Rockquest win a long time coming

 

Waipu thrash metal band Alien Weaponry had a double win at the May 27 Northland regional final of this year’s Smokefree Rockquest held at Whangarei’s Forum North, taking out both the Pacifica Beats award and first place overall.

After participating in five past regional finals, it was a hard won victory, and a testament to the group’s commitment and staying power.

“We hope it will inspire other bands to keep at it,” says lead singer and guitarist Lewis de Jong, who first played in the competition at age 10.

Spokesman Henry de Jong says playing in front of their peers was ‘pretty awesome’.

“Our mates from school don’t get to see us play because we’re usually playing in bars and they’re not allowed in,” he said. “We got an awesome crowd response.”

“Entering Smokefree Pacifica Beats was a real inspiration to us,” says 16-year-old drummer Henry. “It encouraged us to explore our language and the stories of our tupuna, and create something really unique.”

Rodney College’s Monkey Assassins were in second place.

Both bands win musical gear and have to submit material for the national finals to be judged in August.