So by now, Gojira seems to be a worldwide known name, ever since they shocked the masses with their Olympics performance in 2024… even my mom is sorta aware of them.
The French groove-prog-death metal act have actually been creating really quite heavy music on the human condition and nature for a solid three decades, with their recent Fortitude album boasting “Amazonia,” a single protesting the deforestation with throat-singing and jaw-harp grooves. Proceeds from the song benefitted The Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil (APIB), a group who advocates for the environmental and cultural rights of indigenous tribes of the Amazon; the band notes how these people have suffered from the deforestation, particularly the consequential land loss, harassment, forced labor, and violence.
Naturally, Gojira discovered Mawiza – a Chile-based metal group, who represents the Mapuche Nation in aesthetics, sound, and dialect. Their brand of indigenous metal is quite akin to the aforementioned “Amazonia,” with chants, percussion, and a focus on nature, rooted in their native heritage.
Gojira frontman Joe Duplantier made the first move, collaborating with the band on their track “Ti Inan Paw-Pawkan.” The song translates to “The Last Harp Call” and acted as the big finale for their new album – ÜL, sung entirely in the Mapudungun language. Personally, it was one of the most unique and enjoyable metal albums that released last year.
Mawiza then is invited to perform a set at Joe Duplatier’s New York studio – Silver Chord Studios… and it’s beautiful.
The group performed five tracks off ÜL, before bringing the whole story to a full circle by covering Gojira‘s “Amazonia.” I’m hoping this dynamic continues because it is so genuine; maybe a tour together or some form of indigenous metal festival – invite Blackbraid, Cemican, and Alien Weaponry.