Shepherds Reign are a New Zealand-based heavy metal band. They have released two albums, a self-titled one in 2018 and Ala Mai in 2023.
Background and influences Two members of Shepherds Reign have a background in classical music. Lead singer Filiva'a James had begun classical music training, playing piano from the age of five. As a teenager, Oliver Leupolu had also learnt classical piano. Filiva'a James' interest in metal music goes back to when he at the age of five saw the Guns N' Roses music video for the song "November Rain".
According to NZ Musician, the group started out a trio in 2013 which was made up of guitarist Oliver Leupolu, drummer Shaymen Rameka and keyboardist / vocalist Filiva'a James.NZ Musician, December/January 2024 – Shepherds Reign: Samoan Industrious Metal by Dean Blackwell
According to 2023 interview with Far Out, the influences are Bach and Chopin for Fili James and Oliver Leupolu. The band also listens to French metal band Gojira and in the early days they were listening to Avenged Sevenfold, Lamb of God, and Slipknot.Far Out, Wed 12 June 2024 – Music >> Features, Shepherds Reign: The cult heroes of Polynesian heavy metal – Jordan Potter
Career 2010s In 2018, Shepherds Reign released a self-titled album of eight songs. It contained the lead single "Concrete Walls".Audio Culture, 24 April 2022 – Shepherds Reign – Gareth Shute
On 27 December 2019, their single "Le Manu" was released.Band Camp – Le Manu By Shepherds Reign, released 27 December 2019 According to the review by The Big Idea, the track was possibly the first heavy metal song sung in Samoan language. It was also said to capture the bands raw energy.The Big Idea, 31 December 2019 – Polynesian Metal band, Shepherds Reign bring us their latest single 'Le Manu'. According to Heavy Magazine, the song notched up over 2 million YouTube views.Heavy Magazine – SHEPHERDS REIGN Release New Song 'Le Manu'
2020s In 2023, the group played at the annual Teuila Festival in Samoa. Afterwards, they were invited to play at the Manumea Hotel. The event had a positive response and according to the group, people were open and curious.DIY Conspiracy, 1 August 2024 – Shepherds Reign: The Reign of Pacific Metal in a Bleeding World By Gabriel Kuhn
On 12 July 2024, the group played the midnight slot at the Riddu Riđđu festival in Norway.Riddu Riđđu Festival – Shepherds Reign ConcertDIY Conspiracy, 1 August 2024 – Shepherds Reign: The Reign of Pacific Metal in a Bleeding World By Gabriel Kuhn,South Auckland metal band Shepherds Reign discuss their musical influences, Samoan heritage, and experiences performing in various places, including the indigenous Sámi Riddu Riđđu Festival in Norway.
In 2024, their second album Ala Mai was released on Golden Robot Records. It features songs in both English and Samoan.Heavy Magazine, 25 August 2023 – SHEPHERD'S REIGN: 'Ala Mai' Written by Erin Eddy It won awards in the SunPix Best Pacific Language categoryUnder the Radar, Friday 30 August 2024 – 2024 Pacific Music Awards Winners Announced, 2024 Pacific Music Awards Winners: SunPix Best Pacific Language Shepherds Reign – Ala Mai and the Best Pacific Music Album category.Under the Radar, Friday 30 August 2024 – 2024 Pacific Music Awards Winners Announced 2024 Pacific Music Awards Winners: Recorded Music, Best Pacific Music Album Shepherds Reign – Ala Mai
According to the 22 November 2024 publication of Metal Roos, Shepherds Reign are to be special guests on the 2025 Alien Weaponry tour beginning in March.Metal Roos, 22 November 2024 – News, ALIEN WEAPONRY Announce New Zealand Tour March 2025 With Special Guests Shepherds Reign
Members Filiva'a James – lead vocals, keyboards Oliver Leupolu – guitar Joseph Oti-George – bass Shaymen Rameka – drums Gideon Voon – guitar ABC, 16 June 2023 – Singing in Samoan was a risk for metal band Shepherds Reign, but 'it just blew up' By Michael Chow, Jacob McQuire, and Dinah Lewis Boucher
Discography 2018: Shepherds Reign (self-released) 2023: Ala Mai (Golden Robot Records)
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