Issue 22 2009

Seeing as this week’s issued is New Zealand themed I thought I would take the opportunity to look at the New Zealand metal and hard rock scene. It would be hard to fit an overview of every New Zealand metal or hard rock band into 500 words, so I decided to just profile a few of the lesser known bands(namely the ones who replied to me in time).
First up is Soulseller, whose bass player took 3 months to send me their EP. Soulseller are a band who were not metal enough to be in the Metal Archives, but are still a damn good listen. The boys from Dunedin will be up in Auckland on December 11th with The House of Capricorn, Second Gear Grind, Arc of Ascent and Dying of the Light for Stonerfest 2009, but in the meantime you can listen to some of their stuff at www.myspace.com/soulsellersouths.
Tranquil Vale are a band that is only starting out, but are already showing a lot of promise. Currently made up of Gabe (guitar/composer) and Sarah (vocals), their music can currently be described as symphonic metal with the obvious influence of Nightwish with some progressive elements. Check out some of their music at www.myspace.com/tranquilvale. They’re also currently on the lookout for additional members, so if you’re interested drop them a line.
Finally are black metal band Winter Deluge. Formed in 2005, the band describes their music as being influenced by the old ways of pagan tradition and the strong forces of nature. Their sound is very atmospheric and melodic but highly violent and fast at the same time. Having already released their EP "Vehement Visions of Nihilism" the band is currently working towards their debut full length album. Check out their MySpace at www.myspace.com/winterdeluge.
Other bands with a deserving mention are Osmium (myspace.com/osmiumband) and Creeping (myspace.com/creepingcrew). These are only a fraction of the bands that exist in the New Zealand hard rock and metal scene, many deserving of more recognition than they get. Earlier in the year I looked at NZ Music Month and how it doesn’t really help those who need it the most, and these bands definitely deserve the help. If you can make it to one of their shows or purchase an EP or album you can get a good dose of good Kiwi music for alot less than what you’d pay for one of a band supported by NZ Music Month. With your help the New Zealand metal and hard rock scene can continue to grow and maybe one day be acknowledged by the bureaucrats.