Alien Weaponry, Bulletbelt to rock the Far North

Francis Malley is hoping the Far North will come out in force to support a heavy metal gig in early May.

Hearing heavy metal and Kaitaia mentioned in the same sentence just doesn't quite sound right.

But Francis Malley is determined to change that. Well known around the traps as the longstanding sports reporter for The Northland Age, Mr Malley has never made a secret of his fondness for an often much-maligned musical genre.

Having become increasingly despondent at the lack of decent bands willing to come north, or finding himself too busy to make it south to catch top New Zealand and overseas acts, he decided to see if he could get anyone interested in coming north to play.

Not one to do things by halves, Mr Malley approached two of New Zealand's biggest bands and was surprised when both jumped at the idea to be part of the first ever heavy metal concert in the true Far North.

The concert will take place at Waipapakauri Hotel next month with Bulletbelt from Wellington and Alien Weaponry from Whangarei sharing top billing along with a special guest act. All parties were aware the gig had to be affordable so decided to make the cover charge only $15 (with door sales $20 on the night).

"Three state-of-the-art metal bands for $15, you can't do better than that," Mr Malley grinned.

Bulletbelt will be touring on the back of their new album release, expected to drop very soon, while plenty of excitement is being generated by teen band Alien Weaponry and their killer new single, Raupatu; one of a number of songs featuring te reo which has earned the Whangarei power trio a unique position in the metal pantheon.

Mr Malley had been overwhelmed with the widespread support he's received to date for the historic, landmark music event.

"One guy who doesn't even like metal told me, 'I'll go if you're putting it on', another woman said she has already booked out two rooms at the hotel for her family and friends."

The concert still represents a massive punt for all involved.

"This is going to rock!" he promised, "Break out your black T-shirts, it's gonna be one unforgettable night."

- Bulletbelt and Alien Weaponry headline the Metal Night in Kaitaia at Waipapakauri Hotel on Saturday, May 6, with a special guest support act to be announced. Pre sales are available from the venue, the Drink Station in Kaitaia or by contacting Francis Malley directly on malley64nz@hotmail.com.