Shepherds Reign - Single Review: Ua Masa’a
When it comes to different cultures and
music there is no doubt we are incredibly blessed in Aotearoa, and surely
anyone into metal, wherever they are in the world, are aware of Alien Weaponry
and the way they blend groove metal and their Maori roots. However, what may not
be known by those outside New Zealand is that there is another band down here
who are also making huge waves in their own country, Shepherds Reign. I have
already lost count of how many times I have seen these guys play, but it is
never enough, as they take metal to a whole new level (and not only have a
singer with the biggest hair I have ever seen, but he also plays keytar and pate!).
Hailing from South Auckland and Polynesian by birth and blood, Filiva’a James (vocals/keytar/pate), Gideon Voon (guitar), Oliver Leupolu (guitar/production), Shaymen Rameka (drums) and Joseph Oti-George (bass) are mixing their Samoan roots with music which makes for an incredible visual and aural experience. Musically Ua Masa’a is full of twists and turns, always with the brutal rhythm section one has come to expect where Shaymen and Joseph provide complexity and raw power to set the foundation for the twin guitar of Oliver and Gideon who can often be found on either side of the stage crunching the riffs or blending their threads together. Then there is Fili, the man monster who is always in total control, lifting himself above the music by sheer force of will, powerful and almost bestial in his approach.
Many people (including me) will not be able to understand the lyrics as they are in Samoan, which is common with these guys, but they tell a dramatic story, of how Filiva’a’s sister was murdered by her spouse and his family. Needless to say, this is raw and full of anger as Filiva’a voices the thoughts his sister would have felt prior to her death. “Ua masa’a le ipu vai” is translated to “The cup has spilt”, a symbolic look at the love once shared, lost like water in a broken cup. Shepherds Reign have been one of my favourite NZ metal bands for years now, and I look forward not only to the next time I see them play, but to the album which should hopefully be out later this year. If you have not come across these guys before now, then here is the place to start. Uncompromising metal being taken in quite different directions.
About Shepherds Reign
Unlike any heavy artist, Shepherds Reign bring a captivating and enthralling sound with the use of the Samoan language, instruments and culture, making it an integral part of their live show. The evocative and primal live show displays a fierce pride for their music that wins the audience every time with its blood pumping ritualistic beats, thick melodic textures and an undeniable power that hooks the audience into the bands dark and heavy realm completely.
A fifteen date tour of New Zealand as special guests of Devilskin's RED NZ tour 2020 cemented a place for Shepherds Reign as a force to be reckoned with and won them a huge swathe of new fans. Paul Martin, bassist for Devilskin and producer of The Axe Attack commented “I totally knew our audience would love these guys! I can’t remember being this excited over a band for a long time. They completely blow me away with everything they do, attitude, commitment, passion and an unashamedly distinctive sound. But the real magic is in the songs. Powerful, compelling and totally undeniable.”
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Shepherds Reign
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