Thunderous riffs and blast beats from the land of the long white cloud. 129–178 BPM.
Nz Metal is the heavy metal music originating from New Zealand, with roots in the late 1960s. It encompasses various subgenres like death, black, and thrash metal, characterized by aggressive guitar riffs, double bass drumming, and a distinct Kiwi attitude.
The defining artists of Nz Metal — the names that shaped the sound. Tap to hear on Spotify.
The classic anthems and current essentials that define Nz Metal.
Nz Metal is defined by its raw aggression and high-energy delivery. Guitars are downtuned and distorted, often playing fast, palm-muted riffs with occasional melodic leads. Drummers utilize double bass pedals for relentless blast beats and thrash patterns, with tempos ranging from 129 to 178 BPM. Vocals vary from guttural growls to high-pitched screams, often with a distinct Kiwi accent.
The production tends to be gritty and live-sounding, emphasizing the organic interplay between instruments. Bands like Ulcerate incorporate dissonant harmonies and complex time signatures, while others like Alien Weaponry blend traditional Māori chants with modern metal. The overall vibe is intense, visceral, and unapologetically heavy.
New Zealand metal emerged in the late 1960s with bands like Human Instinct blending blues-rock with heavy sounds. The 1980s saw a thrash and death metal explosion with acts like Demoniac and Diocletian.
By the 1990s, the scene diversified into black metal (e.g., Ulcerate) and stoner rock (e.g., Beastwars). The 2000s brought international recognition through bands like Devilskin and Alien Weaponry, who incorporate Māori language and culture.
Nz Metal remains a tight-knit, DIY community, with festivals like Powerstation and Valhalla showcasing local talent. The genre reflects New Zealand's isolation, producing a raw, unpolished sound that stands apart from global trends.
How Nz Metal is built — drum pattern, swing, and the sounds you need.
When producing Nz Metal, focus on capturing the raw energy of live performances. Use close-miked guitar cabinets with moderate distortion to retain clarity. Drum production should prioritize the kick drum's attack from double bass pedals; sample-replace if needed but keep a natural feel. BPMs typically sit between 140-170 for thrash and death, slower for doom-influenced acts.
Typical samples include snare hits with a sharp crack and toms tuned low. Reverb is used sparingly to avoid muddiness. For vocals, a dynamic mic with slight compression works best. Layering guitar tracks is common, but avoid excessive overdubbing to preserve the genre's raw aesthetic. Reference bands like Devilskin's 'We Rise' for modern production or Ulcerate's 'Vermis' for a more atmospheric approach.
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