29 Mar 2024
UsernamePassword

Remember Me? | Join | Recover
Click here to sign in via social networking

Heavy Metal Ninjas - The Heavy Metal Ninjas EP Review

04 Mar 2012 // A review by River Tucker

The Heavy Metal Ninjas, who formed in 2010 (the year of the ninja), have certainly transcended the mortal realm with their debut EP of the same name. From devastating riffs, synchronised perfectly with meticulous timing, the five Ninjas including Stu and Fran Kora from multi-platinum selling band Kora, look set to completely annihilate the competition.

The four-track release is a study in self-control over the natural elements and often defies the laws of physics. Think soulful Satriani crossed with Meshuggah’s intensity, and you’ll be close to the brutal and beautiful precision of the Ninjas.

The Author kicks off the hugely epic EP with subtle samples and synthesizers from Quasar effectively boosting the power of the axe attack. Counterpoint from a cohesive rhythm section is an otherworldly display of musical perfection. What If then slows things down and gives Richie Allan on lead guitar the scope to really soar through the heavens. The dynamic progression in the aptly named M45 captures a space odyssey theme with a huge expansive wall of sound. Alternative syncopation from Joe Brownless on drums, with hints of ghost accents throughout, fit perfectly into the bands wicked polymetered cycles. Red Shift brings it all together with a blindingly fast and perfectly executed song structure.

Just like their namesake, the Auckland based Ninjas unorthodox instrumental approach makes for spectacular results. Get a copy of The Heavy Metal Ninjas’ debut EP today.

 

About Heavy Metal Ninjas

Heavy Metal Ninjas remain, as ever, all about the metal in 2015. With a highly anticipated new album out on Warner Music NZ and Grindhouse Records Japan, the four man, eight-legged HMN collective return stronger than ever.

“This album to me, is more about finding my inner self, as a composer, a guitar player and a person, discovering all these things has opened my mind to a new plane for writing my next album” - Richie Allan

As ever, the band are led by guitar virtuoso, Richie Allan, and their line-up is now augmented by fellow Ibanez-endorsed guitarist Brandon Reihana (ex Blindspott), which increases the guitar power in HMN by a full third.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Heavy Metal Ninjas

Releases

Interstellar Abduction
Year: 2013
Type: Album
Heavy Metal Ninjas
Year: 2012
Type: EP

Other Reviews By River Tucker

Album Review: The Death Spell
12 Dec 2023 // by River Tucker
There’s a real whisky drinking, bare knuckle fighting edge to the self-titled debut album by The Death Spell, kicking off with Nail You Higher Than Before. Obviously, song lyrics are in your face on this track, especially for any Christians in the audience, but you couldn’t ask for a better intro to the musical style of this Auckland-based band.
Read More...
Beastwars - Gig Review: Reign of the Beast @ Whanganui Musicians Club, Whanganui - 13/10/2023
15 Oct 2023 // by River Tucker
If you're into metal music, the Musicians Club in Whanganui was the place to be last Friday night for a feast of auditory delights to satisfy even the hungriest of souls. Brought to you by Lost Art and Panhead beer, Beastwars and Shepherds Reign headlined an epic concert that was set to bring the house down on the first leg of their not-to-be-missed Reign of the Beast tour.
Read More...
End of an Empire - Album Review: Best Laid Plans
25 Sep 2023 // by River Tucker
It’s been a couple of years since End of an Empire released their favourably reviewed debut album, Within, Without in 2020. Since then, the Wellington-based four-piece have obviously put their time to good use by writing Best Laid Plans, which is arguably one of the finest Hardcore releases to come out of New Zealand this year.
Read More...
The Rising Tide - Gig Review: Inferno - Youth Rock & Metal @ The Stomach, Palmerston North - 5/08/2023
07 Aug 2023 // by River Tucker
It’s not often that you get treated to a mid-winter concert where nearly every metal genre is being performed. But that’s exactly what happened at The Stomach in Palmerston North last Saturday night where four bands gave it their all in a rip-roaring all-ages show that will undoubtedly leave the hundred or so people who attended with lasting impressions.
Read More...
Mammuthus - Album Review: Imperator
18 Jun 2023 // by River Tucker
If you like your stoner metal super-sized and embellished with a nice touch of doom, then Mammuthus’ latest release, Imperator, is definitely the album for you. Seven tracks of deliciously down-tuned, guitar-driven heaviness smash into your eardrums like a well-oiled and relentless steam train.
Read More...
1 Drop Nation - Single Review: I'm Home
08 May 2023 // by River Tucker
When it comes to reggae music 1 Drop Nation's latest single, I'm Home, hits all the right notes. Soulful melodies, tight rhythms, and on-point vocals impart a feel-good vibe that will get you chilling or up and dancing, whatever mood you're in.
Read More...
Gig Review: Devilskin @ The Royal, Palmerston North - 28/04/2023
30 Apr 2023 // by River Tucker
It was well worth getting in early to catch Devilskin’s exclusive VIP performance at The Royal in Palmerston North last Friday night. Following on from a successful show at Homegrown, Devilskin has embarked on their much-anticipated nationwide Let Me Breathe tour, brought to you by The Rock, after a short hiatus that, if anything, has made their current shows all the more sweet.
Read More...
Gig Review #2: Homegrown 2023 @ Wellington Waterfront - 18/03/2023
21 Mar 2023 // by River Tucker
The weather gods must really love live music because they fully turned it on for the Jim Beam Homegrown music festival in Wellington last Saturday. Not only were the tunes absolutely fantastic, the crystal clear blue sky followed by a twinkling starry night set a magical scene for thousands of beautiful party people to enjoy some of New Zealand’s biggest bands performing across five stages on the capital’s spectacular waterfront.
Read More...
View All Articles By River Tucker

NZ Top 10 Singles

  • WE CAN'T BE FRIENDS (WAIT FOR YOUR LOVE)
    Ariana Grande
  • BEAUTIFUL THINGS
    Benson Boone
  • END OF BEGINNING
    Djo
  • LOSE CONTROL
    Teddy Swims
  • TEXAS HOLD 'EM
    Beyonce
  • STICK SEASON
    Noah Kahan
  • PRAISE JAH IN THE MOONLIGHT
    YG Marley
  • CARNIVAL
    Kanye West And Ty Dolla $ign
  • SATURN
    SZA
  • LOVIN ON ME
    Jack Harlow
View the Full NZ Top 40...
muzic.net.nz Logo
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report a ProblemReport A Problem