Wellington’s Beastwars have become the essential metal act of the year, armed with a ferocious debut that a five star NZ Herald review gushed was “a mongrel mix of Kyuss, Neurosis, and the mighty Godflesh, Beastwars bring together pummeling intensity, beautiful brutality, and sonic paranoia to create a sound all of their own.”

Over the past four years, the quartet has – hardly quietly mind you – been building a reputation as the fiercest band in the land. Most recently they opened for Kyuss – much to Nick Olivier’s delight as he watched side of stage – and headlined a national tour. Beastwars live by these 3 simple words, “Obey the Riff”.