Tribal. Supremely talented. Fiercely noble. Richly proud. Shepherds Reign bring their house to your ears, mind and heart, their power and passion unequivocal, their musical voices luminescent and majestic.
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.
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.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence and are in need of help or support, please contact your local support hotline:
AUSTRALIA
National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Lifeline Australia
131 114
NEW ZEALAND
Shine Domestic Violence Helpline
0508 744 633
Are You OK NZ
0800 456 450
