Kerry King – Fillmore – Minneapolis MN – January 27th 2025

Kerry King live at the Fillmore in Minneapolis with special guests Municipal Waste and Alien Weaponry.

Review and photo by Kyle Hansen

A concert from Alien Weaponry is an electrifying experience, blending heavy thrash and groove metal with Maori culture in a way that makes their shows stand out. The band’s unique blend of traditional Maori chants, language, and mythology with modern metal is not only innovative but also deeply rooted in their heritage, which gives their live performance a raw, authentic energy.

At their shows, you can expect to hear the massive riffs and thrashing drums that give Alien Weaponry their signature sound. The band’s ability to meld brutal metal with tribal rhythms and chants makes for a dynamic performance. Songs like “Kai Tangata” and “Rū Ana Te Whenua” are crowd favorites, with the audience often joining in the energy of the Maori chanting and the intense breakdowns. The feeling of unity and empowerment at their shows is palpable, and it’s clear that Alien Weaponry isn’t just playing music—they’re sharing a piece of their cultural identity with their fans.

The stage presence is another highlight. The Duco brothers, Lewis and Henry, who handle vocals and guitar/drums, really command the stage. Lewis’ aggressive delivery on songs like “Ahi Kā” is matched perfectly with the fierce energy of the music, and the band’s chemistry makes the show feel like a relentless force. The passion they bring to every performance is clear—this isn’t just a band going through the motions, it’s a group that believes in the message they’re sharing.

Visually, their shows often incorporate some aspects of their Maori heritage, from the imagery of the ta moko (Maori tattoos) to projections of traditional artwork or nature scenes, which enhances the feeling of connection between their music and culture. The sound is always crisp, with their heavy riffs and drumming coming through loud and clear while maintaining a balance with the more atmospheric, traditional elements.

The crowd is usually pretty engaged, especially with the band’s message of cultural pride and environmental awareness. It’s common to see fans passionately singing along to the Maori lyrics, adding to the sense of community and connection that Alien Weaponry fosters at their shows.

In terms of vibe, their shows are a mix of high-energy thrash, respectful reverence for their heritage, and an atmosphere that’s as much about the experience as it is about the music. The blend of aggression and culture makes their live performance one of the most distinctive in modern metal.

A Municipal Waste concert is an all-out thrash metal party! If you’re a fan of high-speed riffs, relentless energy, and crowds that just want to thrash, then you know that a Municipal Waste show is like a shot of pure adrenaline straight to the heart. These guys have mastered the art of combining old-school thrash with punk energy, and it’s clear they know how to get a crowd fired up.

From the moment they hit the stage, it’s a non-stop rollercoaster of headbanging, moshing, and insane speed. The band’s live sets are like a thrash metal assault, with blistering songs like “Unleash the Bastards,” “Wrong Answer,” and of course, “The Art of Partying.” The pit? You’re probably going to get tossed around, but you won’t even care because the intensity is so infectious. Their fast-paced thrash is perfect for getting people into that wild, chaotic headspace where everyone’s just in the moment.

Tony Foresta (vocals) is a powerhouse on stage, constantly engaging with the crowd and keeping the energy level at 100. His stage presence is chaotic in the best way, and he’s always encouraging the crowd to get involved—whether it’s through crowd surfing or just pushing the madness even further. The band, including the guitarists and rhythm section, are so tight and precise while still bringing that raw punk energy. It’s like they’re channeling all the best elements of 80s thrash but with a modern attitude.

And the best part? The atmosphere is all about fun. Sure, there’s plenty of aggression in the music, but Municipal Waste has this playful, tongue-in-cheek vibe that makes their shows feel like one big party. Their lyrics are often hilarious and irreverent, and the banter between songs is just as much a part of the experience as the music itself. You get the sense that they’re not taking themselves too seriously, but they take the music and the fans seriously, and that’s what makes the shows so fun.

The crowd is usually all-in—moshing, crowd-surfing, and just feeding off the energy of the band. It’s the kind of show where you know you’re going to be exhausted afterward, but it’s all worth it because the adrenaline from that level of intensity is hard to match.

The setlist typically runs through some of their classic tracks and newer material, but whatever they play, you’re in for a wild, high-speed ride that doesn’t slow down.

Have you had the chance to see them live yet? If you haven’t, and you’re into thrash or just want to experience pure chaos, their shows are definitely worth it!