Kiwis have rallied around a local metal band after The New Zealand Herald took a swing at them for playing an impromptu show outside Metallica’s Eden Park concert.

The band in question is Head Lock Grave, an Auckland-based groove metal group who’ve been playing together since 2019. They’ve built a reputation for themselves in the local scene for their high-energy performances, and decided to treat crowds heading into Eden Park for Metallica’s concert last week to a live performance.

Videos show Metallica fans around the band, enjoying the free entertainment while they head into the venue. 

Enter NZ Herald.

In The Herald’s concert review, the journo wrote “As we neared the ground, a reckless death metal garage band assaulted the senses of anyone within earshot, an impromptu gig thrown together in their mum’s carport.”

Bit harsh. Bit boomer coded.

Instead of throwing toys, Head Lock Grave did what any good modern band does. They turned the jab into content. 

The band took to social media and posted a video laying it out perfectly, showing the Herald line with the caption, “Guess the NZ Herald wasn’t too fond of it.” 

Then it cuts to the payoff. Over 100,000 views, big engagement, and Kiwi commenters piling in to back the boys.

Even Devilskin’s Paul Martin jumped in with some praise, telling them, “Love your work guys! Awesome promo playing the queue! Smart move! Now keep that momentum going!!” Huge nod from a legend of the scene.

Captioning the video, they wrote: “Huge thank you to everyone for the love and support!! We played a live set outside of the @metallica show here in Auckland on Wednesday and this is how it went... Cheers for the shout out @thelanenichols @nzherald, hope your poor ears are feeling better now. Keep an eye out upcoming live shows!!”

Kiwis have rallied around them in the comments of that video too. 

“Heard this!!! What an awesome idea and a great way to get your name out there! Good luck and hope to see you in chch in the near future!” one person wrote.

Another commented, “I liked my senses being assaulted by you guys. Thank you and keep up the awesomeness.”

An epic idea from the lads to treat the crowd to a free gig before the actual gig. 

And their response to The Herald is not only priceless, but I reckon it’s scored themselves a few new fans too. 

If you like the sound of the band, go check them out.