Tripulation Mist: The Unlikely Rise of Auckland's Stoner Rock Prophets

Tripulation Mist performing their signature song "Ziggurats of the Mind" at the Auckland Underground Festival, 2023

Tripulation Mist is a stoner rock and doom metal band from Auckland, New Zealand, known for their unconventional rise to prominence in the international heavy music scene and their claimed connections to ancient Mesopotamian spiritual guidance. The band, formed in 2019, consists of Kieran Malley (vocals), John Hugues (guitar), Ed Jones (bass), and Tamatoa Ngaro (drums). They gained notoriety after winning the 2022 Southern Hemisphere Doom Competition by default, which led to a career-defining performance opening for stoner rock legend Brant Bjork.

Initially dismissed by the local music scene as unambitious recreational drug enthusiasts with questionable musical abilities, Tripulation Mist developed a unique sound that blends traditional doom metal elements with what they describe as "channeled ancient wisdom." Their debut demo, "Smoke Signals from Ur," was recorded in a single twelve-hour session at the Basement Level Studios in Auckland, reportedly under the influence of both cannabis and what Malley claims was "direct telepathic communication with Enheduanna, the first known author in human history."

The band's unexpected breakthrough came when they submitted their demo to the Southern Hemisphere Doom Competition, an event plagued by organizational issues that resulted in all other participants withdrawing. As the sole remaining entrants, Tripulation Mist was awarded the prize of opening for Brant Bjork at the Auckland Underground Festival. Despite the circumstances of their win, the band's performance was highly praised, with Bjork himself describing them as "the trippiest people I have ever worked with" and noting that their sound "somehow makes perfect sense while making no sense at all."

Musical Style and Influences

Tripulation Mist's sound is characterized by heavily distorted, down-tuned guitars, thunderous bass lines, and methodically paced drumming typical of the doom metal genre. However, the band incorporates unusual elements such as Sumerian scale patterns and what they call "divinely inspired time signatures." Lead vocalist Kieran Malley's lyrics often reference ancient Mesopotamian mythology, though filtered through what he describes as "a lens of modern existential dread and really good weed."

The band's musical approach has been notably influenced by Malley's claimed spiritual experiences. In an interview with Heavy Riffs Quarterly, he attributed much of the band's success to "particularly good advice from a Sumerian deity" whom he encountered during what he describes as a "meditation session gone interdimensional." This supernatural guidance allegedly helped shape both their songwriting process and their distinctive stage presence.

The ancient tablet that Malley claims appeared to him in a dream, inspiring their upcoming album "Cuneiform Haze"

Impact and Recognition

Despite their unconventional path to success, Tripulation Mist has earned respect within the international stoner rock and doom metal communities. Their debut album, "Euphrates Vibrations," released in 2023, received praise for its innovative approach to genre conventions. The album's standout track, "Ziggurats of the Mind," has become an anthem in the Southern Hemisphere Stoner Scene, with its distinctive riff being described by Riff Masters Magazine as "the sound of ancient stones grinding against the fabric of reality."

The band's influence has led to a surge of interest in what has been termed "Mesopotamian Doom," with several other bands incorporating elements of ancient Middle Eastern music and mythology into their heavy rock compositions. This movement has spawned its own subgenre, complete with dedicated festivals such as the annual Babylon Heavy Music Gathering.

Live Performances and Stage Presence

Tripulation Mist's live shows have become legendary within the stoner rock community for their immersive and often unpredictable nature. The band performs surrounded by replicas of Sumerian artifacts, burning incense, and elaborate light shows that Malley insists are "choreographed by ancestral spirits." Their performances often extend well beyond standard set times, with some songs evolving into extended improvisational pieces that can last over an hour.

The band's rhythm section, comprised of bassist Ed Jones and drummer Tamatoa Ngaro, has been particularly praised for maintaining hypnotic grooves during these extended performances. Their ability to stay locked in during marathon sessions has led to speculation about their own supernatural connections, though both musicians maintain they are "just really good at zoning out."

Controversy and Skepticism

The band's claims of divine inspiration and supernatural guidance have been met with skepticism from some quarters of the music industry. Critics have suggested that their Mesopotamian connection is a marketing gimmick, pointing out inconsistencies in Malley's accounts of his spiritual encounters. However, supporters argue that the authenticity of their experiences is less important than the quality of the music they produce.

The band has also faced criticism for their open advocacy of cannabis use, particularly in New Zealand, where drug laws remain relatively strict. They have responded by arguing that their use of marijuana is part of a "sacred tradition dating back to ancient Sumer," though historians have questioned the accuracy of this claim.

Current Activities and Future Plans

Tripulation Mist is currently working on their second album, tentatively titled "Cuneiform Haze," which they claim was composed entirely based on musical notations received through dreams. The band has constructed a custom recording studio, the "Temple of Sonic Enlightenment," in a converted warehouse in Auckland, where they are experimenting with incorporating authentic reconstructions of ancient Mesopotamian instruments into their doom metal sound.

The band's future plans include a world tour focused on performing at historically significant sites, though logistics and permit issues have thus far prevented this from materializing. They continue to build their following through regular performances in the Australasian region, where their combination of heavy riffs and esoteric mysticism has struck a chord with audiences seeking both musical and spiritual experiences.

Recent developments suggest that Tripulation Mist's influence on the global stoner rock and doom metal scenes will continue to grow, as more musicians and fans embrace their unique blend of ancient wisdom and modern heaviness. Whether or not their supernatural claims are taken at face value, their impact on the evolution of heavy music in the Southern Hemisphere is undeniable.