Renowned Polynesian metal band, Shepherds Reign, proudly announces the release of their latest single and music video, ‘Ala Mai,’ the title track of their most recent and highly acclaimed album. With this evocative track, the band calls upon the strength and wisdom of their forefathers, uniting not just Samoans but the entire Polynesian community as they journey across the globe, leaving their indelible mark.
‘Ala Mai,’ which translates to “Awaken” in Samoan, is a stirring anthem that transcends cultural boundaries and speaks to the universal struggle for recognition and peace. The song captures the band’s mission to overcome obstacles and ensure that the voices and stories of their ancestors are heard and respected worldwide. In a time marked by global challenges and changes, Shepherds Reign offers a message of hope and resilience.
“Ala Mai is our call to the forefathers for strength and guidance. It’s a reminder that we are part of something bigger, a Polynesian legacy that spans across oceans and nations. We face many difficulties today, but with the help of our ancestors, we believe we can bring peace and share our stories with the world.” says the band.
Shepherds Reign has consistently captivated audiences with their unique fusion of heavy metal and Polynesian culture. Their powerful performances and authentic storytelling have earned them a dedicated following around the world. With the release of ‘Ala Mai,’ the band continues to break new ground and inspire fans with their unwavering message of unity and resilience.
‘Ala Mai’ is now available on all major streaming platforms.
Hailing from the vibrant region of South Auckland, New Zealand, SHEPHERDS REIGN embodies the essence of their Polynesian heritage through their music. Led by the dynamic Filiva’a James on vocals and keytar, the band consists of Gideon Voon on guitar, Oliver Leupolu on guitar and production, Shaymen Rameka on drums, and Joseph Oti-George on bass. They are not just a band; they are a collective of individuals who pour their hearts and souls into each and every song they create.
Shepherds Reign are famous in the Southern hemisphere for their primal performance, one which evokes many aspects of their cultural heritage and fierce Polynesian pride. Coupled with their enormous intimidating physical presence, there’s tribal roars, gargantuan riffs, twisting dual melodies, virulent virtuosity and crushing, bombastic rhythms, which all give Shepherds Reign their propulsive, dynamic metal sound. There is a special passion and power in every note struck, and in every word sung.
AIGA (FAMILY) This song is based on a traditional Samoan song (heard in the intro). It’s about someone who has learned so much that he/she think they don’t need the love of their family anymore. Wants a taste of the world and ventures out falling into the many of our worldly temptations. Later figures out that the only happiness they will find lies within their roots. Their family. Our version is more of a lecture to them. To return home to their families where they will find true happiness.
LE MANU (THE BEAST) A war chant about one of Samoa’s most dominant warriors to ever live. Manu Samoa. We then extended this war chant to be about us. Instead of heading out on our journey to war, we ask our ancestors and families for guidance on our journey to becoming one of the most dominant metal bands in the world.
NAFANUA A story about Nafanua, Samoa’s Goddess of War. Nafanua, the daughter of Saveasi’uleo, the God of the underworld (Pulotu) was born of a blood clot and buried in the ground. This ancient deity rose from the underworld and defeated all warriors who stood against her to protect her family who suffered at the hands of a foolish King. She was feared by all.
THE WORLD BLEEDS This song is about the suffering of our world today. The many sins that are being committed and the corrupt lifestyles around the world. This is our message to the world to wake up and realize these hard times and we must change for the better.
COLD SUMMERS NIGHT A ballad that paints a picture about the realism of depression. A subject that we have gone through personally. The song explains how one loses faith and the pure will to live like they used to but instead crumbles and watches time go by in misery. Although, it does change in the very last line. Showing the world that there is hope and you can overcome your problems.
ALA MAI (AWAKEN) A call to our forefathers for strength and guidance not as Samoans but Polynesia entirely as we travel around to different countries making our mark. The many obstacles that will stand before us but we believe with the help of our ancestors our stories will be heard. Peace will be brought onto the world. Especially with how time has changed and the many difficulties we face all over the globe.
FINALLY A love song. A song about losing hope that you would ever find your one true love but then finally find someone that makes you happy. Makes you feel like your patience was worth it. A person who has just come into your life and completely changed your perspective on reality.
UA MASA’A (IT HAS SPILT) This song is about our lead singers sister who was murdered by her spouse and his family. The song is filled with anger and voices what Filivaa feels his sister would have felt just before her death. ‘Ua masa’a le ipu vai’ is translated to ‘The cup has spilt’. A symbolic look at the love once shared, lost like water in a broken cup.
NEVER FORGOTTEN A soft and very emotional song made as homage for the son of our guitarist Oliver, who unfortunately passed away. Sung in Samoan, English and Tongan as representation of his cultures. Tom will never be forgotten.
ATALI’I (SON) We wrote this song to show our love for our children. Especially when they aren’t around. This song was made in hopes that they will understand that no matter where we are in the world or where they’ll end up in the future, we will always love and cherish them wholeheartedly.
SAMOA MO SAMOA (SAMOA FOR SAMOA) A story about tragedy and triumph. Death and victory. Fear and bravery. The biggest countries in the world that tried to rule over our little Pacific Nation, but we did not back down. We did not give in. We fought, we killed and we kept our lands. Many of our men, women and children died protecting our land. You will all be remembered. Samoa for Samoa.
Shepherds Reign is family, Shepherds Reign is connection, Shepherds Reign is life, and Shepherds Reign is their calling. Their power and passion is unequivocal, their voice mighty. Prepare to be captivated by their unique blend of passion, energy, and Polynesian heritage, as they continue to redefine what it means to be a metal band from the lands of Aotearoa.
“Nafanua”, the new single from SHEPHERDS REIGN‘s upcoming album ‘Ala Mai’, is a story about the titular character, Samoa’s Goddess of War, the daughter of the God of the Underworld (Pulotu), who was born of a blood clot and buried in the ground, before rising to defeat all warriors who stood against her. Fighting to protect her family, she was feared by all. The track’s pulverising rhythms, heavy chugging riffs and snaking lead guitar all serve to underpin lead vocalist, Filiva’a’s trademark enormous, guttural roar, while the soaring, melodic chorus belies the story’s immense sense of foreboding. Despite the song consisting heavily of local lore, its broader messages sink in deep.
Hailing from the vibrant region of South Auckland, New Zealand, Shepherds Reign embodies the essence of their Polynesian heritage through their music. Led by the dynamic Filiva’a James on vocals and keytar, the band consists of Gideon Voon on guitar, Oliver Leupolu on guitar and production, Shaymen Rameka on drums, and Joseph Oti-George on bass. They are not just a band; they are a collective of individuals who pour their hearts and souls into each and every song they create.
Embrace the sonic prowess of Shepherds Reign‘s “Nafanua” which is now available as a single release on Golden Robot Records, with their full album, ‘Ala Mai‘ set to unleash on August 25th. Prepare to be captivated by their unique blend of passion, energy, and Polynesian heritage, as they continue to redefine what it means to be a metal band from the lands of Aotearoa.
Hailing from the vibrant region of South Auckland, New Zealand, Shepherds Reign embodies the essence of their Polynesian heritage through their music. Led by the dynamic Filiva’a James on vocals and keytar, the band consists of Gideon Voon on guitar, Oliver Leupolu on guitar and production, Shaymen Rameka on drums, and Joseph Oti-George on bass. They are not just a band; they are a collective of individuals who pour their hearts and souls into each and every song they create.
Today marks the highly anticipated release of Shepherds Reign‘s newest single, “Finally” from their upcoming album, ‘Ala Mai‘ While it may be labeled as a love song, don’t expect the traditional balladry associated with the genre. “Finally” showcases the band’s distinctive style, characterized by Filiva’a‘s powerful guttural vocals, the relentless zig-zag riffing that permeates the verses, and the anthemic choruses that soar to captivating heights. The track also boasts a mind-melting lead guitar break, adding an extra layer of intensity to the composition.
“Finally” delves into the emotional journey of losing hope in ever finding true love, only to discover that one person who completes you. It’s a love worth waiting for, the kind that renews your faith in the power of connection. As the song unfolds, it becomes a celebration of the transformative effect that one special individual can have on your perspective and overall happiness.
Embrace the sonic prowess of Shepherds Reign‘s “Finally” which is now available as a single release on Golden Robot Records, with their full album, ‘Ala Mai‘ set to unleash on August 25th. Prepare to be captivated by their unique blend of passion, energy, and Polynesian heritage, as they continue to redefine what it means to be a metal band from the lands of Aotearoa.
Hailing from South Auckland New Zealand, and Polynesian by birth and blood, Filiva’a James (vocals/keytar), Gideon Voon (guitar), Oliver Leupolu (guitar/production), Shaymen Rameka (drums) and Joseph Oti-George (bass) are not playing games. SHEPHERDS REIGN is life, Shepherds Reign is survival, Shepherds Reign is mental and physical health and Shepherds Reign is their calling. Their voice is their mighty, fearsome music.
Shepherds Reign’s screen-shattering videos have become a thing of independent heavy metal/hard rock legend, with the video for previous single, “Le Manu”, having amassed over 2 million YouTube views.
Shepherds Reign are famous in Australasia for their primal performance, one which evokes many aspects of their cultural heritage and fierce Polynesian pride. Coupled with their enormous intimidating physical presence, there’s guttural tribal roars, gargantuan biker-rough riffs, twisting dual melodies, virulent virtuosity and crushing, bombastic rhythms, which gives Shepherds Reign their propulsive, dynamic metal sound. There is a special passion and power in every note struck, every word sung.
UA MASA’A (trans: It Has Spilt) The lead single from Shepherds Reign’s forthcoming album is a tale with heartache and familial tragedy at its core. The song shares the story of Filiva’a’s sister who was murdered by her spouse and his family. Laden with anger, Filiva’a voices the thoughts his sister would have felt prior to her death. “Ua masa’a le ipu vai” is translated to “The cup has spilt”, a symbolic look at the love once shared, lost like water in a broken cup.
Following their recent signing to Golden Robot Records, SHEPHERDS REIGN have re-released ‘Le Manu‘ & ‘Aiga’ as a double A-side single.
The most dominant of Samoan warriors, Manu Samoa, provides the utterly crushing thunder of this war cry, adopted by Shepherds Reign as they look to their ancestors and families for guidance and further strength on their steady march to metal dominance. With a catchy melodic twist inside the unwavering power, ‘Le Manu‘ is fair warning that Shepherds Reign are en route to the world stage.
‘Aiga‘ is the guttural roar of a tribal warning against the foolishness of someone thinking that they know so much about life that they no longer need their family’s love. Wrapped in a cradle of enormous percussive grooves, with equal-sized riffs to match, it is a directive from Shepherds Reign to those who get lost in worlds of temptation and false knowledge to know that true happiness lies in family.
This double A-side comes in place of highly anticipated new music that will be delivered in 2023.
ABOUT SHEPHERDS REIGN
Tribal. Supremely talented. Fiercely noble. Richly proud. Shepherds Reign are bringing their house to your ears, mind and heart, their power and passion unequivocal, their musical voices luminescent and majestic.
You’d do well to start paying attention…
Hailing from South Auckland New Zealand, and thus Polynesian by birth and blood, Filiva’a James (vocals and keytar), Gideon Voon (guitar), Oliver Leupolu (guitar/production), Shaymen Rameka (drums) and Joseph Oti-George (bass) are not playing games. Shepherds Reign is life, Shepherds Reign is survival, Shepherds Reign is mental and physical health and Shepherds Reign is what they are on this planet to do.
Their voice is their mighty, fearsome music and their vocation is to share with the world every aspect of lives and cultures deserve the international ear. Whether unleashing the raw, guttural tribal roar of “Aiga” or the biker-rough riffery which is “End of The Trial”, there is a special passion and power in every single note Shepherds Reign share with the world, a rare presence which demands the world stage.
Shepherds Reign carry a motivation and execution which defies logic. Their videos have become a thing of independent heavy metal/hard rock legend, with narratives and production values which embarrass many an established international act, and in a covid19 era, they have managed to amass nearly 3 million YouTube views with the video for “Le Manu”, whilst “Aiga”, released on December 5th 2020, has already amassed over 350,000 views.
As for their live show, Shepherds Reign are famous in Australasia for their primal performance, one which evokes many aspects of their cultural heritage and fierce Polynesian pride. There’s the enormous intimidating presence of James, a towering hulk of humanity adorned with the shark tooth necklace (as are all the band members) who demands your full attention and gets it. Then there’s the gargantuan riffs and twisting dual melodies of Voon and Leupolu, whose virulent virtuosity is undeniable. Rounding out the sound is the crushing, bombastic Rameka/George rhythm section, which gives Shepherds Reign their propulsive, dynamic metal sound.
Here’s the truth.
Whether you choose to engage or not, Shepherds Reign’s raw passion, determination and sheer goddamn talent is going to be bringing them to major international stages worldwide. Theirs is an inevitable journey. You’d be doing yourself a favour to get on-board now before the train’s left the station and you’re kicking yourself black and blue…
Shepherds Reign and Golden Robot Records have now joined forces and will bring you new music in 2023 – this will be one massive event.
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