Teen band Alien Weaponry can't play in Utah because of age

Teen thrash metal band Alien Weaponry has scored a major coup, opening for industrial rock band Ministry on a major US tour, but their tender years mean they can't play in Utah. Photo / Supplied

Still being in their teens has been an unexpected marketing coup for Waipu thrash metal band Alien Weaponry, but it's also put the brakes on their plan to support US rock legends Ministry in Utah.

Last week the band - Henry De Jong, 18, Lewis De Jong, 16, and Ethan Trembath, 16 - announced they had scored a spot supporting Ministry on a huge 22-date North American Tour.

But, unfortunately because of legal requirements in the state of Utah, Alien Weaponry are deemed "to young" to be allowed to perform at the venue in Salt Lake City with Ministry.

The band members are deemed minors and unable to go into adult venues (for over-21s).

So in an effort not to disappoint any fans the band has set up a gig on that day playing to native Americans at the Navajo Nation and are putting on a very special headline show at Juggernaut Music in Gallup, New Mexico on November 23.

It's likely to be the first time the Navajo Nation get to experience thrash metal sung in te reo Maori.

''We will be playing our whole set with everything from the album. This is going to be massive,'' band manager Neil de Jong said.

''All our other Ministry shows stay unchanged and we sincerely apologise to all our Salt Lake City fans but it's the result of legal stuff beyond our control.''

Alien Weaponry have had a stellar few years, winning multiple awards in New Zealand and playing at some of Europe's largest rock festivals.

Earlier this year they released debut album Tu, which has metal songs in te reo Maori, to rave reviews internationally; had a highly successful first tour of Europe, Australia and the UK, including performances at Wacken Open Air, MetalDays and Bloodstock; and have four Tui nominations in the Vodafone NZ Music Awards.