02/11/25: St. Petersburg, FL @ Jannus Live
- 02/13/25: Houston, TX @ House of Blues
- 02/14/25: Austin, TX @ Emo’s
- 02/22/25: Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues
Alien Weaponry’s Journey from New Zealand to Global Success
ALIEN WEAPONRY’s rise from a local band in New Zealand to international fame is nothing short of remarkable. Since their debut album Tū in 2018, which was hailed as a breakthrough in modern metal, they have toured the world, opening for major bands like Guns N’ Roses, Gojira, Slayer, and Black Label Society. Their presence at major festivals and award nominations further solidified their status as one of the most exciting and innovative bands in modern metal.
In addition to their impressive resume of live performances, the band has garnered millions of streams and YouTube views. They’ve built a solid fan base globally, with the New Zealand metal scene and Māori culture at the heart of their identity.
The band’s recognition extends beyond the world of music as well. Their documentary, “Alien Weaponry: Kua Tupu Te Ara”, highlights their unique journey, their roots in Māori culture, and their mission to preserve and promote the language and traditions of their people through the universal language of music.
A Bright Future Ahead
With their participation in Kerry King’s North American Headline Tour 2025, ALIEN WEAPONRY is set to continue their meteoric rise. As they share the stage with metal legends, their sound will reach even more fans, solidifying their place as the future of metal.
Their blend of thrash, groove metal, and Māori cultural heritage makes ALIEN WEAPONRY stand out in the crowded metal scene, and their dedication to their craft ensures that their star will only shine brighter in the years to come. Fans can expect explosive performances, powerful lyrics, and a connection to both the past and the future of heavy metal as they embark on this tour with one of the most iconic figures in the genre’s history.
